Introducing the ALL-NEW Fluval Flex 2.0 Aquariums!

 

For years, the Fluval Flex series has been a favourite among aquarists. Loved for its modern design, powerful built-in filtration, and ease of use. Whether you’re brand new to fishkeeping or a seasoned hobbyist looking for a compact display tank, the original Flex range earned a reputation as one of the best all-in-one aquariums on the market.

But Fluval didn’t stop there. After collecting feedback from users around the world and refining what made the Flex so successful, they’ve unveiled the Fluval Flex 2.0—a redesigned, upgraded version that improves on the classic in all the right ways.

Available in 34L and 57L, this new generation delivers even more value for your money, with smarter features and better performance wrapped in the same sleek, curved-front design Flex fans love.

 

What’s New? Improvements in the Fluval Flex 2.0

Fluval has made several key upgrades that set the 2.0 apart from the original:

Improved Filtration System

The redesigned internal filtration chamber now delivers smoother, more efficient water flow with easier access for maintenance. It offers generous space for customising your preferred filter media layout and even includes a dedicated compartment for a heater. Fluval has also upgraded the included filter media, oversized and high-quality, to give your aquarium the strongest possible start in biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration.

                       

Ultra-Quiet Pump

Fluval’s new pump has been engineered for near-silent operation. Thanks to rubberised components and stabilising feet, vibrations are dramatically reduced, creating a peaceful, serene environment for both you and your fish. This whisper-quiet performance makes the Flex 2.0 ideal for bedrooms, offices, and living areas.

 

Enhanced Lighting System

The updated LED lighting offers greater brightness, improved colour accuracy, and better energy efficiency. These enhancements beautifully highlight your fish’s natural colours and support healthy plant growth that make your aquarium look vibrant and alive.

 

Sleeker Design & Smarter Layout

The Flex 2.0 features a redesigned rear compartment and optimised tank proportions that increase swimming space while keeping equipment neatly out of sight. The intake slots sizes have been reduced and spread over a larger area, to protect small fish and shrimp. All filtration, wiring, and optional heaters are tucked away in the back chamber, allowing your fish to take centre stage without distraction.

 

New Spray Bar Included

In addition to adjustable outlet nozzles, the Flex 2.0 now comes with a spray bar! This upgrade delivers improved circulation, enhanced surface agitation, and better oxygenation, without needing any extra equipment. It’s a welcome addition for anyone wanting smoother, gentler flow throughout their tank.

 

Simplified, User-Friendly Maintenance

Fluval has rethought the overall maintenance experience to make routine care easier than ever. With an improved lid design featuring a feeding port, risers, rear hinges, and a dedicated power cord channel, everyday tasks like feeding, cleaning, and changing media are more accessible and hassle-free.

                             

The Fluval Flex 2.0 brings together thoughtful upgrades, smarter engineering, and user-focused design to create a truly improved aquarium experience. Every feature has been refined to offer better performance and easier maintenance.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, the Flex 2.0 delivers reliability, style, and functionality—making it a standout choice for any modern aquarium setup.

 

What We Love About the Flex 2.0

There’s a lot to appreciate, but some standout features include:

• All-in-one convenience: filtration, lighting, and smart design all included.

• Quiet operation: ideal for bedrooms, offices, and living spaces.

• Modern style: the iconic curved front panel looks great anywhere.

• Great value: premium features without a premium price tag.

• Beginner-friendly while still offering enough sophistication for experienced hobbyists.

Getting the Most Out of Your New Aquarium

To take your Fluval Flex 2.0 to the next level, consider adding a few key accessories:

Add a Heater

Most tropical fish thrive in stable, consistent temperatures, so adding a heater is essential. A compact 50W–100W heater—depending on your tank size—fits neatly into the rear filtration chamber of the Flex, keeping your aquarium perfectly regulated.

The Fluval T-Series heaters are an excellent choice for this setup. Their sleek design, built-in safety shut-off, and reliable performance make them a perfect match for the Flex aquariums, and they’re one of our top recommendations.

