Fluval Flex LED Freshwater Kit Review

If you’ve been on the lookout for a 15-gallon aquarium with great filter capacity, then the Fluval Flex LED Freshwater Kit should without a doubt be on your radar.

Thanks to the great filter capacity and sleek, classy finish, this is an aquarium that will be a great fit for anyone who’s on the lookout for a fun addition to their living space.

The included LED lighting is one of the points, where this filter really shines with several color options and patterns available, it will feel like every day is a party.

While it is a dream to keep clean, a point of notice is, at times, the overpowering water flow that can threaten to push your fish into a corner. While the creative hobbyist will certainly find a way around this, others might not want to engage in too much DIY for their fish tanks.

With several great features and a few drawbacks, this filter could be right for you if you’re seeking a classy aquarium with several features.

To find out if you’re the one for this aquarium, read on – we have all the juicy details.

Fluval Flex LED Freshwater Kit: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Dimensions: 16 inches (wide) x 15 inches (deep) x 15 inches (long).
• Capacity: 15 gallons.
• Lighting: LED lighting included.
• Glass or Acrylic: Glass
• Accessories: Equipped with a multi-stage filtration system, safety nets, and a remote control.

Features

Great Filtration

Getting a filter along with your aquarium is always risky. After all, the manufacturer might be trying to cut corners by providing a filter that just doesn’t perform robustly, or even not at all.

With a max filter capacity of 120 gallons per hour, the Fluval Flex LED Freshwater Kit is certain to keep your freshwater fish clean and cozy.

Multiple Filter Stages

With capacity for two different filter types, and being compatible with mechanic, biological, and chemical filters, you’ll find that you have a lot of possibilities with this aquarium.

Of course, you can’t accept anything less in your search for the best aquarium, and we’re sure that the added filtration media are sure to help you get everything in order.

Since it’s compatible with any type of filter medium, you’ll be able to keep any fish you have your heart set on.

Classic Glass

Acrylic has been on the uprise, but sometimes you just can’t beat old-fashioned glass when it comes to an aquarium.

With its smooth finish and almost crystal appearance, the Fluval Flex LED Freshwater Kit is the kind of aquarium that will draw compliments and praise from your visitors.

Remote Control

Not all aquariums come with a remote control, but those that do are automatically more intriguing. The remote control for the Fluval Flex is used to adjust the lighting just the way you like it.

With your choice of more than ten color options, faded cloud cover, lightning bolts, and more, you’ll find it’ll be tough deciding on the final look of your aquarium.

It does make for an engaging feature if you love switching up the look of your surroundings.

Hidden Filter Compartment 

Sometimes adding necessary accessories like filters, pumps, and heaters can take away from the overall aesthetic of your aquarium, making it look bulky and messy.

The Fluval Flex comes with a rear compartment designed to host filters and other accessories so it doesn’t take away from the sleek, modern appearance of the tank.

Feed Top

Fluval has included a feeding hole in the top hood of the tank, to make the task of giving your fish the nutrients they need a little easier.

This is especially great if you have fish that like to jump out of their home. All you have to do is send the food down the ‘feeding-hole’!

Fluval Flex Freshwater Kit Review

The Positives

Clean

It might seem to be a straightforward point to make, but this aquarium is easy to keep clean. Thanks to the two sizable medium containers, it’s easy to find the best mix for your personal set-up.

Due to its size and filter capacity, you’ll be guaranteed to have crystal clear water for long periods of time, with maximum timed intervals between your cleaning sessions.

Stylish

Black is always a classy look, and thanks to the overall sleek design, this statement will be proven time and time again.

We do have to mention this is very deep black, making it the perfect choice for somewhat darker interiors or spots in an overall light decor where you need an object to pop out.

It’s hard to go wrong with black in any decor, since this really is one of the most popular color choices out there. But for those who aren’t so keen on black, this aquarium comes in white as well, that will help to lighten up the space around it.

While it does hold a good amount of water, the curved design almost lessens its footprint, stopping it from looking bulky or out of place when you place it on a countertop or table.

