Going to buy my first nano and would like some advice

tprize

tprize

New member
I am about to get my first nano after christmas, and I am looking at a couple different models. I would like to keep SPS but the lighting can get expensive. Please look over the models I'm looking at and suggest what you think is the nicest. Also let me know what corals you would suggest in each.

First up the 12 Gallon JBJ Nano Cube Deluxe
W/ 3 stage filter, no skimmer, and 48 watts of lighting
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=NANO-12G-DX&Category_Code=Aquariums

The second is Current USA 12 Gallon
w/3 stage filter, no skimmer, and 54 watts of lighting +moon
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...oduct_Code=CU-USA7050&Category_Code=Aquariums

Finally the AquaMedic 9 Gallon Nano Reef
W/ Refugium+light, Skimmer, and 48 watts lighting
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...Product_Code=AM-79000&Category_Code=Aquariums

Any help would be appreciated, I am pretty sure I can't have sps on any of them, without a MH.

Also any other suggestions of ones of simiar size that I didn't mention.

Thanks
 
Wow that cadlights system is amazing. Since it uses T-5's can it support SPS. Also what about open top evaporation?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8750032#post8750032 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tprize
Wow that cadlights system is amazing. Since it uses T-5's can it support SPS. Also what about open top evaporation?
Click to expand...

I would think the 9 gallon would be a bit short on light for SPS. It only has 32 watts. But the 22 with the 6 bulb t-5's would be perfect. I think I am going to get one of those for Christmas. You can get the 22 with an optional lid, you might call them to see if you can get that on the 9 also.

Kevin
 
I just bought the 9 gallon cadlights tank and I'm doubtful the 32 watts of T5 could support SPS. The tank and fixtures are really nice though. On my tank, I'm going to buy a 70 watt sunpod HQI and then use one of the fixtures over a small refugium. The only reason I'm goin that route is so I can support SPS or clams.

Cost wise, I'm sure in the end I'll have more $$ invested than I would have to gone with the aquapod (which is what I was initially considering). That being said, I do think my tank will be really nice after a few months.

Stephanie
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8751604#post8751604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TXKev
I would think the 9 gallon would be a bit short on light for SPS. It only has 32 watts. But the 22 with the 6 bulb t-5's would be perfect. I think I am going to get one of those for Christmas. You can get the 22 with an optional lid, you might call them to see if you can get that on the 9 also.

Kevin
Click to expand...

TXKev, cadlights has free shipping right now on the 4 bulb 22 Gallon Nano aquarium packages.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Stephanie
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8752055#post8752055 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steph30
TXKev, cadlights has free shipping right now on the 4 bulb 22 Gallon Nano aquarium packages.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Stephanie
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip on the shipping.:)

I have a Sunpod on my 90g tank and it is a really nice light. The moonlights really let you see what is going on after dark. The only thing that I miss with it is not having any actinics. Good luck with the new tank.

Kevin
 
So it's between the Nano Cube and the Aqua Pod

I know that the Aqua Pod needs to have a mj900 put in it to really get flow out of it.

Are there any things that have to be added to the Nano cube that I need to know about.

Finally Does anyone know if this will fit in the back of either of these tanks
Fission Nano Skimmer
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14676&N=2004+113771

I am so close to my awesome tank I can taste it.... it's a bit salty
 
Go for the aquapod. Check out the pics of my 12 gal. I am very happy with it, can keep sps no problem with a stock system, I just upgraded the pump to the 900 and put in a hydor, nothing else and the tank is thriving. I know the nanocubes need many more mods.
 
The Sapphire Skimmer is made to fit in the back chambers of the nanocube or aquapod. There is a very long thread about it over on http://www.nano-reef.com

Mark

p.s. Actually a skimmer is not required on a nano tank at all....with nanos, it all about water changes. I dont have any filtration other than live rock rubble in my back chambers. My nitrates are zero or very close to it at all times. I do a 20% water change EVERY week and thats how I export my nitrates and waste.

Pic of my tank without any skimmer, no dosing, no chemicals, no nuthing but water changes. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/colinadam/Nano/Mark426.jpg

And check out the nano tank winner with no skimmer
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=976028
 
Last edited:
If you want to keep sps it should be easier with a bigger tank. More water volume makes keeping any corals easier. Check out teh 29g Biocube.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
3.7 gal pico nano lighting
Replies
7
Views
1K
Dustin07
D
Z
Zeeter's Dream Tank
2
Replies
28
Views
3K
zeeter
Z
Patrick Cox
Thinking about a Refugium and could use your advice
Replies
1
Views
2K
five.five-six
five.five-six
tangyreefer05
Advice wanted for cycling and curing dry rock for nano reef.
Replies
2
Views
1K
tangyreefer05
tangyreefer05
D
My 1st Nano about 33 g
Replies
1
Views
2K
cody6766
cody6766
Back
Top