Nano tank ideas?

[Soccernut5824]

okay so i posted back a while ago about my friend wanting to set up a 20 gallons nano tank but she decided not to after some thought. now iv re convinced her it would be super cool and she wants to again the only struggle were having is finding a tank that is easy enough to maintain and not super expensive. i found this 8 gallon navo tank on marinedepot for 200 and it has a built in filtration unit. read good stuff about it and its a very cool tank. but its 8 gallons tho. so im coming to you guys looking for advise.

the goal:
8-28ish gallon nano tank
stock: 2 clown fish (possibly one more fish), a anemone, some other misc coral
price: no more than 300 on equipment.

options: if a sump is do-able she would like that.

used is most def an option i found two 28 gallon biocubes on c-list for 200 and 250 but idk if the light is good enough for an anemone and coral.

 

[Soccernut5824]

bump>

 

[Soccernut5824]

another bump.

 

[fpv930]

I currently have a 36g bow front tank and I just started a 10g Nano tank. Neither has a sump. However, the 36g is very difficult to keep the nitrates low without the use of a sump. I will be building a cabinet for it just for that reason.
As for the 10g tank, It currently has rock and substrate in it. Only running for two weeks now. The cost so far is about 280.00.
It seems (to me anyways) there is no really inexpensive way to have a SW tank. Unless you can steel a used system.
I will be running the 10g sumpless for now. Also, the 10g nano is much more appealing to me already.
You can take a look at the tank build here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrmErMYY8ok

 

[CrazyZoa]

How do you feel about the size of a 20 long tank? I am just finishing up a custom AIO 20 L build myself. I was drawn to the 20L due to it's length and height. Even with my AIO refugium it still has 25 inches of viewable length. There are a lot of options for lighting, off the shelf LED's, DIY LED's, fishneedit.com has both a 30" and 36" T5-HO lights for no more than $125 for the 4 bulb 36" fixture.

There is equipment cost so far...

20 Long= $35
Jager heater=$35
AquaStyle's DIY LED Dimmable(will light up an airport with it)=$150(shipping included)
MaxiJet900 pump=$35
AIO Refugium =$50(made by me)

There is a window of savings though. Catch the Petco $1 a gallon sale for a 20L for $20. Check you local reefing club or craigslist for a used pump and heater, hey might find a good used tank too!

 

[dixiedog]

Nice tank, CrazyZoa!

I like 20 longs for their shape. Long and shallow. Also 30's. Just don't make my mistake and go 29, it's too tall and not long enough. I have a 29 and a 30, and the 30 looks twice as big as the 29.

The "cheap" (ha ha, as if) way to get started is with a plain ordinary glass tank, IMO. Add a light, powerhead(s), heater, HOB filter and you're off to the races.

Also look for local reef clubs in your area, they are GREAT for beginners. Tons of help and cheap deals on stuff you need.

Craigslist can be a big help also.

 

[CrazyZoa]

Without question a local reef club is worth a wealth of knowledge and connections for used equipment and the best deals on great corals and other live stock.