NaonTank Recommendations

[fross3]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I kept a 35 gal "old school" (undergravel filter, etc) FO marine tank for many years. Sold it 15 years ago when we moved. Acquired another one and just gave it to my daughter's biology class. I now want to establish a reef tank. After a month or so of research, I have settled upon a nano reef system because of apparent convenience and economy of initial investment. Compared to my past marine adventures this still represents an outrageous amount of money, say, $800 for aquarium, filter, lights and stand, then up to several hundred for LR and substrate, depending upon whose advice I follow... of course! Then the real money... slowly.

My question is this:

The systems I am considering in order of interest are: Red Sea Max (34 gal), Nano 28 HQI, Aquapod, 24 HQI.

I like the RSM on paper (its the most expensive) - larger capacity, tank shape, extremely well-thought-out filtration tank, but it has a drawback for me - no MH in the light hood. Its not a lumen issue but an aesthetic issue for me. I also, have not actually laid hands on one, either.

I found a Nano 28 and an Oceanic set up at a LFS in Atlanta. The Nano hood was slightly distorted (from the heat according to the salesman) to the point that the feeding hood was sprung partially open. I also, thought the tank was an odd shape, being deeper that is was across the front. The bowed front also distorts the view.

Having said this, I still want to buy the right equipment the first time What advice can you give me?

(I have noticed very little brand advice on the forum. Am I violating any rules with my questions?)

 

[cindre2000]

You could always piece the tank together your self. You may not be able to get the tank any cheaper, but you will be able to pick the "perfect" shape/size and the equipment you want.

 

[mr_X]

i suggest like cindre said. buy a 30 gallon oceanic cube with stand. have it drilled before filling it. put a sump underneath. put an in-sump skimmer in it. and buy the lighting of your choice. those tanks are beautiful. i wish you lived closer, i'd sell you mine. if you plan to go that route, i had a custom sump made that i never used. i'll sell it for 100 bucks. it fits that stand perfect. i guess i could ship it. :?

 

[Brian5000]

Search "protein skimmers" and you'll see tons of brand advice. :wink:

I think you don't see much on all-in-one systems because not many of us have them. Maybe the nano forum will have more mention of them.

From what I understand, the all-in-one systems don't necessarily compare in quality/effectiveness to what you can peice together yourself (I see reveiws about bad heat problems and poor filtration in some of them).

Buying your new system that way gives you more options and more room change/modify something that doesn't really work for your tank. It doesn't really cost any different. It just requires a lot more research because you're going to have to make several more purchase decisions. I'm with everyone else to suggest that route.
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Osteoporosis Forum

 

[fross3]

Mr. X, I had already spoken to the guys at Marine and Fish here in ATL about the Oceanic 30 Cube. I like the shape of the tank and the look of the stand better than any of the reef systems. The salesman told me that he had over 1,500 invested in his before the first grain of sand. That's significantly more than $800 - no doubt each component does its job better (I assume) in the put-together 30 cube project. What advice do you have to bring the project in closer to $800?

Thanks for the sump offer. After perusing your tank blog I should really consider your offer!!! Your tank is a magnificent effort that yielded equally magnificent results!!!!

Thanks all for your comments.

 

[Entacmaea]

Hey there, you are finding out the money pit this hobby can be! A general rule of thumb, with variation in both directions, is about $50 per gallon to equip and stock a tank with adequate lighting, good skimmer, sump, pumps, etc. You can bring that down a little with some DIY projects. In your case, and these are guesses on the low end, drilled 30 cube and stand $250, skimmer $200, MH lighting $250, sump and return pump $150, basic test kits $20, water flow solutions/plumbing $50-200, RO/DI water filter $125, salt, additives, etc. $50, then there is the livestock....

 

[mr_X]

the only suggestions i can give you to save money are:
1. buy what you want the first time, because you'll be sorry you didn't.
2. look for a used system.

our 30 gallon cube ended up costing us about 1500 to get started, but we'll sell it now for half that. there's your savings.

 

[fross3]

Dave,
As you suggested, I'm looking for a used 30cube. Found one by phone at a LFS. May "look" at it tomorrow. No joy on craigslist. However, I found numerous other tank arrangements up to 75 gallons that might be interesting. Most include some amount of LR and LS, animals, etc. Looking at these used setups scares me somewhat because it demands more expertise than I think I have. I'll keep you in the loop.

Thanks, man!

 

[mr_X]

i think a 75 gallon tank is more forgiving than a 30. also, a 75 gallon takes a 4' fixture. a 30 cube takes an odd size- we use a 24" but it hangs over the edge just a tiny bit.
lastly, i think once you start a tank, you'll want to go bigger
Doug

 

[fross3]

What about a 66 cube operating as a reef with LR, LS about 5-10 corals and 8 fish or so, no inverts -needs snail and cleaners from the picture. Am asking questions now. Craigslist Asking $500 Tank is 3 years old and operating. Its about 45 min to an hour away. Comes with a good looking black oak stand and canopy.

How do I attach a photo?[/img]

 

[fross3]

I quess we're not talking NANO anymore!!!

 

[Brian5000]

Welcome to reefkeeping

First, you start out wanting to spend a few hundred dollars on a nano tank. Then you start to wonder if you'd be happier with a bigger tank. Before you're done, you visit public aquariums and think your home tank is more impressive.
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economy discussion

 

[mr_X]

i'd make an offer on the 66 cube. 350-400 bucks? keep everything submerged in rubbermaid bins on the way to your house so nothing dies off. make up some salt water the night before and leave it in some bins with an airstone or powerhead circulating it...and a heater. you'll probably need this water. her water will probably be rank after you disrupt that sand bed.

to attach a photo, you click "post reply" instead of "quick reply", and then you'll see a browse box to upload pics :wink:

 

[cindre2000]

I love cubes. If the tank looks good, 500 for just the tank, stand and hood is a great deal.

Main thing is if you want to save money don't get cheap equipment, just do it your self. Stands and canopies are one of the biggest money pits; often you can spend the same money and get a custom built stand that looks better and is twice as strong. The second biggest money pit is the skimmer, followed by lighting. Skimmers are usually very simply designed, or poorly designed, thats why I prefer to buy used. Unless you have a severely overstocked or a new system, you do not need overblown skimmer capabilities. Lighting is one of the easiest things to DIY, often retrofits can be a good bit cheaper, you just need a canopy. Lots of other things can be done yourself, it just depends on how good you are at it and if you are willing to spend the time.

 

[fross3]

Thanks, Cindre.

Thanks for the advice. For unrelated reasons, I must put my aquarium search on hold for a little while. You all will hear from me again when I get back in the market.

Rick