First time, what aquarium should I get?

[Hiruki]

I'm debating on a Biocube 29 HQI or maybe a Red Sea Max 130? But they're a bit pricey. What would you guys recommend? I'm leaning more towards the Biocube 29 HQI. Or what else would be a great option? Like said first time with saltwater and would love advice If so, where would be the best place to purchase one? Online or a local Aquatics store?

 

[LetoII]

I started on a RSM130. Unfortunately due to time constraints... (student) I tore it down so that the fish and corals would not suffer in poor water quality.

What I found was that the RSM while an all in one, was anything but. I went from upgrading the skimmer, to the lights and pumps rather quickly, and eventually went to a sump with a reactor with a life reef overflow. Its a good set up for someone to learn on, but I found that it did not meet my expectations.

When I do it again, the RSM will become a planted seahorse tank and the gadgets I bought will be put on a 13 gal tank. Personally if you want a nano reef get a drilled tank sump/fuge set up. All in all you will have better filtration and a heck of a lot more time spent from not dealing with the rear chambers on an all in one, and more than likely spend the same amount if not less. Check out craigslist or join a local reef club you can probably buy other reefers older equipment/tanks for cheaper.

 

[Joboo]

I have been very happy with the Biocube HQI.

Just a few observations/recommendations if you decide to go with Biocube:

1) The Light fixture creates a lot of heat. I keep my house at 72 and have challenges keeping the tank temp below 82. I have managed this by keeping the Lighting period under 6hrs and partially sliding the Glass canopy forward to allow for air exchange.

2) You may want to add more flow: I added a Tunze nanostream 6045

3) Biocube Skimmer=Not so good. Some have had success, most have not. IMHO there are more efficient ways to export nutrients(Macro Algae, Water Changes) from a 29g tank.

4) Use the Refuge: I would recommend putting some Chaeto in the refuge chamber. The JBJ Refuge Led Light is a great addition and will provide sufficient light for your macro algae

5) Get an RO/DI unit. I know it's an additional expense but it will provide you long lasting benefits. (This really applies to any tank you get)

I bought my HQI from Marine Depot. There may be some Memorial Day sales still going on so I would suggest you review the Vendor forums here at RC and do some price comparisons.

Hope this helps

 

[wakeupneo]

If you can afford an LED system, go that route. So much less mantainance, better quality, less heat, etc...

 

[Hiruki]

Sweet! Thanks guys! I actually just picked up a biocube 29gl HQI for about 300 with stand and nutrients for corals and fish. He just got out of the hobby. So all I had to do is buy live sand and live rock, and bought some mixture of saltwater from a local aquarium store. Right now it's just cycling and waiting for all of it to balance out. After I wait a couple days should I introduce some cleaner shrimp?

I have been very happy with the Biocube HQI.

Just a few observations/recommendations if you decide to go with Biocube:

1) The Light fixture creates a lot of heat. I keep my house at 72 and have challenges keeping the tank temp below 82. I have managed this by keeping the Lighting period under 6hrs and partially sliding the Glass canopy forward to allow for air exchange.

2) You may want to add more flow: I added a Tunze nanostream 6045

3) Biocube Skimmer=Not so good. Some have had success, most have not. IMHO there are more efficient ways to export nutrients(Macro Algae, Water Changes) from a 29g tank.

4) Use the Refuge: I would recommend putting some Chaeto in the refuge chamber. The JBJ Refuge Led Light is a great addition and will provide sufficient light for your macro algae

5) Get an RO/DI unit. I know it's an additional expense but it will provide you long lasting benefits. (This really applies to any tank you get)

I bought my HQI from Marine Depot. There may be some Memorial Day sales still going on so I would suggest you review the Vendor forums here at RC and do some price comparisons.

Hope this helps

 

[St.Pete_Reefer]

www.cadlights.com

^ A++ I have a couple of their items and love them, simple and easy along with pretty cheap.

 

[Hiruki]

I found a RO/DI never used unit on Craigslist, but I would have no idea how to set it up. Is it hard?

Sweet! Thanks guys! I actually just picked up a biocube 29gl HQI for about 300 with stand and nutrients for corals and fish. He just got out of the hobby. So all I had to do is buy live sand and live rock, and bought some mixture of saltwater from a local aquarium store. Right now it's just cycling and waiting for all of it to balance out. After I wait a couple days should I introduce some cleaner shrimp?

 

[Nemos Boss]

You gonna be waiting for more than a couple days in most cycles. Biocubes are nice, but the hqi will put off a bit of heat. Consider upgrading to an led fixture. did you know you can pull the rim off your bc and hang and sweet looking fixture above it. ive seen a few pple do this and it looks sharp. ro/di units are not hard to setup however require a little bit of reading. im sure once you figure out the manufacturer; you can go online for instructions.