About to IMPULSE buy!

limpert · 07/02/2012, 02:20 PM

Hi all, I'm ready to impulse buy the following tank and figured i would run it by you guys first: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=21183

For a little background info, i've kept FW tanks for over a decade and I'm ready to start up a saltwater tank. For the past 3 or so weeks i've been doing research on here, other forums, and at the LFS. I would want to eventually grow soft and some LPS corals. What would you guys see as the potential limitations or strengths of this tank? Would the stock lighting be sufficient to grow the corals i mentioned above?

shifty51008 · 07/02/2012, 02:56 PM

the lighting will be fine for lps and softies. they are good tanks but only really limit the fish you can have. you will be stuck with 3-4 smaller fish (clowns, gobies, cardinals, ect.)

seapug · 07/02/2012, 03:12 PM

I would strongly discourage anyone from buying a tank with CF lighting. Spend more for the LED version and save money long term on power consumption and bulb replacement.

limpert · 07/02/2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifty51008

the lighting will be fine for lps and softies. they are good tanks but only really limit the fish you can have. you will be stuck with 3-4 smaller fish (clowns, gobies, cardinals, ect.)

Good input and worthy of consideration. I think i would be okay with being limited to the smaller fish so long as i can grow coral.

Quote:

Originally Posted by seapug

I would strongly discourage anyone from buying a tank with CF lighting. Spend more for the LED version and save money long term on power consumption and bulb replacement.

Also good input. The LED version is significantly more money, although i do believe it comes with more accessories. $700 vs $300. I feel that if i wanted to upgrade lighting to LEDs in the future that I could do so for less than $400.

TheAquatard · 07/02/2012, 05:15 PM

Those lights are kinda eh, but to get you started it should be great. Like you said you could upgrade the lgihts for ALOT cheaper than 400 dollars if you're good with a soldering iron.

Biocubehqi · 07/02/2012, 05:33 PM

Instead up making your own mods, get the hqi. Love mine. I actually put LEDs on it because my light is so powerful I give my corals a break and so I can enjoy watching.

Tickle · 07/02/2012, 06:51 PM

I had that tank for a while and loved it, kept a whole bunch of softies, I agree going the LED route though.

Id just buy the tank and stuff 20 bucks a week away or something and by the time comes to change your bulb you should have enough to buy LEDs.

I just recently made the jump to LEDs on my 40 and ill never go back.

firebirdude · 07/02/2012, 07:43 PM

As a 29g Biocube owner of several years, I wouldn't do it again. The super close closed in top leads to temp problems big time. And, as was said, the PC lights aren't really good for anything other than you seeing what's inside. You can't grow much with them. And I can't imagine having the HQI version. Closed lid with the biggest producer of heat in the hobby beaming down on it. The AIO design seemed cool to me at first, until I find myself trying to arrange items/clean back there.

Point being, rather than spend a premium on a tank that needs changes nearly out of the gate, just go the traditional route. Watch for a good deal on a used tank and stand (take your time and pick out a beauty). You'll have more room and have FAR more freedom to do whatever you want in the future. Add whatever piece of equipment you want, instead of limiting yourself to the two manufacturer that make something especially for your size nano tank (skimmer for example). Buy whatever lights you want right out of the gate, instead of paying for the PC lights then dumping them for LEDs. etc etc etc.

Your call. But I wouldn't own a tiny AIO again...

limpert · 07/02/2012, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tickle

I had that tank for a while and loved it, kept a whole bunch of softies, I agree going the LED route though...

Did you keep anything other than soft coral? I'm hoping i could keep a pretty wide variety with this setup.. not SPS or anything crazy

limpert · 07/02/2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebirdude

As a 29g Biocube owner of several years, I wouldn't do it again. The super close closed in top leads to temp problems big time. And, as was said, the PC lights aren't really good for anything other than you seeing what's inside. You can't grow much with them. And I can't imagine having the HQI version. Closed lid with the biggest producer of heat in the hobby beaming down on it. The AIO design seemed cool to me at first, until I find myself trying to arrange items/clean back there.

Point being, rather than spend a premium on a tank that needs changes nearly out of the gate, just go the traditional route. Watch for a good deal on a used tank and stand (take your time and pick out a beauty). You'll have more room and have FAR more freedom to do whatever you want in the future. Add whatever piece of equipment you want, instead of limiting yourself to the two manufacturer that make something especially for your size nano tank (skimmer for example). Buy whatever lights you want right out of the gate, instead of paying for the PC lights then dumping them for LEDs. etc etc etc.

Your call. But I wouldn't own a tiny AIO again...

I was thinking this and saw a tank on CL that is bare bones: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/for/3054877063.html I would want to get it for less than $100 though. If i could get this for a decent price i could build it with my own lights, pump, etc...

I just figured the new one for $300 with tank and stand was pretty good. Plus i saw some good videos of this tank on youtube even with the CFs. Overall i like the biocube designs...

