1. Introduction and Overview
This manual provides detailed instructions for the Fluval Flex 9 Gallon White Aquarium Kit (Model 15005). This kit is designed for freshwater aquatic environments and includes an aquarium, LED lighting system, and a 3-stage filtration system. Please read all instructions carefully before setting up and operating your aquarium.
Image 1.1: The Fluval Flex 9 Gallon White Aquarium Kit, showcasing its curved front design and integrated lighting.
The Fluval Flex aquarium features a contemporary design with a curved front and a honeycomb wrap that discreetly conceals the water line and the rear filter compartment. It is equipped with a fully adjustable 7500K LED lamp to support plant growth and enhance fish colors, controlled by a FLEXPad remote. The powerful 3-stage filtration system ensures superior water quality.
2. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps for the initial setup of your Fluval Flex aquarium:
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Inspect for any damage.
- Placement: Choose a stable, level surface capable of supporting the full weight of the filled aquarium (approximately 90 lbs / 41 kg for the 9-gallon model). Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Rinsing: Rinse the aquarium, filter media, and decorative elements thoroughly with clean water. Do not use soap or detergents.
- Filter Media Installation: Install the provided filter media (foam, carbon, Biomax) into the designated compartments within the hidden rear filter section. Refer to Image 2.1 for guidance.
- Pump Installation: Place the water pump in its compartment within the rear filter section and connect it to the output nozzles.
- Substrate and Decor: Add your chosen substrate and decorations to the aquarium.
- Filling the Aquarium: Slowly fill the aquarium with dechlorinated freshwater to the recommended water line, ensuring the filter pump is submerged.
- Lid and Lighting: Place the aquarium lid on top. Connect the LED lighting unit to the lid and plug it into a suitable power outlet.
- Power On: Plug in the filter pump. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and away from water.
Image 2.1: Diagram illustrating the 3-stage filtration system with mechanical foam, chemical carbon, and biological Biomax media, located in the hidden rear compartment.
Image 2.2: The Fluval Flex aquarium kit, highlighting its all-in-one design for freshwater environments.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 LED Lighting System
The Fluval Flex features a 7500K LED lighting system with White and RGB LEDs, controlled by the included FLEXPad remote. The remote allows for customization of light colors and special effects.
Image 3.1: Illustration of the Fluval Flex LED lighting system, showing adjustable 7500K White + RGB LEDs for plant growth and fish color enhancement.
FLEXPad Remote Control:
The FLEXPad remote allows you to:
- Adjust brightness and color temperature.
- Select from over 80 color blends.
- Activate special effects such as fading cloud cover, lightning bolts, and full color cycle.
Image 3.2: The FLEXPad remote control for the Fluval Flex LED lighting, showing buttons for color selection and special effects.
3.2 Water Flow Adjustment
The aquarium features multi-directional dual outputs for customized water flow. These twin output nozzles can be adjusted to direct water flow as needed for your aquatic inhabitants.
Image 3.3: Diagram highlighting additional features including multi-directional dual outputs for adjustable water flow, the infrared remote sensor, bold curved design, honeycomb wrap, and easy feed opening.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy aquatic environment.
4.1 Filtration System Maintenance
The 3-stage filtration system requires periodic cleaning and media replacement:
- Mechanical Filtration (Foam): Rinse the foam filter regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) with old aquarium water to remove trapped debris. Replace every 2-4 weeks or when visibly degraded.
- Chemical Filtration (Carbon): Replace the activated carbon every 2-4 weeks. Carbon absorbs impurities and odors but becomes saturated over time.
- Biological Filtration (Biomax): Do not clean or replace Biomax media unless absolutely necessary, as it houses beneficial bacteria. If cleaning is required, gently rinse in old aquarium water.
Access to the filter media is through the hidden rear compartment. The easy feed top cover opening facilitates feeding without removing the entire lid.
4.2 Water Changes
Perform partial water changes (25-30% of the tank volume) weekly or bi-weekly. Use a gravel vacuum to remove debris from the substrate. Always use dechlorinated water that matches the aquarium's temperature.
4.3 Aquarium Cleaning
- Clean the interior glass surfaces as needed to remove algae using an aquarium-safe scraper or magnet cleaner.
- Wipe down the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Fluval Flex aquarium.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| LED lights not working or flickering. | Loose power connection, remote battery low, LED unit malfunction. | Check power connections. Replace remote battery. Contact support if LED unit is faulty. |
| FLEXPad remote not responding. | Battery depleted, infrared sensor obstructed, remote malfunction. | Replace remote battery. Ensure clear line of sight to the infrared sensor on the canopy. |
| Water pump not operating. | Power outage, impeller jammed, pump unplugged. | Check power supply. Unplug and clean the impeller. Ensure pump is securely plugged in. |
| Cloudy water. | New tank syndrome (bacterial bloom), overfeeding, insufficient filtration, dirty filter media. | Perform partial water change. Reduce feeding. Clean/replace filter media. Ensure proper cycling for new tanks. |
| Unpleasant odor from aquarium. | Accumulated waste, saturated carbon filter. | Perform water change and gravel vacuum. Replace activated carbon filter media. |
6. Specifications
Detailed specifications for the Fluval Flex 9 Gallon White Aquarium Kit (Model 15005).
Image 6.1: Dimensions of the Fluval Flex 9 Gallon Aquarium: 13.19 inches (L) x 13.78 inches (W) x 12.8 inches (H).
Image 6.2: Comparison table for Fluval Flex models, including specifications for the 9 US Gallon White model.
- Model Name: 15005
- Color: White
- Size: 9 US Gallons (34 Liters)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.78" x 12.8" x 13.19" (35 x 33 x 33 cm)
- Item Weight: 11.08 pounds (5.04 Kilograms)
- Material: Glass
- LED Wattage: 7W
- LED Lumens (LUX): 1900 lm
- LED Color Temperature: 7500K
- LED Configuration: 36 White + 3 RGB LEDs
- Pump Output: 61 US GPH (230 LPH)
- Filtration: 3-stage (Mechanical, Chemical, Biological)
- Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- Target Audience: Fish
- Specific Uses: Indoor
7. Warranty Information
This product is covered by a Manufacturer Warranty. For specific terms, conditions, and duration of the warranty, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product packaging or visit the official Fluval website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
8. Customer Support
If you have any questions, require assistance with setup, operation, or troubleshooting that is not covered in this manual, please contact Fluval customer support. You can typically find contact information on the product packaging or on the official Fluval website.
For additional resources and product information, visit the Fluval Store on Amazon.
