Thinking about a new tank

I've been thinking about setting up a community tank at some point. My current stand is a flippable one that holds a 10 gallon on one side and a 20 gallon high on the other. The last time I was at my LFS, I saw 15-gallon tanks for sale. That got me thinking. I was also looking at the Fluval flex 15 at Petsmart. I actually like the look of the Fluval flex but wonder if the lighting would be adequate. My 5.5 gallon is running a finnex planted plus clip. I was thinking about a 10 gallon and maybe splurging on a Fluval planted nano light.

Currently, I have a 5.5 gallon with a betta and nerite. The only thing holding me back is my betta. I'm not sure how he would get along with tank mates. He's kind of cranky sometimes. I was thinking about CO2 as well. May as well attempt a high-tech tank at some point.

Stocking-wise, I'm not really sure yet. We have hard water so certain fish like neons are out of the question.

I'm not in a rush right now because once I have the equipment list, I would just wait for sales or to buy stuff from another hobbyist locally.

What are your thoughts about tank size?

 

I've been thinking about setting up a community tank at some point. My current stand is a flippable one that holds a 10 gallon on one side and a 20 gallon high on the other. The last time I was at my LFS, I saw 15-gallon tanks for sale. That got me thinking. I was also looking at the Fluval flex 15 at Petsmart. I actually like the look of the Fluval flex but wonder if the lighting would be adequate. My 5.5 gallon is running a finnex planted plus clip. I was thinking about a 10 gallon and maybe splurging on a Fluval planted nano light.

Currently, I have a 5.5 gallon with a betta and nerite. The only thing holding me back is my betta. I'm not sure how he would get along with tank mates. He's kind of cranky sometimes. I was thinking about CO2 as well. May as well attempt a high-tech tank at some point.

Stocking-wise, I'm not really sure yet. We have hard water so certain fish like neons are out of the question.

I'm not in a rush right now because once I have the equipment list, I would just wait for sales or to buy stuff from another hobbyist locally.

What are your thoughts about tank size?

I personally love the idea of kit tanks, but hate the execution. I like the idea of buying one box with everything in it that I need, and only having one box to carry, ship, and unpack, maybe with a design that doesn't need mods to function. But that is NEVER the way that works, at least in the ones you can afford to buy lol.

Most of the issues I see with them are: filters break, nobody else makes a part or replacement that fits. The light is junk. The lid is unique, and costs $50 from replace on a 5g tank etc.

None of the ones I have heard of are worth it (at least on the small tanks, bigger ones with sump are a bit of a different story).

I would get a good quality 20g at least (that way you have some reasonable chance at water stability and enough size and volume for a few fish or a pair.
Then get a good filter, then get a reliable heater and light. Then mess with co2 of you want.

It's all up to you, but I would avoid any pre-built packages, unless it's GOOD stuff that someone is getting rid of on FB marketplace or CL. Otherwise, you're just going to get it all set up, and then have to tear it back down and waste valuable tank space with replacement equipment.

 

I've been thinking about setting up a community tank at some point. My current stand is a flippable one that holds a 10 gallon on one side and a 20 gallon high on the other. The last time I was at my LFS, I saw 15-gallon tanks for sale. That got me thinking. I was also looking at the Fluval flex 15 at Petsmart. I actually like the look of the Fluval flex but wonder if the lighting would be adequate. My 5.5 gallon is running a finnex planted plus clip. I was thinking about a 10 gallon and maybe splurging on a Fluval planted nano light.

Currently, I have a 5.5 gallon with a betta and nerite. The only thing holding me back is my betta. I'm not sure how he would get along with tank mates. He's kind of cranky sometimes. I was thinking about CO2 as well. May as well attempt a high-tech tank at some point.

Stocking-wise, I'm not really sure yet. We have hard water so certain fish like neons are out of the question.

I'm not in a rush right now because once I have the equipment list, I would just wait for sales or to buy stuff from another hobbyist locally.

What are your thoughts about tank size?

I have the Fluval Flex 15 and 32.5.

Both are great quality tanks IMO, but I don’t think I’d attempt anything other than low tech plants with the light on the 15.

