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xlr8r 
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 Topic: Biocube29 or......?
Posted: April 02 2009 at 11:56am |
I'm currently in the planning stages of doing a SW tank. I'm a noob at SW, done my homework and research. I had my mind dead set on a biocube29 mainly for cost and space. But lately I've been wondering if it would be more cost effective to get a 20-30 gal. tank, do a DIY HOB mini refugium and some PCs for lighting. I want to start very simple with livestock at first, then upgrade as buget allows and experiance and knowledge grow. But then again, should I stick with the original plan of biocube? I've heard good things about them, an all-in-one set up, easily modified and up gradeable. Or the other way? A little more flexable more easily upgradable? Remember I'm trying to be as cost effective as possible. I'm trying to spread about $500 out to get to at least the cycling stage.
Or maybe I'm just fooling myself....Help.
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Ryan Thompson
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Posted: April 02 2009 at 12:35pm |
For the price you can't beat the all-in-one tanks. I have a JBJ Nano Cube and have liked it. If I could do it over I would have done your second idea. Bought a tank and bought T5 lighting to go over it but it will cost more.
I would say if you can to spend more on the lighting up front. Lighting is the one place you can't skimp out on IMO. Good lighting can transfer from tank to tank and also you are limited on what you can keep with lighting. I remember on my first tank I skimped at the beginning and all I did was go out and eventually get what I really wanted. Could have saved $200 to do it right at the beginning. That is whay I like the all in ones. The lighting is good enough for the tank and stay with the tank when you move on.
Just my thoughts.
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Sculpin
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Posted: April 02 2009 at 1:15pm |
In my opinion your most cost effective option is to watch the by-sell-trade and KSL for someone selling their whole system. I've seen quite a few 55-75 gallon and even some 90 gallon tanks completely outfitted and some even with LR and livestock for round $500 bucks. Plus a larger system is a much better beginner tank then something as small as a nano. JMO
Sculpin
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xlr8r
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Posted: April 03 2009 at 10:58am |
Both good opinions. Thanks  .I'm still leaning towards the biocube. And although the buy-sell-trade and ksl have some very tempting deals on whole systems already up and running, I want to start from the bottom up so I can learn the entire process, baby steps. But I still have a little voice saying go the other route  .
Thanks again for the input!!
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superman1981
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Posted: April 03 2009 at 12:10pm |
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I've gone both routes. My first tank was a 29 gal I got on KSL for $20, added some PC lighting I found here on the board for $50, got a HUGE HOB filter/refugium for $10, stand and canopy were also used on the board for like $30... And then I purchased a couple Maxi Jets, all in all I had a pretty nice tank for around $120. I had it up and running for probably 18 months (If you're interested in pictures, let me know and I'll find links to old threads).
I also currently own a JBJ nano cube (6 gal) It's a great little tank, but within a few weeks was over run by cyano because there wasn't enough circulation, I added a powerhead to it and it's doing great now...
Honeslty, I love/loved both tanks for different reasons... If I were looking for a small tank again, it would be a big debate for me whether I wanted to go the DIY route or buy an all-in-one, DIY is definetly cheaper...
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Sure you are, you are Crappy Reef Club Member #1 -Chk4tix 6 gal nanocube 65 gal build thread
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Sculpin
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Posted: April 03 2009 at 10:56pm |
You may think that starting out with a small system is starting from the bottom but it really isn't. Nano's are not for noobs. The amount of husbandry and care is probably doubled when taking care of a nano. Thats generally why there are so many nanos available on KSL, people get tired of maintaining them. I take care of a 225 gal and a 29 biocube and the biocube is way more of a headache. Starting from the bottom would be like starting a 75 gallon. Nano's are harder and much easier to screw up on IMHO. More gallons = stable parameters = less maintenance.
Sorry if I sound rude,  this was a mistake I made myself.
Sculpin
Edited by Sculpin - April 03 2009 at 11:11pm
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tazman1982
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Posted: April 04 2009 at 6:39am |
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You can buy my 29 nano! LOL comes setup but you can take it down and start again!
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75 Reef
55 Reef
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xlr8r
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Posted: April 04 2009 at 11:50am |
 Sculpin wrote:
You may think that starting out with a small system is starting from the bottom but it really isn't. Nano's are not for noobs. The amount of husbandry and care is probably doubled when taking care of a nano. Thats generally why there are so many nanos available on KSL, people get tired of maintaining them. I take care of a 225 gal and a 29 biocube and the biocube is way more of a headache. Starting from the bottom would be like starting a 75 gallon. Nano's are harder and much easier to screw up on IMHO. More gallons = stable parameters = less maintenance.
Sorry if I sound rude, this was a mistake I made myself.
Sculpin |
I didn't take you for being rude  . I asked for opinions and advise and you simply gave it to me. But I meant building a SW tank from the bottom up with a "blank canvas" --30gal or 150 gal. either way. I understand smaller=more difficult. I'm exploreing options before spending $$$. Thanks for the input, appreciated as always
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xlr8r
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Posted: April 04 2009 at 11:53am |
tazman1982 wrote:
You can buy my 29 nano! LOL comes setup but you can take it down and start again! |
I have seen your 29 in the buy-sell section and recieved your PM......very tempting .
I'll contact you if I decide that route and if you still have it!
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