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 Topic: To Nano or Not to Nano
Posted: September 08 2013 at 1:55pm |
I am looking for some advice on nano (AIO type) vs. traditional tanks (with sump). This will be my first tank and I am very conflicted on which direction to go. I am not constrained by room (up to about 70g) and not really contrained by budget. I don't want something too small (at least 28g). I like the idea behind the AIO tanks but it seems that they may be very limiting in the long run and ultimately it seems everyone changes the AIO components for better stuff. I have read the advice to pick out what livestock you want then size the tank appropriately but honestly I am not that particular when it comes to this. I just want something that looks very clean and professional. I also want something that is quiet. For those that have done both or maybe have both, what advice do you have? Thanks.
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jdinchak
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 2:19pm |
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You can update AIO tanks. The new Red Sea's are incredible. Every time I see one I just get happy. I love my tank, I planned it out for a year and a half and put some awesome stuff in but for the same price I could have just gotten a Red Sea and enjoyed more time with my fish. No regrets. Depends on how much time you want to put into the build.
If you see a great tank for sale on the boards pounce on it.
The ones I have loved is the Innovative Marine, their new series. Not sure they are officially out yet but will be. They come in 60, 80 and 120 gallons, all in one. I think they ranged from 1000-3000. They looked great. JBJ's new ones look great too.
Either way, this will be your first tank, probably not your last tank. We seem to all add another one.
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180G Mixed Reef Tank
170G Dart Frog Tank
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Placebo
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 3:50pm |
The new Innovative Marine tanks looks really nice although I am not sure what equipment will come with them. I have read the 60g will run about $1500. I really like the size of the 60 (36x24x16 I think). Are there any local builders around that can make glass tanks with stands? How is the pricing compared to the AIOs like Red Sea or Innovative Marine? I have no problem putting time into a build if it means its a better long-term investment from all points, not just the money side. Thanks for the advice.
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 6:57pm |
Aloha, This is a purely personal decision based on how much money and time you have to devote. Personally,
I like the simplicity and affordability of filling a glass box with inexpensive Utah sand
and Utah Rock then adding a powerhead and Macroalgae. I add some LS and LR
from another good tank then add soft corals and a couple fish within the first week for
almost immediate enjoyment. For me it's all about the biology. I love
seeing things grow from the very start without having to deal with the
pollution cycle. For more about this, see the Reefkeeping Tips link below. Mahalo, Mark  
Edited by Mark Peterson - September 08 2013 at 6:59pm
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Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Mike Savage
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 7:27pm |
Maybe tank placement will help determine what type of setup to get. If it against a wall then it doesn't matter too much how the back looks (like exposed plumbing.) If it is open all the way around then and All-In-One may be the way to go. In our last home we had a sofa and love seat come together in an ell shape and it was in the middle of the room. Therefore the tank was open all the way around. It was great for viewing to have it in the middle of the room right against the arm of the sofa. This is a Red Sea Max 34 gallon all-in-one.
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Placebo
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 7:35pm |
 Mark Peterson wrote:
Aloha,
This is a purely personal decision based on how much money and time you have to devote.
Personally,
I like the simplicity and affordability of filling a glass box with inexpensive Utah sand
and Utah Rock then adding a powerhead and Macroalgae. I add some LS and LR
from another good tank then add soft corals and a couple fish within the first week for
almost immediate enjoyment. For me it's all about the biology. I love
seeing things grow from the very start without having to deal with the
pollution cycle. For more about this, see the Reefkeeping Tips link below.
Mahalo,
Mark
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Thanks for the input Mark. I have read a lot of what you have posted on these forums and am planning on following a lot of it. I guess the idea of simplicity and affordability begs the question of why all the other things (like powerheads) are really needed. My ultimate goal is to enjoy the biology also, I am just afraid of getting it wrong and seeing the last cycle of biology only. So much information out there and opinions that its hard to know which direction to go. I suppose I just need to get started and start learning what works for me.
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Placebo
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 7:39pm |
Mike Savage wrote:
Maybe tank placement will help determine what type of setup to get. If it against a wall then it doesn't matter too much how the back looks (like exposed plumbing.) If it is open all the way around then and All-In-One may be the way to go. In our last home we had a sofa and love seat come together in an ell shape and it was in the middle of the room. Therefore the tank was open all the way around. It was great for viewing to have it in the middle of the room right against the arm of the sofa. This is a Red Sea Max 34 gallon all-in-one. |
Makes sense. The back of the tank will be against a wall. Your setup looks great. Maybe this is why I am so conflicted....I like how clean the AIOs look but it seems that a lot people tend abandon the AIOs for a sump type system for the longer term benefits. Maybe I am reading things wrong.
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Cody
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 10:23pm |
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I've had my Biocube for 3 years now and have had only one problem and that was do to some bad carbon. I prefer AIO tanks. There are so many upgrades out there now for every brand that your choices are abundant.
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beege29
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Posted: September 08 2013 at 11:14pm |
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Loved my stock jbj nano 29 gal. Had plenty of healthy corals and fun and easy to maintain. Built in skimmer and had plenty of lighting and flow. I grew everything with just the stock 150w mh and a stunner. Actually looking to downgrade from my 90 back to a biocube of some sort.
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90 gallon mixed reef
30 gallon sump
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peiji
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Posted: September 23 2013 at 2:17pm |
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I've had a 90g and a 2 nanos. I personally decided to invest everything in a 29g nano rather than a larger tank. In my experience, the nano has been much easier to maintain and things look awesome. I think the only limiting factor is with fish. There's not a lot of fancy equipment required. I just do a lot of water changes. I have a 29g JBJ for sale BTW fully loaded ;)
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Jared Page
Highland, UT
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Molli
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Posted: September 23 2013 at 2:58pm |
I have done both. I started with a 29G Biocube a little over a year ago and outgrew it within 6 months and picked up a used 65 Gal with a sump off the boards. 12 months into this hobby I purchased a used 90 Gal cube with a sump off the boards. I plan to run both the 65 and the 90 because I want tanks in two different rooms. The larger the tank, the easier to maintain in my opinion, and the more options you have. Also, if you watch the boards you can pick up really decent used equipment.
If you want to run a nano, you REALLY need to limit your bioload. I had 2 fish in my 29G. I only have 5 fish in my 65 Gal. Some people are able to keep a LOT more fish, but as a newbie I don't recommend it! Particularly with a nano, start out slow and keep adding very slowly.
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