JBJ all-in-one ready to go tank by LFS

[LuizW13]

Hello Everyone,

Newbie here.

I've been wanted to have a aquarium for a few years now, but never committed. I've lurked in these forums before and did a ton of research, which is why i never committed before.
Recently, i'v rekindled my interested and decided to give it a try. I've decided to go with a 8G tank, i know that water parameters are difficult to maintain in low volumes. But i figured that i won't be at much of a loss if i don't like it. And if i do, i could use the 8G as a quarantine or sump if i upgrade to a larger tank.

Here's my question:

I went to a LFS yesterday and they had the same JBJ 8G rimless all in one tank i was interested in. They said they would sell me it with the water tested, cycled, and with livestock; a clown, goby, a few hermits, maybe a shrimp and some corals, all for about $350. As a newbie, i believe that's a good deal right, when you consider the convenience?

Thoughts and opinions?
:wave:

 

[Sk8r]

That's too much livestock for an 8 g. I'd take only one fish.

 

[Reef Frog]

To check the pricing just got to Marine Depot, Bulk Reef Supply the similar and add up the hardware & supplies you'll need. Then you can identify the LFS's "value added tax" and decide if you're getting any value for the extra money. The livestock you describe won't cost much at all.

6 gallons is small & will be a challenge to keep stable as you know. The most important thing is evaporation & changing salinity. I'd find an ATO that will work in the back chamber unless it's a hooded AIO. You may be thinking now that you will top off by hand, but all it takes is a day or two without top off for bad things to happen in a pico tank. Go bigger if you can.

 

[LuizW13]

I may have an unorthodox logic behind all this. I figured that if i start with a more challenging system now, with little life to worry about, it should be a bit easier when i do upgrade to a bigger system. At least i'll have experience managing the water, etc. Another reason why i want to go small now is cost, since this will be my first time with any aquarium, if i end up not liking it, the money i've spent won't be much. If i do like, on the other hand, i could use this as a quarantine or sump for a bigger system. I'm also moving to a different town and neighborhood in November, so there's that.
I'm glad you mentioned the ATO, i've been thinking about looking into auto dimmers and feed dispensers for when i go out of town; i want to have an option of having a somewhat of an automated running machine. The ATO was something that slipped my mind.