AquaticFuture · 07/02/2012, 08:03 PM

I think this tank would be good to start off with but like many of them said there isnt much room for many fish or upgrading equipment. in my opinion you should look up aquariums on your local Craigslist to see if you can find a salt water tank for around the same price. Im sure you will be able to find something a little bigger and with better equipment. Even i shop on craigslist from time to time. thats where i got my 125 gallon aquarium for only $300. the tank your looking at is an all in one so it seems a lot easier than buying it all seperate but you might not be so happy with it in the long run.

firebirdude · 07/02/2012, 08:13 PM

If you're set on going the AIO design, then I think barebones is the smartest bet. Just make sure the tank holds water and the glass isn't all scratched up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AquaticFuture

I think this tank would be good to start off with but like many of them said there isnt much room for many fish or upgrading equipment. in my opinion you should look up aquariums on your local Craigslist to see if you can find a salt water tank for around the same price. Im sure you will be able to find something a little bigger and with better equipment. Even i shop on craigslist from time to time. thats where i got my 125 gallon aquarium for only $300. the tank your looking at is an all in one so it seems a lot easier than buying it all seperate but you might not be so happy with it in the long run.

Exactly. I would encourage you to look into a larger traditional style tank with sump. The sump will allow you to use nearly any skimmer you want, as well as, housing it (and everything else) out of sight. It gives you plenty of room during cleaning or moving stuff around. Squeezing this tiny skimmer made to exactly fit into the nanocube, along side your heater, bag of carbon, etc, is ridiculous. I know. I've been there. I upgraded my "nano tuner " 4-PC light version to all LEDs, drilled the back and plumbed in an acrylic sump in the tiny stand. I had a strong $1500 into that thing not counting a drop of water or a grain of sand. And it was still only 29g and still a PITA. As has been said, you could build a sick setup three times that size.

limpert · 07/02/2012, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebirdude

If you're set on going the AIO design, then I think barebones is the smartest bet. Just make sure the tank holds water and the glass isn't all scratched up.

Exactly. I would encourage you to look into a larger traditional style tank with sump. The sump will allow you to use nearly any skimmer you want, as well as, housing it (and everything else) out of sight. It gives you plenty of room during cleaning or moving stuff around. Squeezing this tiny skimmer made to exactly fit into the nanocube, along side your heater, bag of carbon, etc, is ridiculous. I know. I've been there. I upgraded my "nano tuner " 4-PC light version to all LEDs, drilled the back and plumbed in an acrylic sump in the tiny stand. I had a strong $1500 into that thing not counting a drop of water or a grain of sand. And it was still only 29g and still a PITA. As has been said, you could build a sick setup three times that size.

I'm pretty set on an AIO design, i like the seemlessness and size of the cubes and i feel that if everything is consolidated in one unit that i might be able to somewhat control myself when it comes to upgrades, accessories, and the like.

I may try to get the barebones 24g tank if its still available and purchase lights and equipment separately. Its currently listed as $100 for used tank only. What is a reasonable price for this?

firebirdude · 07/02/2012, 10:53 PM

$100 isn't a total rip off, but offer $75. If they won't take it, offer $80. I'm sure they'll take it.

Dapg8gt · 07/02/2012, 11:29 PM

I ran a 12 gal JBJ for close to 5 years with great success. It's a little more effort but def doable. Mine was all stock except upgraded to maxi jet pump. I kept RBTA pair of clowns and zoas. And a damsel or two. I would say to get into the hobby it's a great entry level tank. Plain and simple it works. Have since moved onward and upward but three months ago got a JBJ 24 gal added a overflow box removed the lid and added a large refugium and a 150 watt MH and have been growing anemones in it and it is doing awesome. Started it up with all the good stuff from my DT and it has been rocking. So in my opinion if you like it do it. It works just do your research like you have and get it dialed in and your golden. JMO

firebirdude · 07/03/2012, 06:49 AM

Oh and check out the local PetCo by you before you buy. They're currently having their $1 per gallon sale. All tanks 55 gallons and below are a buck a gallon. Any of them are a great deal, but the 40 Breeder size is the best deal. That tank normally goes for ~$110.

Just thought that might sway your decision. :-)

SneakyPete · 07/03/2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebirdude

Oh and check out the local PetCo by you before you buy. They're currently having their $1 per gallon sale. All tanks 55 gallons and below are a buck a gallon. Any of them are a great deal, but the 40 Breeder size is the best deal. That tank normally goes for ~$110.

Just thought that might sway your decision. :-)

+1. I <3 my 40B. I'd have preferred a 75, but since I had it upstairs, I figure I wouldn't want to chance it (finished basement, so I couldn't add more support).

firebirdude · 07/03/2012, 10:23 AM

I have yet to meet one person that doesn't love the 40B.

