Oceanic Bio Cube

[Nelz]

Ive been doing some window shopping/research to get started in a nano. I was originally thinking Id get a traditional tank and build from there.

Was wondering if anyone has used a starter kit so to speak, and what the quality of such a tank might be. Im not tyring to skimp on money, I just sort of lke the idea of a mostly all in one kit.

Is the quality something like a "homeowner" quality compared to sets you build?

I welcome any input, especially with experienced people that have used both build your own, or the all in one. Seems to be a decent kit to me

 

[Sapsis]

I find the best to to go on craigslist or forums, I have done a few tank builds from people getting out of the hobby and got a good price and most of the equipment i needed it one swoop

 

[triggerfreak]

I have had both.I have built my own set up and i have had two different biocubes.Both have there goods and bads.But the all in ones like the biocubes are just that.All in one.It all depends on exactley what you are planning on keeping in the tank and to which model and sixe your are looking at getting.

 

[Nelz]

I have had both.I have built my own set up and i have had two different biocubes.Both have there goods and bads.But the all in ones like the biocubes are just that.All in one.It all depends on exactley what you are planning on keeping in the tank and to which model and sixe your are looking at getting.

What Im looking to do, is build a sort of what I would classify, well balanced tank, but reef heavy, and only a few fish.

Im just starting out, so I dont need the high end of everything, just something that a beginner could start to tinker with and learn while the tank is growing, without spending a billion dollars.

But on the other hand, I dont want to buy something that is all "crap" and have to upgrade everything in two days. I plan on getting mostly beginner level stock and make sure this is something I have the time, patience, and money to do.


Im leaning towards the Oceanic 29 gallon biocube.....I did just find one on CL for 135 bux.......best online price Ive seen is 269. And somehow at the LFS it was 350 and advertised as on sale.

 

[triggerfreak]

Ok thats what i am doing with my current biocube 29.Perfect tank to do it with.Just realize if you stick with the current power compact lights in the tank you will need to change the bulbd every 9 months to keep the corals happy.I plan on doing a led retrofit with my tank maybe in the summer next year.But these tanks are great tanks and there are alot of people that use them.If you want to talk to people that use there alot try nano-reef.com.

 

[douglasrm]

A year ago I started a BC14, first reef tank. Kept it stock for first 6 months, couple clowns and CUC, zoa's ,palys, torch, open brain, mushrooms all doing well. You will read on forums the tons of upgrades people have done, but to keep costs in check I've only upgraded the return pump to get a little better flow and replaced the standard PC bulbs with UVL PC=R bulbs. I've had a lot of luck without totally going nuts on upgrades. Plus, it's small enough that water changes take care of everthing, no dosing or supplements, etc. Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[ryeguyy84]

what type of corals are you interested in?