 

I have the Fluval Flex 15 and 32.5.

Both are great quality tanks IMO, but I don’t think I’d attempt anything other than low tech plants with the light on the 15.

That's my main concern with the light on the flex. If I do decide to try a high tech tank, I want a decent light with a higher par rating

 

I was considering buying a flex for a while but I would agree that the kit light would not be ideal for high tech. I think it’s better than most but probably not going to give you what you need in a high tech setup.

One other watch out I would have is how it would work trying to add a different light to that tank if you still wish to cover it. I think the light is integrated to the cover. The flex is an awesome looking tank and I think would be really cool for a high tech nano tank. Also with the design allowing you to hide the heaters and filter/pump it is pretty sleek. So if you could have a plant to make a better light work I think it would be a cool setup.

 

You could go for the Fluval if you want, and then use a different tank for the high tech, and the Fluval one for a normal tech tank.

 

I was considering buying a flex for a while but I would agree that the kit light would not be ideal for high tech. I think it’s better than most but probably not going to give you what you need in a high tech setup.

One other watch out I would have is how it would work trying to add a different light to that tank if you still wish to cover it. I think the light is integrated to the cover. The flex is an awesome looking tank and I think would be really cool for a high tech nano tank. Also with the design allowing you to hide the heaters and filter/pump it is pretty sleek. So if you could have a plant to make a better light work I think it would be a cool setup.

I need a cover on the tank because I have a cat. She thinks fist tank water is delicious.

The top on the 5.5 gallon has some small gaps but is mostly sealed up. Finding a better light might be an option if I went with the Flex. Just to depends on how much a new lid would cost.

You could go for the Fluval if you want, and then use a different tank for the high tech, and the Fluval one for a normal tech tank.

I've been trying to resist going down the rabbit hole. Not sure if my family would appreciate fish tanks everywhere. Lol

 

I need a cover on the tank because I have a cat. She thinks fist tank water is delicious.

The top on the 5.5 gallon has some small gaps but is mostly sealed up. Finding a better light might be an option if I went with the Flex. Just to depends on how much a new lid would cost.

I've been trying to resist going down the rabbit hole. Not sure if my family would appreciate fish tanks everywhere. Lol

You could just get the fluval, then convert one of the two existing ones to high tech.

As for MTS, you've already let it in... it's GOING TO TAKE OVER, might as well give in now lol

 

I personally love the idea of kit tanks, but hate the execution. I like the idea of buying one box with everything in it that I need, and only having one box to carry, ship, and unpack, maybe with a design that doesn't need mods to function. But that is NEVER the way that works, at least in the ones you can afford to buy lol.

Most of the issues I see with them are: filters break, nobody else makes a part or replacement that fits. The light is junk. The lid is unique, and costs $50 from replace on a 5g tank etc.

None of the ones I have heard of are worth it (at least on the small tanks, bigger ones with sump are a bit of a different story).

I would get a good quality 20g at least (that way you have some reasonable chance at water stability and enough size and volume for a few fish or a pair.
Then get a good filter, then get a reliable heater and light. Then mess with co2 of you want.

It's all up to you, but I would avoid any pre-built packages, unless it's GOOD stuff that someone is getting rid of on FB marketplace or CL. Otherwise, you're just going to get it all set up, and then have to tear it back down and waste valuable tank space with replacement equipment.

Replacement parts was something else I was wondering about. I've never seen anyone talk about how hard it is to find a replacement pump or heater. My LFS sells Oase filters that have the heater internally but they don't sell Oase heaters. When it fails, your stuck trying to hunt one down online.

I may watch fb marketplace to see what people are trying to get rid of. Things on CL always seems to be overpriced around here. People are always trying to sell stuff on the aquarium society FB page.

You could just get the fluval, then convert one of the two existing ones to high tech.

As for MTS, you've already let it in... it's GOING TO TAKE OVER, might as well give in now lol

I have let the mts in lol. I've been wanting another for a few months now. Maybe I could convince everyone they want a nice high tech planted tank to look at.