Unconvinced - could use an experienced opinion

[alecms312]

Hello Hello

I am preparing to take my first steps into the world of Nano Tanks - i have a 20 Gallon saltwater tank right now so im not totally green in this, but i have not ventured into the realm of corals yet - only fish, shrimp, crabs, etc.

my question is specific to the tanks at this link:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=10677

these Nano Cube tanks sound pretty compact and easy. Too easy....is the filtration system they use adequate? do i need to add a protein skimmer or any other apparatus in addition to what it comes with? and the lighting supplied by the non-deluxe version, is it adequate? the single bulb versus 2? it claims to be the full-on complete deal, but i'm admittedly a skeptic, and i'd rather not spend ~$200 and be wrong....

help and advice much appreciated.
-Alec

 

[SaltWaterNewb]

I think if you read some posts here and on other sites that you will find that for a serious reef setup, a lot of folks use these cubes but with a good bit of modification. Usually the mods include but are not limited to:

-Lighting up grades, usually MH or T5
-Upgraded pump for water flow
-Modification of the overflow, drilling out for more water flow, removing filter media and turning in to a fuge, ect.

Those are just a few that I have read about as being the most common.

 

[SaltWaterNewb]

Opps...double post.

 

[KidNano]

the filtration is fine. Lots of water changes help with that. The lighting is pretty week on those tanks. If you want to be serious about the corals that you keep I would reccomend the Delux canopy as the absolute minimum. Check out Jesse's new 12 gallon thread in the 20 and under forum. That's a good light.