Customizable

Black or white not really your thing? While you won’t be able to do something about the casing of this aquarium, it is possible to put in a colorful background sticker on the inside to brighten up the habitat of your fish.

Just make sure the sticker is waterproof or it will end up sleeping with the fishes itself.

Light Show

While a customizable background might not be the wow-factor most people are seeking, you will be getting some cheers for the multi-functionality of the included LED-lighting.

Put on a varying light show depending on your mood and make your aquarium part of a statement.

Whether you want your fish to be tastefully lit during a family dinner or go wild for a party with lightning bolts, everyone will be able to find a lighting type that is perfect for them.

Quiet 

No longer will your conversations be drowned out by the gurgling or whirring of your aquarium. Customers have noted just how quiet the Fluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium is, opening up a variety of homes for your pets.

You can even have your fish in the bedroom or living room without the worry of interrupting your relaxation or sleep.

Filters and pumps are tucked away and hidden towards the back of the tank, so even though they’re powerful, you won’t have to hear it in action. Now your fish can steal your attention without being noisy and annoying.

The Negatives

Varying Content

While this is marketed as the best 15-gallon aquarium, a lot of this space is dedicated to holding the filters and other accessories.

The overall content does add up to a total of 15 gallons, but you’ll find that the actual space suitable for fish is more around 10 to 12 gallons, depending on any other accessories you want to add to your tank.

While some fish species won’t make much of a fuss about the difference, others can be a tad finicky, so be sure to do your research beforehand.

Strong Flow

With this excellent filtering capacity, there is, of course, the added strong water flow that comes with it. Being careful with your fish selection will be key – although some creativity can also go a long way.

Several of our testers have mentioned adding spongy materials to block the path to the filters.

While the strong flow won’t outright kill your fish, it might end up stressing them or get them trapped in the filter space. Be sure to read up on this feature if you feel it could be an issue.

Thin Glass

While many customers rave about how great this glass aquarium looks on display, others have noted its better if handled with care.

Some users have commented on the thin make of the glass used, causing some concern with its design.

When dealing with an aquarium with thin glass, its best to keep it on a secure table or counter, and to avoid moving it around too much.

Note that the warranty included doesn’t cover incidents of broken glass, but if you’re super concerned about it, calling customer service can help with the issue.

Black Background

The black background in combination with an overall black aquarium can be too much for some people.

Even if you have the choice of adding some colorful stickers to the mix, for some, even the most tasteful black is still a shade too dark.

If color is important, you’ll have white as another option but that’s about it.

Here’s a video showing what the Fluval Flex looks like out of the box and setup.

Overall Verdict

The Fluval Flex LED Freshwater Kit is a 15-gallon aquarium that scores well on most aspects and doesn’t lose any noticeable points in the areas where it counts.

While your mileage may vary on the actual gallon content of your aquarium, the more than adequate filter capacity will render the water clearer than crystal.

The deep black casing is certainly very stylish and will fall in good taste with most users, although some may feel it is a bit too dark for their interior.

We feel this is a great aquarium for beginning and medium level hobbyists who like a chance to experiment.

While it’s not suitable to keep large amounts of fish, the greater filter capacity and overall functionality are sure to entice anyone who’s still on the fence.

You might not fall completely in love if you have your heart set on an aquarium that is at least 15 gallons, but if this is not a requirement, then this aquarium is certainly one to keep your eye on.

Where to Buy the Fluval Flex Freshwater Kit

Fluval has been a known name in the aquatics world for quite some time now. They’ve done a great job manufacturing accessible, affordable, fishy merchandise, for over three decades.

Aquariums aren’t their only claim to fame with a product line filled with heaters, filters, and so much more to help take care of both freshwater and saltwater fish.

These products have been given rave reviews from both customers and aquatic enthusiasts. Thanks to their success, products like the Fluval Flex Freshwater Kit can be found both in-store and online.

While it’s always best to check pet, fish, or specialty stores, you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• Eddie’s Aquarium Centre (from $169)
• Saltwater Aquarium (from $129)
• Pisces Pet Emporium (from $110)

And of course, you can also find this aquarium on Amazon.

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That’s it for our Fluval Flex review. Are you tempted to give it a try?