07/02/2012, 02:20 PM	#1
limpert Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: DFW Posts: 99	About to IMPULSE buy! Hi all, I'm ready to impulse buy the following tank and figured i would run it by you guys first: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=21183 For a little background info, i've kept FW tanks for over a decade and I'm ready to start up a saltwater tank. For the past 3 or so weeks i've been doing research on here, other forums, and at the LFS. I would want to eventually grow soft and some LPS corals. What would you guys see as the potential limitations or strengths of this tank? Would the stock lighting be sufficient to grow the corals i mentioned above? Last edited by limpert; 07/02/2012 at 02:29 PM.

07/02/2012, 02:56 PM	#2
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	the lighting will be fine for lps and softies. they are good tanks but only really limit the fish you can have. you will be stuck with 3-4 smaller fish (clowns, gobies, cardinals, ect.) __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

07/02/2012, 03:12 PM	#3
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	I would strongly discourage anyone from buying a tank with CF lighting. Spend more for the LED version and save money long term on power consumption and bulb replacement. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

07/02/2012, 11:29 PM	#15
Dapg8gt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pacifica Posts: 3,741	I ran a 12 gal JBJ for close to 5 years with great success. It's a little more effort but def doable. Mine was all stock except upgraded to maxi jet pump. I kept RBTA pair of clowns and zoas. And a damsel or two. I would say to get into the hobby it's a great entry level tank. Plain and simple it works. Have since moved onward and upward but three months ago got a JBJ 24 gal added a overflow box removed the lid and added a large refugium and a 150 watt MH and have been growing anemones in it and it is doing awesome. Started it up with all the good stuff from my DT and it has been rocking. So in my opinion if you like it do it. It works just do your research like you have and get it dialed in and your golden. JMO __________________ 15 years in the hobby yet still learning every day. 280g radium lit sps flat living in my garage rent free. Current Tank Info: 105g SPS dominant euro braced powered by 4 ecotech pumps and lit by an ATI powermodule controlled by a reef angel =).

07/02/2012, 05:15 PM	#5
TheAquatard Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 284	Those lights are kinda eh, but to get you started it should be great. Like you said you could upgrade the lgihts for ALOT cheaper than 400 dollars if you're good with a soldering iron.

07/02/2012, 05:33 PM	#6
Biocubehqi Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 777	Instead up making your own mods, get the hqi. Love mine. I actually put LEDs on it because my light is so powerful I give my corals a break and so I can enjoy watching.

07/02/2012, 06:51 PM	#7
Tickle Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Pardeeville Wi Posts: 272	I had that tank for a while and loved it, kept a whole bunch of softies, I agree going the LED route though. Id just buy the tank and stuff 20 bucks a week away or something and by the time comes to change your bulb you should have enough to buy LEDs. I just recently made the jump to LEDs on my 40 and ill never go back.

07/02/2012, 07:43 PM	#8
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	As a 29g Biocube owner of several years, I wouldn't do it again. The super close closed in top leads to temp problems big time. And, as was said, the PC lights aren't really good for anything other than you seeing what's inside. You can't grow much with them. And I can't imagine having the HQI version. Closed lid with the biggest producer of heat in the hobby beaming down on it. The AIO design seemed cool to me at first, until I find myself trying to arrange items/clean back there. Point being, rather than spend a premium on a tank that needs changes nearly out of the gate, just go the traditional route. Watch for a good deal on a used tank and stand (take your time and pick out a beauty). You'll have more room and have FAR more freedom to do whatever you want in the future. Add whatever piece of equipment you want, instead of limiting yourself to the two manufacturer that make something especially for your size nano tank (skimmer for example). Buy whatever lights you want right out of the gate, instead of paying for the PC lights then dumping them for LEDs. etc etc etc. Your call. But I wouldn't own a tiny AIO again...

07/02/2012, 08:03 PM	#11
AquaticFuture Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 25	I think this tank would be good to start off with but like many of them said there isnt much room for many fish or upgrading equipment. in my opinion you should look up aquariums on your local Craigslist to see if you can find a salt water tank for around the same price. Im sure you will be able to find something a little bigger and with better equipment. Even i shop on craigslist from time to time. thats where i got my 125 gallon aquarium for only $300. the tank your looking at is an all in one so it seems a lot easier than buying it all seperate but you might not be so happy with it in the long run.

07/02/2012, 10:53 PM	#14
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	$100 isn't a total rip off, but offer $75. If they won't take it, offer $80. I'm sure they'll take it.

07/03/2012, 06:49 AM	#16
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	Oh and check out the local PetCo by you before you buy. They're currently having their $1 per gallon sale. All tanks 55 gallons and below are a buck a gallon. Any of them are a great deal, but the 40 Breeder size is the best deal. That tank normally goes for ~$110. Just thought that might sway your decision. :-)

07/03/2012, 10:23 AM	#18
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	I have yet to meet one person that doesn't love the 40B.