Help Choosing My First Tank...

[Vincero]

Hi all,

I'm a complete beginner looking to make a start in this wonderful hobby.

I've been doing my homework and I'm fighting the urge to impulse buy my first marine setup. I want to do things properly, but I'm also keen to work within a reasonably tight budget. I don't want to cheap out, but I am looking for good value in the purchases I make.

I would like to create a nano aquarium with a couple of hardy fish and some corals. I am aware that these small tanks pose greater challenges to the beginner, but I'm excited by the prospect of using this as a basis for learning. Who knows, in the future I might have the space and $$ for a significantly larger set up .

What I need help with is choosing the right tank. My lfs stocks two Aqua One models that I'm interested in. These are the "NanoReef 35" AIO and the "Aqua One Nano 40". (Please see the pictures I've attached).

The 35 includes a clip on skimmer and a superior light.

The 40 is a larger tank and is quite a bit cheaper, but reading around tells me it would definitely need some modifications to become a better tank. I guess I would be looking to add the following: an eheim 1000, a skimmer of some sort, and a better light.

So in the end, the 40 would likely end up costing a more than the ready-to-go 35...

So, I guess I'd like to know if modifying to 40 is achievable for a beginner and worth the effort. That is, would I end up with a better tank than the NanoReef 35?

Many thanks

 

[thegrun]

We would need to more about the "superior" light on the 35 gallon tank and what types of corals you hope to grow in the future. The all in one tanks are generally less expensive to buy initially and great for you to see if you really like the hobby before you invest a lot of money. However the all in one tanks generally have less than great equipment and those who do stay with the hobby end up getting rid of the all in one tank's original equipment in favor high quality equipment.

 

[Sk8r]

Every 5 gallons you enter into a new possibility re fish and ability to light the thing for corals. Figure to spend more on equipment and water tests to get it 'right' from the start, and then you'll have a much easier go of it.

 

[Vincero]

Thanks so much for the responses.

I think that setting up will be expensive either way, regardless of whether I modify the 40 or buy the "ready to go" Nanoreef 35.

You're right to say that even if I went with the 35, it seems inevitable that I'd be upgrading all of the parts eventually. So... I think I'm going to go with the 40 litre tank.

I've done some digging and I've seen that quite a few forum members have experience modifying the nano 40.

Would it be worth seeking further advice in the nano sub forum?

 

[thegrun]

One thing to consider would be to purchase used equipment. You can pick up quality used tanks and equipment for 50% or less than what you would pay for new equipment. Some items like heaters should be purchased new, but as long as you get quality equipment, there is nothing wrong with used.

 

[Ryan Darilek]

I'm new to the game as well, but highly recommend the setup I just got. I purchased the Biocube 32 LED and am very happy with this all-in-one ... You should definitely look in to it. I paid just over $530 for the tank and stand.

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