Tank Choices

[MLCarr]

Hi all, Madeline here. I'm new to the forum but definitely not new to salt water aquariums. I've been working with salt water since I took a marine biology course in high school and have had at least 1 tank going ever since! I currently have a 80 gal with a handful of fish, a couple invertebrates, 2 anemone and enough live rock to kill someone.

Here's my question: what are your thoughts on the best aquarium for a nano reef tank?

I have never tried to keep a tank under 40 gallons, but I am moving and will be in a small apartment so I have to shut down my large tank. I really want to keep a small tank and possibly work with some corals (I have honestly never tried before). I don't mind a bit of work but would prefer a desktop size that I can put on a dresser or nightstand. I was looking at the BioCube but I have no idea what the differences are between a full size aquarium and a nano tank. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[firehawk922]

I am also new looking to get a tank i have no idea what the difference is but from all the reviews i read for under 14g i see that the biocude is the best idk why but i am going to look at them in person this weekend.

 

[Lone spearo]

Hi, i myself am new to this forum, but not to the world of salt water tanks in your home. I also down sized my tank a year ago to a kent marine bio LED and a complete joy it has been to be part of the plug and play system. I would reccomend that you look into this kind of nano tank as I have had no problems and would like to give advise on small cheap customisation that you can do to really give your tank a better chance of becoming very successful. Ie Refugium in rear chamber and lots more.

 

[Nparker0400]

Looks like the nubies answering other news on this thread for I am brand new as well, but after some research I have found two tanks that really stand out. I'm thinking your looking for an all in one other wise a tank is a tank. Under 30g the best two I have found the jbj nano cube 28g and the coralife BioCube 29g. Each has its pros and cons here are the specs:

JBJ NANOCUBE 28g HQI
* (1) 150W HQI/14K
* (4) Nite-Vu LEDs with Separate Power cord
* (2) UL-Listed Accela Powerheads (266gph each/16W each)
* (2) Directional flow nozzles on each side of the aquarium
* (1) Ocean Pulse Duo—Alternating WaveMaker
* (1) Integrated center overflow
* (1) Newly redesigned filtration system with designated heater column and protein skimmer column with constant water levels
* (4) Integrated cooling fans (3000rpm`s)
* (1) Flame retardant ABS canopy housing
* (1) Integrated thermal protector for canopy (auto shut off protection)
* (1) Removal filter media basket with handle and sliding door for easy access
* (1) Filter media—sponge, activated carbon, ceramic rings

Now this comes in a PC and led versions, but mh seems to be the best for coral. At least the most popular opinion.
Specifications

Length BioCube 14 BioCube 29
Dimensions 15" x 15-1/2" x 16-1/2" high 20" x 21" x 18-5/8" high
Net Volume 11.93 gallons 23.5 gallons
Lighting 14 g (1) 24 watt True Actinic 03 Blue (1) 24 watt 10,000K Daylight (1) 0.75 watt Lunar Blue LED Bar
29g. (1) 36 watt True Actinic 03 (1) 36 watt 10,000K Daylight (2) 0.75 watt Lunar Blue LED Bar
Pump Flow Rate 180 gph. 265 gph
Cooling Fans 8.4 CFM 15.83 CFM
# of extra receptors for additional LED Bar 1 4

I have not made my purchase yet, so I cannot comment from personal experience just yet, but I am leaning towards the JBJ 28g MH. It has room for a skimmer without customization and can also transform media basket into refugium. Basically it boils down to what type of corals you are looking to keep and what type of bio load you expect to keep.
Disclaimer I am not expert and am looking for the same information you are ( experience in fish, but want to do it right the first time)

If anyone could add to this please feel free.

 

[djconn]

I've had a few jbj nanocubes and I personally love them. That would be my choice but I'm sure the Biocube is good too.