The Fluval Flex 32 Marine aquarium is a popular choice for beginners venturing into the captivating world of saltwater reef keeping. This review delves into the capabilities of this compact system, focusing specifically on its stock lighting and its suitability for various coral species. We'll explore whether the integrated lighting is sufficient for thriving corals, examining both the successes and limitations of this all-in-one setup. We'll also assess its capacity for housing fish and invertebrates, and discuss the potential need for supplementary equipment to optimize the system's performance.This detailed evaluation assesses the Fluval Flex 32's performance with a variety of commonly kept corals, including both Large Polyp Stony (LPS) and Small Polyp Stony (SPS) varieties. We'll discuss the impact of the integrated lighting on coral growth and health, highlighting the differences observed between less demanding and more light-intensive species. Beyond corals, the review considers the tank's suitability for fish and invertebrates, offering insights into overall system maintenance and potential upgrades to enhance water quality and long-term sustainability.
Read more: Top 5 Green Aquarium Corals
Easy Coral Choices for the Fluval Flex 32
The Fluval Flex 32 is surprisingly versatile for beginners in saltwater reef keeping. Its stock lighting is sufficient for a range of hardy corals, eliminating the need for immediate upgrades. Many corals thrive without additional lighting modifications. This makes it an excellent entry-level tank.
Several easy-to-care-for coral varieties flourish under the stock lighting. These include popular choices like hammers, torches, and Duncan corals. These corals are known for their resilience and relatively low maintenance needs, perfect for those new to reef aquariums.
SPS Corals and Lighting Considerations
While many LPS corals thrive under the Fluval Flex 32's stock lighting, Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals often require more intense illumination. I included one SPS coral in my tank, and while it survives, its growth is significantly slower than the other corals.
For those serious about keeping SPS corals, an upgrade to the lighting system is highly recommended. This will significantly enhance the growth and overall health of these more demanding corals. Without it, growth will be extremely slow and potentially impact their long-term health.
Additional Inhabitants and Tank Maintenance
Beyond corals, the Fluval Flex 32 comfortably houses a variety of fish and invertebrates. I've successfully kept several fish species, along with cleaner shrimp and a cleanup crew including snails and hermit crabs.
The tank's existing filtration is adequate for a moderately stocked system. However, I'm considering adding a nano skimmer to further enhance water quality and manage organic waste, especially given the lack of a sump.
Overall Assessment: Is the Fluval Flex 32 Worth It?
The Fluval Flex 32 offers a great entry point to the saltwater reef aquarium hobby, especially for beginners. Its ease of use, manageable size, and adequate stock lighting for many coral types are attractive features.
While lighting upgrades may be necessary for ambitious reef keepers aiming for a wider variety of corals, especially SPS, the tank's overall performance and value are impressive. For its price point, the Fluval Flex 32 provides a surprisingly complete and user-friendly reef aquarium experience.