To browse our full range of heaters, [Click Here].

 

Air Pump (Optional but Helpful)

An air pump is a great addition to boost oxygen levels and enhance overall water circulation—especially helpful for heavily stocked aquariums or species that prefer warmer water.

While the optional spray bar already improves surface agitation, we’re firm believers that you can never have too much oxygen in your tank!

You can connect an air pump to an air stone or diffuser to create gentle streams of bubbles, or pair it with ornaments and plants that feature built-in diffusers for a more dynamic, interactive display.

Oxygen plays a vital role in keeping your fish healthy, active, and stress-free. From supporting beneficial bacteria to ensuring stable water quality, proper oxygen levels are essential for every aquarium—big or small.

Click here to read our full guide, “The Importance of Oxygen in Your Aquarium (And How to Get It Right)” where we break down why oxygen matters, how to improve it, and the best tools to keep your tank well-aerated and thriving.

How Many Fish Can You Keep in a Flex 2.0 Aquarium?

This will vary depending on your tank size and the species you choose. To help point you in the right direction, we’ve listed some example stocking options below:

Flex 34L Aquarium

Ideal for small community setups, this tank can comfortably house:

• 8–10 small fish such as Neon Tetras, Platies, or Guppies ;or 

• 15–20 nano species like Galaxy Rasboras, Kubotai Rasboras, or Ember Tetras ;or

• A Betta fish with a few peaceful companions

• Shrimp and snails – Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Zebra Snails.

See below for some ideas on how to stock a tank of this size.

Example 1	Example 2	Example 3
1 x Male Betta Fish	12 x Galaxy Rasboras	6 x Platies
6 x Cardinal Tetras	6 x Pygmy Corydoras	6 x Mountain Minnows
3 x Otocinclus	2 x Gold Apple Snails	1 x Hillstream Loach
3 x Zebra Snails	6 x Cherry Shrimp	2 x Ramshorn Snails

 

Tip: It’s always a good idea to include a mix of free-swimming fish and a “cleanup crew” species that help maintain the aquarium’s ecosystem. Cleanup crews can include fish, shrimp, and snails.

 

Flex 57L Aquarium

With a larger tank, you have the freedom to keep not only more fish, but also slightly larger species if you prefer. This size offers greater flexibility and ample swimming space, making it suitable for a wide range of community fish, including:

• 10–20 small schooling fish such as Glowlight Tetras, Danios, or Harlequin Rasboras

• Slightly larger species like Dwarf Gouramis, Dwarf Rainbowfish, or Swordtails

• Smaller but space-focused species, such as Killifish, Balloon Rams, or Apistogrammas

• Larger snails and shrimp, including Bamboo Shrimp, Rabbit Snails, and Mystery Snails

Check out the examples below for inspiration on how you could stock this aquarium.

Example 1	Example 2	Example 3
2 x  Nothos Killifish (pair)	6 x Dwarf Rainbowfish	2 x Red Apistos (pair)
6 x Zebra Danios	6 x Rummynose Tetra	6 x Black Phantom Tetra
6 x Sterbai Corydoras	6 x Harlequin Rasboras	6 x Candy Cane Tetra
2 x Bamboo Shrimp	2 x Panda Garra	6 x Albino Corydoras
3 x Rabbit Snails	3 x Kuhli Loach	6 x Amano Shrimp

 

Tip: For a healthy, balanced aquarium, include both free-swimming fish and a reliable “cleanup crew.” These species help manage leftover food and algae, supporting the overall ecosystem. Cleanup crews can include certain fish, shrimp, and snails.

As with any aquarium, it’s important to add fish slowly. Introducing too many at once can overwhelm your filter and negatively impact water quality. Always research the species you plan to keep, check compatibility, avoid overstocking, and test your water parameters before adding new fish.

There are countless stocking possibilities for these aquariums, so taking the time to learn about the fish you’re interested in will ensure they remain compatible over the long term and won’t outgrow the tank.

