Hi, I'm new to the whole reef hobby, my only experience has been with a FW cichlids aquarium. After becoming an OW certified scuba diver and going on a dive trip to Cozumel (gorgeous reefs) last month, I decided I wanted a SW tank. I started researching and nano reefs peaked my interest. At this point I'm in the "overwhelmed by too much information stage" of the research process. I've been reading a few forums and any beginners articles I can find. Next I plan to stop tonight and buy a few of the books that have been recommended in different forums. Are there any good nano specific books?
A few basic questions I have so I can start putting together a budget (yeah I know, the budget will probably go out the door once I get that kid in a candy store feeling the minute I walk into a LFS... same thing happened with my dive gear. ).
1. I've been looking at the all-in-one setups. It seems like people seem to favor the BioCube, AquaPod and the Red Sea Max. I think I can easily eliminate the Red Sea because it's a bit pricey and I want a smaller tank (probably 24 or so). Any views on the BioCube vs. AquaPod?
2. I think I might wantt to have the upgraded lighting right from the start. Not sure if it's better to go with one of the raised MH options or go with a custom upgraded hood from a place like nanotuners. What are the pros/cons for each? Or maybe I should just stick to the standard lighting for now?
3. This question may effect the answer to #2. I have a bengal cat that loves water and getting into things she shouldn't. If I would go with a MH option on one of the cubes does the glass cover completely close off all access to the water? Does the standard hood completely cover all access to the water? It looks like the hood covers everything but I'm not positive so figured I'd ask. I've looked around trying to figure out if the glass tops cover everything, but I can't find the answer.
I have a million more questions, but pretty much everything is dependent on finding the answers to the Q's above. I'm going to try to take my time and plan everything out really well (partially because I'm trying to delay this purchase until my bday in November, so it can partially be a gift... but I think I'll have a hard time holding out).
A few basic questions I have so I can start putting together a budget (yeah I know, the budget will probably go out the door once I get that kid in a candy store feeling the minute I walk into a LFS... same thing happened with my dive gear. ).
1. I've been looking at the all-in-one setups. It seems like people seem to favor the BioCube, AquaPod and the Red Sea Max. I think I can easily eliminate the Red Sea because it's a bit pricey and I want a smaller tank (probably 24 or so). Any views on the BioCube vs. AquaPod?
2. I think I might wantt to have the upgraded lighting right from the start. Not sure if it's better to go with one of the raised MH options or go with a custom upgraded hood from a place like nanotuners. What are the pros/cons for each? Or maybe I should just stick to the standard lighting for now?
3. This question may effect the answer to #2. I have a bengal cat that loves water and getting into things she shouldn't. If I would go with a MH option on one of the cubes does the glass cover completely close off all access to the water? Does the standard hood completely cover all access to the water? It looks like the hood covers everything but I'm not positive so figured I'd ask. I've looked around trying to figure out if the glass tops cover everything, but I can't find the answer.
I have a million more questions, but pretty much everything is dependent on finding the answers to the Q's above. I'm going to try to take my time and plan everything out really well (partially because I'm trying to delay this purchase until my bday in November, so it can partially be a gift... but I think I'll have a hard time holding out).