What to buy?

[MaxGen]

I'm going to try a reef, after spending a lot more time researching of course. At this point, I'm having a really hard time deciding on a system. I realize all systems will have their pros and cons, but is there something I should stay away from? Is one system more popular than the other? I'm thinking about part supply and community forum support...

I'd rather not do a sump system as my plan is to keep the setup as compact as possible. I'd prefer LED lights, but not all the kits come with them. I like the look of the Oceanic HQI with the raised light as opposed to the integrated light in the hood...

Anyway, If you can offer some advice I'd appreciate it.

Thx

 

[abaralnek]

the solana's are nice..i have a older biocube that i wish i would have drilled and added a sump..

 

[saltjohnswharf]

First advice: Don't buy anything cheap.

The Oceanic HQI is fine but the light it puts out will reflect all over the room. A closed hood reduces glares as you look in. Keeps you from going blind.

The best course of action for a newb is NOT to buy a complete system. Drive down to Petsmart or something and find dimensions you like. A great place to start is a blank canvas. Something like this: http://www.marinedepot.com/Mr._Aqua...rium_Tank_Cube-Mr._Aqua-AZ1133-FIAQRC-vi.html 25 gallon. Good dimensions and room to GROW. Most people that buy nanos end up modding them and drilling them and, in a way, regret buying them. Not that they don't like their nano but they miss something that the nano just doesn't have. The more you learn the more you'll agree. Go for an LED light if you can. Get a GOOD skimmer and maybe a hang on fuge. Not a fuge with a skimmer. Then a good filter. A heater can go inside many skimmers. Get a pump like the Vortech MP10 and don't look back. You are ready to succeed. When things are all done you're system will cost about the same as the nano but will be much, much nicer. Buy the good stuff now so you don't end up with a closet of crap like many of us.

 

[DBreefs]

It's all personal preference and what you want. I love all in one systems. Most of the suggestions you will get will obviously be based on people's experiences with different setups and of course thing's they have read. The Biocube is nice, as Abaral said with the HQI pendant style light you tend to light a larger area of the room, and the light can be blinding if your sitting down looking at the the tank, however the elevated light helps dissipate heat away from the water a little better. I personally like the enclosed hoods, however they have there down sides as well, heat being the main one. Saltjohns is right, alot of people do end up wanting to go bigger after a having nano's for a while, however I think they are excellent starter tanks. I have no doubt you will love a Nano Cube, Biocube, solana, whatever you decide to go with!

 

[dwolson2]

I agree with saltjohn start with a blank canvas, you would be surprised the sued stuff you can find for a good price. Also, you can look at your available space and get the most possible volume of water. I would also reconsider the sump. The more water you have the more stable it will be as well(general rule before someone flames me) Also if you have problems they hopefully wont happen as quickly with more volume(if you dose) just some food for thought.

 

[MaxGen]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I hear what you are saying about buying all the pieces separately and making something I can be proud of and happy with, however this project is really an experiment to see if I find it rewarding enough to continue with. I'm going to be replacing my Son's 10Gal freshwater tank in his room and I don't have a lot of space to work with. I want something compact and fairly quiet.

Based on the advice, I'm going to order the JBJ 28Gal LED. This unit has the enclosed lid and the LED lights will keep the temps down.

If I choose to expand my reef keeping hobby, I have a space marked out in my office for a larger 34Gal rimless Starfire tank with sump and all the goodies. I don't mind spending the money; I actually enjoy researching and making purchases.

I'll try to start a build log once I get all the equipment ordered.

Thanks again!

 

[saltjohnswharf]

Get the 34 gallon with sump first. Once you know the ins and outs buy an all-in-one. All-in-ones are great once you know what you are doing. Most people that start this hobby from scratch and get a nano end up ultimately quitting. I cannot stress enough... Don't make the mistake of building small to see if you like it. You're talking about building which means you will probably love it. But after 4 months when your nano is overtaken by cyano or aiptasia you're going to be ready to quit.