What would reef central do?

Z

z282z06

New member
Ok, I have a 10 gallon tank with stand. I want to set it up but I would like to get a clam. For like 250 bucks I can get a sunpod which I believe would let me maintain a clam in it, and it would thrive, not just survive. Or for about 100 bucks more I can get a 24 gallon nano reef complete with lighting.

HOW DO THE NANO TANK MANUFACTURERS SELL YOU ALL THAT EQUIPMENT FOR NOT MUCH MORE THAN THE lighting guys will sell you just a light fixture with bulb.

I know more water is better but I am experienced enough not to rush things and I am sure I could maintain the ten gallon.
Is there somewhere I can get the lighting much cheaper than 219.00 or should I just go with the nano kit? I would appreciate your input.
 
I'm not familiar with the Sunpod. Please post specs. If you get the 24 gallon nano what lighting comes with it? They usually come with pc lighting which is not enough. I would go with a larger tank if you are inexperienced with salt water. Bad things happen real fast in a tank that small....
 
Not exactly sure what you are comparing as far as price, but 100 bucks is not normally going to get people very far in the hobby ulness they "know someone" =D or have severe restrictions as far as stocking.

As far as I know, the cheapest respectable lights I know of are retrofits at Hellolights. There are other cheaper options but you have to weigh cost with quality.

Nanos with MH are still going to cost between $250-350 IMO and the cheaper ones will have very poor, low watt PC lighting with the middlerange having stronger PC lighting
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9273780#post9273780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rkelman
I'm not familiar with the Sunpod. Please post specs. If you get the 24 gallon nano what lighting comes with it? They usually come with pc lighting which is not enough. I would go with a larger tank if you are inexperienced with salt water. Bad things happen real fast in a tank that small....
Click to expand...

Actually I have many years experience, I have been out of the hobby for about 8 years now so I am trying to figure out my options. Money isnt an object. I just dont want to jump in witha 70 gallon bowfront all of a suddden so I thought I would ease in to it slowly. Dont want to freak the mrs out.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9273941#post9273941 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Poorcollegereef
Not exactly sure what you are comparing as far as price, but 100 bucks is not normally going to get people very far in the hobby ulness they "know someone" =D or have severe restrictions as far as stocking.

As far as I know, the cheapest respectable lights I know of are retrofits at Hellolights. There are other cheaper options but you have to weigh cost with quality.

Nanos with MH are still going to cost between $250-350 IMO and the cheaper ones will have very poor, low watt PC lighting with the middlerange having stronger PC lighting
Click to expand...

The 100 dollar differemnce was just between the nano reef and the lighting quote, it wasnt my whole budget. My thoughts were I could use the 10 gallon and buy lighting, skimmer etc., or get the nano reef which I believe has all those accessories built in from what I can discern.
 
i would build the tank from the ground up. It is way easier to add a sump or skimmer to a normal ten gallon or 20 gallon tank becasue you do not have to work everything into the confines of the built in overflow compartments.
 
Depends on what corals you want to keep. If you want SPS I would get a rectangle tank that can be drilled and plumbed for a fuge/sump so you can run a skimmer.
If you just want LPS and softies then I think the all in one is a good way to go, much more attractive and you don't need a skimmer and all that, just weekly water changes.

Also if you go with the Sunpod fixture look into the Oceanic cubes, not the Biocubes they make but they make another cube in both 30 & 33 gallon sizes. I have a friend who has a 33 with a Viper hang on MH lamp and the tank is very nice, much deeper and taller than a 10 and much more aquascaping choices. Just have to double check and see if a sunpod can fit above that, i think it does.
 
Well, if you are looking to upgrade, I would really look into retrofit system that you can rework or a pendent system that can be re-used or doubled for the larger tank. Since you already have the exprience, and are hungry for a bigger system, dont bother with the all-inclusive modelsm, they are for the "tourists". (I am Joking! but there may be some truth in that) Just don't let the Mrs say "well you have already invested X dollars, lets just keep it how it is" or atleast thats what my gf says. Little does she know I am planning a 70g, but thats been delayed because of a small rock.
 
or you can build your own Metal halide setup..... Its easy, and they look great. Here is mine for a little over $50.

IMG_2670.jpg
 
While the price difference may only be $100, all you're getting for that money is a glass cube with a glass top, a rear wall, and a pump that you'll change out for heat and performance issues. I have an AP 24 with the 150W Sunpod and am happy with it. But, I started with the regular pc hood, and only recently lost the hood and got the Sunpod. I like having the rear chambers which I use as a sump for a skimmer, chemical media, and probes.

If I started over again, I'm not sure I would go the same way, as you can get a nice glass tank for less than $100, and even drill it to have a real sump below.
 
I think white trash is referring to modding a halogen worklight fixture. There are several threads on nano-reef.com detailing the process. The fixture itself will cost you about $30-50 but then you need a bulb which can run from $20-60 depending on what you want. Still cheaper than any fixture I know of.

White trash, what bulb/ballast combo are you using?
 
The cost difference of $100 only apply to consumers. I'm sure the Sunpod unit does not "cost" Current $238. They (Current) just want to sell a package; just like McDonald's is selling a "Combo Meal" for a small discount. When you add up the burger, fries and drink, you think your saving was 50 cents. Well, for all we know, the whole meal prolly costs less than 50 cents to McD.
 
I made mine out of a comercial ballast setup that i got for free. I actually have tons of these and i'm tryin to get rid of em. But with it all wired up it is setup to fire a single ended socket 175w mh. All the ballasts are the same when you take em apart. They all do the same thing. So i have mine setup to fire a light over a fish tank. And i paid $50 for the lamp.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9274790#post9274790 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by z282z06
Actually I have many years experience, I have been out of the hobby for about 8 years now so I am trying to figure out my options. Money isnt an object. I just dont want to jump in witha 70 gallon bowfront all of a suddden so I thought I would ease in to it slowly. Dont want to freak the mrs out.
Click to expand...

If money is no object then build your own setup from scratch. I would just do the 70 gal bowfront if you can afford it. You will apprecitate the space. They are also much more forgiving.

If you only go nano and then you want to upgrade then most of your equip wont transfer over.

Either way you go I would just build all your own stuff. Dont skimp on good lights though or you just waste a lot of money.
 
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