Used RSM 130 34G or Nanotuner's Biocube 29G 150w, fans retro upgrade? Or new RSM130D?

Magick88 · 08/02/2010, 11:53 AM

Hello,

I am a newbie, never kept a tank, but wanted a saltwater tank for a while.

Briefly, what I am looking at right now: an all in one system, user friendly, nice looking, *not requiring any mods* to run decently. I would like to start as Fowlr, then add some corals and eventually I would love an anemone and a clam. I also suspect that I would like to upgrade to a bigger tank within ~2 years (I know big tanks are easier but at the moment I am scared of the priced and definitely want AIO system).

What I can get now are:

1) Used RSM 130 (stock), black + stand, for about ~$400 - pros: love the look and the concept, Cons: heard bad stories about skimmer, overheating etc

2) Used Oceanic BioCube 29 Gallon tank and stand, Nano Tuners 150w metal halide & fans retro upgrade + Sapphire Aquatics BC29 inline skimmer, for ~ $435, pros: I understand that the lights and nanotuners upgrades and retrofitting are really nice, Cons: prefer RSM look, does not know much about Biocubes (Researched mostly RSM, as I prefered the look, but now hesitating)

3) Or should I splurge on a new RSM 130D? I found a package of silver RSM 130D + stand + RSM starter kit + :-) $75 Liveaquaria gift card :-) for ~$860 (includes shipping). Of course, I would generally prefer this option, but I am on an already tight businness and expect to sell the package in about two years to upgrade to 60-130G reef.

Alll help and comments appreciated!

Sugar Magnolia · 08/02/2010, 11:58 AM

If those were my choices I would definitely go with the Oceanic with the upgraded lighting. With that lighting, you would easily be able to keep clams and an anemone when the tank has aged a bit.

Magick88 · 08/02/2010, 12:08 PM

Hi Magnolia,

Thank you for such a prompt answer! I sort of included BioCube in the last moment when I saw such a nice deal on it - I only wish their stand and design would be as sleek as RSM ...

Magick88 · 08/02/2010, 10:52 PM

Bump - anyone else has a comment or advice?

View Poll Results: Please help me decide what is the best option for me (see post for details)
Used stock RSM 34G black, ~$400	0	0%
Used nanotuners BioCube 29G, 150w HQI & fans retro upgrade + skimmer, ~$435	1	100.00%
New silver RSM 130D + stand + starter kit for $785 (includes shipping)	0	0%
Voters: 1. You may not vote on this poll

08/02/2010, 11:53 AM	#1
Magick88 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 28	Used RSM 130 34G or Nanotuner's Biocube 29G 150w, fans retro upgrade? Or new RSM130D? Hello, I am a newbie, never kept a tank, but wanted a saltwater tank for a while. Briefly, what I am looking at right now: an all in one system, user friendly, nice looking, not requiring any mods to run decently. I would like to start as Fowlr, then add some corals and eventually I would love an anemone and a clam. I also suspect that I would like to upgrade to a bigger tank within ~2 years (I know big tanks are easier but at the moment I am scared of the priced and definitely want AIO system). What I can get now are: 1) Used RSM 130 (stock), black + stand, for about ~$400 - pros: love the look and the concept, Cons: heard bad stories about skimmer, overheating etc 2) Used Oceanic BioCube 29 Gallon tank and stand, Nano Tuners 150w metal halide & fans retro upgrade + Sapphire Aquatics BC29 inline skimmer, for ~ $435, pros: I understand that the lights and nanotuners upgrades and retrofitting are really nice, Cons: prefer RSM look, does not know much about Biocubes (Researched mostly RSM, as I prefered the look, but now hesitating) 3) Or should I splurge on a new RSM 130D? I found a package of silver RSM 130D + stand + RSM starter kit + :-) $75 Liveaquaria gift card :-) for ~$860 (includes shipping). Of course, I would generally prefer this option, but I am on an already tight businness and expect to sell the package in about two years to upgrade to 60-130G reef. Alll help and comments appreciated!

08/02/2010, 11:58 AM	#2
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	If those were my choices I would definitely go with the Oceanic with the upgraded lighting. With that lighting, you would easily be able to keep clams and an anemone when the tank has aged a bit. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

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08/02/2010, 12:08 PM	#3
Magick88 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 28	Hi Magnolia, Thank you for such a prompt answer! I sort of included BioCube in the last moment when I saw such a nice deal on it - I only wish their stand and design would be as sleek as RSM ...

08/02/2010, 10:52 PM	#4
Magick88 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 28	Bump - anyone else has a comment or advice?