If you’d like personalised stocking recommendations or need help with compatibility, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help!

 

How to Set Up the Fluval Flex 2.0

1. Rinse the tank and equipment using clean water only—avoid soaps or detergents.

2. Thoroughly rinse your gravel or sand, along with any ornaments or decorations, then place them in the tank.

3. Fill the aquarium slowly. Use a small dish or plate at the bottom to break the water flow and prevent the substrate from being disturbed. Remove the dish once the tank is full.

4. Add a water conditioner/dechlorinator to neutralise chlorine and make the water safe for fish.

5. Position your heater and thermometer (but do not switch the heater on yet) and arrange the filtration media in the rear chamber.

6. Turn on the filtration system and heater.

7. Allow the aquarium to stabilise until it reaches the correct temperature—this may take up to 24 hours.

8. Test your water. Bring a sample to the shop for testing or use a reliable home kit such as the NT Labs Aquarium Multi Test Kit. Once your parameters look suitable, you can introduce your first fish.

9. Start with a small group of hardy fish (for example, six White Cloud Mountain Minnows). These fish will help kick-start the nitrogen cycle, allowing your filter to begin maturing.

10. Continue testing your water regularly over the next 6–8 weeks as the tank cycles. Once the cycle is complete, you can gradually add more fish. Introduce new fish slowly and always test your water beforehand to ensure the filter can handle the increased bio-load.

For a deeper look at the Nitrogen Cycle and why this process is essential for safe ammonia and nitrite levels, check out our blog here.

 

Ongoing Maintenance: Keeping Your Flex in Top Shape

Regular maintenance keeps your fish healthy and your aquarium looking its best. Here are some simple routines to keep your tank in top condition:

• Weekly 10–20% water changes – Use a gravel cleaner to clean the substrate thoroughly while removing only a small amount of water.

• Clean the glass to remove algae – Wipe the inside with an aquarium-safe sponge or use a magnetic cleaner for easy, frequent touch-ups.

• Maintain the filter – Usually done once a month. Rinse filter media in a bucket of tank water (not tap water) and replace any worn-out components as needed.

• Regularly test your water parameters – A quality test kit will help you spot potential issues early, allowing you to resolve them before they affect your fish.

The Flex 2.0’s user-friendly, easy-access design makes routine maintenance simple and stress-free, even for beginners. From cleaning the glass to servicing the filter, every task is more convenient and manageable than ever before!

If you’d like a deeper dive into proper aquarium care, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, “How to Safely Clean and Maintain an Aquarium.” It’s packed with helpful tips, step-by-step advice, and best practices to keep your tank healthy, stable, and looking its absolute best.

 

Ready to Upgrade Your Aquarium Experience?

The Fluval Flex 2.0 is a brilliant evolution of an already much-loved aquarium. As one of the best nano tanks on the market—now made even better—it’s an ideal choice for beginners, seasoned hobbyists, and anyone seeking a stylish, high-performance setup without the hassle of complicated installation. With improved filtration, upgraded lighting, quieter operation, and a modern, streamlined design, the Flex 2.0 truly raises the bar for compact aquariums.

 

Thinking about bringing home your own Flex 2.0?

Whether you're starting your first aquarium or upgrading your current setup, the Flex 2.0 delivers exceptional value and performance.

[Click Here] to read our guide, “Aquarium Setup Checklist: Everything You Need to Get Started,” for a full breakdown of essential equipment, care tips, and everything else you need to begin your aquarium journey!

Visit us in-store or explore our full range of aquariums online, to discover everything we have to offer, the latest innovations from Fluval, including the brand-new Flex 2.0. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your current setup, we have everything you need to create a thriving, beautiful aquarium.

Your next aquatic journey begins here—let’s make it extraordinary!

For more information and advice on setting up your aquarium, check out the rest of our blogs…

Understanding Your Aquarium Water | Can I Use Tap Water In My Aquarium? |Our Top 10 Best Algae-Eating Fish for Freshwater Tanks