What is the best nano tank?

[nick021892]

I really want a nano tank but am wondering which type of system is the best. I want something 10 to 15 gallons in size that comes with sufficient lighting and filtration right out of the box. I would like to also try corals and spend under $150 if possible. I've heard about the aquapod, biocube, eclipse, and JBJ systems but i have no idea how they are different. any suggestions?

 

[Trogdor]

I do hope that your overall budget is above $150. The biggest mistake that most people make is underestimating how much a system will cost. It's the little items that add up pretty quick (like heater, filter media, salt, test kits, refractometer, temperature probe, food, supplements, RO/DI unit and filters...etc).

 

[buttons buster]

Ya I've already spent over $100 on a 2 gallon tank that is only 14 days old.

The only live stock so far is three snails, and I already had the live rock, sand, water test kit, salt water mix. etc.

So if you are starting from scratch it's going to cost you a lot more than $150.

Here is a total of what I've bought so far:
2 gallon tank(complete setup: filters, lights)=$45
Various supplements for the future: $45
3 snails: $10 (was actually around $8.50 but i let him keep the change)

Total:
$100(tax not included)


And I started off with some of the things that you are going to need, so you might want to increase your budget IMO>

 

[Trogdor]

Here is a quick breakdown of some of the components that you will need and an estimated price

• 
  Live rock - $3.50-6.00 per pound a 10g tank will need about 10lbs
  Sand - $30/50lb bag this will depend on how deep of a sand bed you want
  RO/DI unit - $100 most people need these
  RO/DI Holding tanks - $25
  Heater - $10-$15
  Filter Media - $10
  Salt - $25-$45 depending on how much you bulk buy
  Test Kit - $30-$50
  Refractometer - $50
  Temperature Probe - $5
  Food - $10

I know there are a ton more items that you can get for your tank but these are usually the basic items. Hope that helps you plan your tank a bit.

 

[nick021892]

Sorry .... what i meant to say is that i really only want to spend $150 on the aquarium itself. I'm prepared to spend enough to get all the necessary supplies, but right now I'm just wondering if there is a great 10 - 15 gallon complete system ..... like the saltwater equivalent of the eclipse. I've just heard about so many different ones having problems with the lights that I don't know if I should get an aquapod, JBJ, or biocube. I want to get something right out of the box that requires no modifications and basically is ready to setup.....is that realistic? If necessary I guess I would be prepared to go up to $200 .... thanks

I was wondering if the tank at this site http://www.myfishtank.net/oceanic-bio-c ... reef-tank/ would be good. I really don't have a sense of how much light corals need. Does this seem like a product that will filter well and does anyone have experience with this tank or have a similar recomendation? thanks

 

[buttons buster]

Ya you could probably get one for $150.
you might have to get it used though.
When you buy from an individual you will typically get a better deal than buying at a store.
Where do you live roughly?
I'll try to see If i can get someone near you to help you out.

Also, I have never tried any of those so I couldn't really tell you.

 

[johnanddawn]

these in the 12 gal version are 130$

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/P ... 2004+62760

i have a couple of these and like them but as far as plug and plays go they all have their own attributes/problems but are still nice little systems. and although i like the look of all of the dif "nanocubes" (oceanic, jbj, redsea, aqupod) i truely believe that they are just beginner tanks and most people in the long run wish they had gone with a regular glass tank and bought all their own components to match the theme they are aiming for.
these tanks are limited by design and can only house certain critters. they have inherent problems like poor lighting, poor flow, lack of surface skimming, and over heating and people generally end up modding them to meet their needs. they have a place in the aquarium hobby, but are def not the only option.

setting up a tank yourself will teach you a lot more about what is truely needed in a reef tank and will allow you to spend your money on those things - lights, flow, skimmer ect. and you can match your components to the theme you are choosing to build
- ie their are two ways to approach a reef
for example you could be:
1) the plug/play version and ask "OK i have an aquapod, what can i put in it"
or
2) the theme tank version and ask " OK i want to keep a pair of clowns, some zoas and a clam what size tank and type of equipment do i need"

i would prefer to be in the second group myself...........