First Reef Tank - Fluval Flex 32.5 Gallon Build
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- Thread starter Reef Racket
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Just ordered this exact same tank, thanks for all the great info in this thread!!
AirIck
Active Member
I'm new to the hobby and have the same tank, Fluval Flex 32.5. I'm trying to do as much research and would like to know more about the return pump that came with this tank vs sicca syncra 1.5 that some have upgraded to. I apologize in advance for being a noob, but is the return of 357 (sicca) vs the fluval (214) really needed? Also, I would like to mention that I plan on purchasing the vortech mp10wQD. I also have the ps1 skimmer so that extra room by the pump is now taken up by the skimmer (have not run the skimmer as of yet). Any advice on whether or not to upgrade the return pump, and knowledge on what that means and recommendations for what it should be would be greatly appreciated!!!!
OP
OP
Reef Racket
Active Member
Its not "needed" but I highly suggest it! Personally i would upgrade it. i also have 2 mp10's running at 40% and i dont feel there is too much flow at all...
SamT
New Member
Do you have a link to the 2nd light you bought. I have the same tank and after reading your posts I want to get one. I’d like to get the one that fits to the hood. Thank youMy light setting was pretty high when I first started and I did some research once I ordered the 2nd Fluval Marine 3.0 42w light. These lights don’t get enough credit in my opinion... when doing the research it was seeming that two lights would be a “must” to keep nice Coral but I’ve got anemones and mushrooms atm and with two lights I’ve turned them down and run this cycle with both!
I hope this helps!! I’m no expert just research and feedback... also since turning my lights down I have less detritus and my anemones are much more full and open!!
Here’s a look at the second light installed:
AirIck
Active Member
Did you need an adapter to attach this to the stock tube or is the sizing a perfect fit and will twist right on? I'm thinking of upgrading but I am unsure if this is the issue, or if the flow from the foam media baskets is, thoughts? I ordered 1 MP10QD that is arriving Tuesday!***Upgrade***
Installing this today!
Thank You @802ScubaFish for the help and recommendation on adding the return pump! Link below!
Syncra Silent 1.5 Pump (357 GPH)
Why does BRS recommend this? The Syncra Silent line of pumps come in many different sizes and will fit most tank needs. Sicce uses high quality magnets in their pumps, which allows them to spin smoother with less noise than almost all other pumps in their price category. If your tank needs a...www.bulkreefsupply.com
Marine 3.0 Bluetooth LED for Flex Saltwater Aquarium, 32.5 US Gal / 123 L - Fluval USA
The replacement Marine 3.0 Bluetooth LED is suitable for Flex Saltwater Aquarium, 32.5 US Gal / 123 L, 32-41" / 81-105 cm (Item #14994). LED transformer sold separately (Item #A20436).
fluvalaquatics.com
Be aware that you do also have to purchase the power adaptor separately as well
AirIck
Active Member
thanks! I think I will make this purchase based on the feedback from these posts. very helpful!
Next question, the Intake Media Chambers vs the Foam that was stock, what is the pros/cons? I tried doing my research of the Intake Media chambers but the only reviews I could find was from the seller themselves and I did not know if this was biased reviews or not. I'm brand new to this hobby so I have absolutely no experience with the Foam or the chambers. Do the chambers increase the performance of the tank tremendously or is this just personal preference of cleaning/maintenance etc. Also, the Intake website claims it lowers the temperature due to water flow, but I saw some other posts saying there was no temperature difference Any advice if I should upgrade this as well being new to the hobby or is it for more experienced reefers?
Next question, the Intake Media Chambers vs the Foam that was stock, what is the pros/cons? I tried doing my research of the Intake Media chambers but the only reviews I could find was from the seller themselves and I did not know if this was biased reviews or not. I'm brand new to this hobby so I have absolutely no experience with the Foam or the chambers. Do the chambers increase the performance of the tank tremendously or is this just personal preference of cleaning/maintenance etc. Also, the Intake website claims it lowers the temperature due to water flow, but I saw some other posts saying there was no temperature difference Any advice if I should upgrade this as well being new to the hobby or is it for more experienced reefers?
The stock filters are literally just a block of foam. They don't really trap and debris and if they did it just becomes a nitrate factory then. They also impede water flow over time. By switching to the intank baskets your have the ability to add more appropriate filter media for saltwater, as well as include filter floss on the top to trap particles that can be tossed out every few days. I haven't seen a difference in temperature, but it definitely improves water flow rate through the filter
AirIck
Active Member
Thanks! My tank has only been up and running for 4 weeks and I added my first fish. Would you recommend I wait to change to the Intank baskets or change it immediately or is there really no adverse affects of cycling a new tank by changing from foam to the intake baskets? I'm ready to purchase if there is no adverse affects of cycling!
I would suggest replacing only one at a time, so as not to crash your cycle....
AirIck
Active Member
Did you have to cut the vents? I saw another thread post on the Intake Media baskets where the water level was too low in the middle chamber and people were cutting the plastic vent to create flow. I'm really not trying to do anything like that as this is my very first tank and I do not want to mess up and cause irreparable damage. Here is the thread where multiple people were claiming to have to do this for reference: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fluval-32-5-marine-flex-crash-course.714317/
OP
OP
Reef Racket
Active Member
No need to cut anything at all! Just be sure to use the “flow directors” when adding the inTank media baskets so it directs the flow in a more organized fashion! The are long black plastic pieces that come with the baskets and just slide in to make a tighter fit! The look like black plastic rulers...
OP
OP
Reef Racket
Active Member
I just got a $20 11W from Amazon and added it tot he center chamber with everything else... worked like a charm!
marcwjj
Active Member
That's interesting, either I didn't install my skimmer correctly (it'a a tunze nano in the middle back chamber) or my tank is too clean , lol, but I rarely see stuff in the skimmer box. I suspect that most things are being absorbed by filter pads on both sides and by purigen / chemipure in the lower part of the media baskets.
The other possibility is my live rocks came with lots of detritivores like spaghetti and bristle worms so maybe they are doing their work.
Anyway - I've been taking the skimmer off for the past 2 weeks - so far it seems all right.
marcwjj
Active Member
I had an old 9w UV sterilizer (green killing machine brand ) that I placed it on the corner of the tank.
Now that I've removed the skimmer from the center chamber I'm going to move it to the middle.
AirIck
Active Member
Hello, I'm a noob here! My tank has been running for about a month now and I have been researching when to change out the media. I have a question that may seem dumb for experienced hobbyists, but I want to make sure I do not destroy my newly cycled tank when the time comes. The packaging for the media says do not replace all media at the same time. Does this mean that I only replace 1 chamber at a time OR do I replace the carbon on both sides, then wait, and at another point in time replace the biomax for both?
and thanks to the advice on this thread I purchased the Intank Media baskets!
and thanks to the advice on this thread I purchased the Intank Media baskets!
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