Please help a newbie with opinions of nano systems

[isuchopper]

Hi folks-

I'm getting back into fish after a few years off, so I suppose I'm not a true newbie, but I would still appreciate any help you'll offer. I'm looking to buy a small (~10-20 gal) tank and I would love some input on a few of the systems I'm looking at. I'm actually looking to use this for freshwater, but I'm hurting for some good advice and guessing that your saltwater experience will still transfer over.

I would like a self-contained system for asthetic reasons, but I'm willing to start with just a tank. A few of my front runners are:

JBJ Nanocube
AquaCube
Eclipse (or knock-off)
Quantum Aquarium (on Drs. Foster and Smith's site)
GlassCages acrylic cubes, etc...

I would love to hear people's opinions on any of these systems that they have experience with. In case is helps, I've listed some of my criteria/preferences

Here are my criteria:
1. Cube or hex. Just love 'em.
2. Capacity over 7 gallons. Even up to the Nanocube 24 would be fun.
3. Price under $160. Preferably under $100 though...

Preferences:
1. Viewable from all sides, although a JBJ Nanocube would probably be fine
2. Built-in filtration and lighting would be nice for a small, compact package.
3. Overall, an easy to maintain system is better as I have limited free time at this point. Don't worry, I know 'easy' is a relative term here.

Plans:
1. Low tech, likely no heat.
2. This will be a decorative piece, so I'm going to try to limit amount of 'stuff' attached via cord or hose. I also need it somewhat mobile as I'm in school and moving is a fact of life.

Thanks for all the help.

Mike

 

[incysor]

Hi folks-

I'm getting back into fish after a few years off, so I suppose I'm not a true newbie, but I would still appreciate any help you'll offer. I'm looking to buy a small (~10-20 gal) tank and I would love some input on a few of the systems I'm looking at. I'm actually looking to use this for freshwater, but I'm hurting for some good advice and guessing that your saltwater experience will still transfer over.

I would like a self-contained system for asthetic reasons, but I'm willing to start with just a tank. A few of my front runners are:

JBJ Nanocube
AquaCube
Eclipse (or knock-off)
Quantum Aquarium (on Drs. Foster and Smith's site)
GlassCages acrylic cubes, etc...

I would love to hear people's opinions on any of these systems that they have experience with. In case is helps, I've listed some of my criteria/preferences

Here are my criteria:
1. Cube or hex. Just love 'em.
2. Capacity over 7 gallons. Even up to the Nanocube 24 would be fun.
3. Price under $160. Preferably under $100 though...

Preferences:
1. Viewable from all sides, although a JBJ Nanocube would probably be fine
2. Built-in filtration and lighting would be nice for a small, compact package.
3. Overall, an easy to maintain system is better as I have limited free time at this point. Don't worry, I know 'easy' is a relative term here.

Plans:
1. Low tech, likely no heat.
2. This will be a decorative piece, so I'm going to try to limit amount of 'stuff' attached via cord or hose. I also need it somewhat mobile as I'm in school and moving is a fact of life.

Thanks for all the help.


Mike

I'd go with the nano cube. I'd also increase your budget a bit to around $150 and get the 12g deluxe cube. You'll be able to keep softies, and most LPS with no additional output of cash.

If you go with any of the others you're going to have to get a better filter and better lights to keep anything beyond mushrooms and maybe yellow polyps.

The 24g nano cube is nice, but it would be more like $250, and it would be more problematic to move around with.

Brian

 

[isuchopper]

Thanks

Incysor-

Thanks for the reply. I decided to go with the 12 gallon Nanocube. If it turns into anything interesting I'll post some pics.

Mike

 

[rbaby]

I upgraded to my cube from an eclipse...wow...the eclipse was my worst nightmare, I'm glad you went with the cube.