Starting A Nano Tank

[DarkSeraph]

I currently have a 10g Freshwater tank that we're going to move into a 60 gallon, so I thought I'd try my hand at a nano tank. After looking into it I'm not sure what I should do, but here are my options:

1) Use the 10g I have now, buy a powerhead, lights, empty the tank out & cycle it again with SW.

2) Buy a 12g off ebay, but I have a question: What is the big difference between JBJ Nanocube's and non-jbj? I noticed these don't even come with a heater =/ And some dont' come with fans on top, so will it overheat?
"Nano Tank by Cube Master 2006 V.2 New Release (not jbj)" $80 isn't bad.

3) Is it worth it to go up to a 24g?
2006 JBJ 24gal Nano cube DELUXE LED- FREE MSS SKIMMER $200, but let's pretend like money isn't a HUGE issue


I just need the opinions of some people already doing this, on what they would have done. Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[steelhealr]

This really all depends on some questions that you will have to answer yourself:

1) Do you like to create and work with your hands?
2) Do you want the ease of a complete system at the risk of some 'skimping' on quality?
3) Will you sacrifice quality for appearance?
4) Do you want total flexibility?

The most flexible tank that you can buy and design the way you want is an AGA tank. You can do almost anything you want to it. Generally solid, they are great.

Self contained systems have plusses and minuses....read the post above on Selecting a Tank. Post back after you read it with your thoughts. SH

 

[DarkSeraph]

d'oh, I had read almost every pin but that one

1) Do you like to create and work with your hands? Certainly, since my fiance and I are going to be getting the 60g FW up ASAP, I'd kinda like to take my time and have fun with this
2) Do you want the ease of a complete system at the risk of some 'skimping' on quality? Not necesarily, but if a 10g is too small to have a number of cool creatures in it, I'm willing to spend more. What does a 24g allow that a 10g doesn't? 2 extra fish?
3) Will you sacrifice quality for appearance? Can I go for a happy medium?
4) Do you want total flexibility? What would I need a tank to be flexible for? I'm not sure I understand... in terms of lighting and filtration, I guess AGA would be the answer.

I'd also like to note that I really like sf's (Dan's) lighting. When the light is raised a few inches off of the tank like that does it not heat the tank up as much?

Thanks a ton for your help.

 

[steelhealr]

The larger the tank, the more room for error. If you are sure you want a nano tank, the larger the better, the smaller, the greater the challenge.

AGA's are flexible with respect to design...10G and 20long are good.
Eclipse's are difficult to upgrade with respect to lighting.

Nano Cubes are 'self contained, but lighting is low to moderate, pumps are 'eh'; most need modification but people love the look. Some have cracked in the past and/or crack when shipped.

AquaPods are similar to Nano Cubes...some have had some cheesey construction.

Oceanic has a large solid but expensive 30G cube but need to be fitted out for a reef.

IMO opinion, the most 'solid tanks' are:

-AGA's, 20 long
-Oceanic 30G
-if you choose a NC, go with a 24G and try to purchase it locally so that you can inspect it and make sure you get a 2006 model (comes with a surface skimmer and a serial number on the back).

Larger is still better. Although a 10G is nice, you can add more variety of life if you have more room. SH