Which would be better?

[AABatteries]

Well I'm thinking about starting a salt water tank if my parents allow me to. I was just wondering what path I should take buying something like a 24g nano cube or just buying a regular 29g tank. And I also plan for it to be a FOWLR tank to cut back on costs.

[unleashed]

Well I'm thinking about starting a salt water tank if my parents allow me to. I was just wondering what path I should take buying something like a 24g nano cube or just buying a regular 29g tank. And I also plan for it to be a FOWLR tank to cut back on costs.

It depends on what you want to do. A 24g Nano Cube will have all or nearly of the equipment included. However, the 29g has a greater water volume (which is good BTW) but has the potential to get expensive quickly due to you having to buy all of the separate pieces of equipment

[cocoa_pleco]

IMO get a regular tank, you can always upgrade the parts and everything. upgrading lights on nanocubes is a B****. i would get some good live rock and get the hang of keeping the parameters stable for a few months (which also allows some of the algae stages to pass by), and after 5-6 months of having the tank introduce a few corals

[jman]

i like the cube for the better use of space but the 29g-30g longs just seem to intrest me more
especially when upgrading and adding new things

[AABatteries]

The only thing I don't like about the nano cubes is that they come with mechanical filteration.

[AABatteries]

Sorry about this double post anyways...

I've been searching for some nano cubes an foudn a few that might work and I want your opinions on them so here is the first one...http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+18538&pcatid=18538 and the second...http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+19356&pcatid=19356 and the third...http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+13976&pcatid=13976
I would go with the largest tank that was offered from each make/company.

[cocoa_pleco]

#1- bad reputation
#2- Pretty good
#3- Awesome

[AABatteries]

Whoa!!! Fast response! :] Ok that helps I little I was leaning toward #2 because of the stand... and I sorta need one.

[cocoa_pleco]

the #3 link with the 24g 150W HQI Metal Halide System looks str8 pimpin, but #2 is good

[AABatteries]

lol... I knew #3 with the 150W is probably the best but, most expensive. And I know I need a test kit and was wondering if this one is any good... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4345+4371&pcatid=4371

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, looks good

[AABatteries]

Ok first I'd like to say thanks for all the help so far. I got a few more questons before I get off. First up, will I NEED a refugium? And second(this might be asking to much), what will I need to get that the tank does come with? I already know that a test kit, hyrdometer, and the salt mix are all musts.

[cocoa_pleco]

Fuge is only mandatory for fish that need a constant pod supply like mandarins, fuges are good for alot of other stuff but not mandatory.

youre gonna need-

hydrometer or refractometer
aragonite, live sand, or other substrate
live rock
salt mix
saltwater test kit
thermometer
a RO water source

[AABatteries]

RO water source... whats RO? Also pick one of these c1, c2, or c3.

[cocoa_pleco]

RO is reverse osmosis water, its pure. most peoples tapwater containes lots of junk like phosphates that causes massive algae and all this bad stuff, for RO water you can get it from a store in bottles or get a RO water machine.

is C1 C2 C3 the tanks you had listed? i would completely skip #1, and #2 and #3 are both good

[AABatteries]

Ok ty for info and, no its not the tanks just pick one, you'll soon find out what it is. :)

[cocoa_pleco]

pick a random C? i'll go with C3

[AABatteries]

Ok... and one more question about the RO water if I have a fridge with a built in water filter would that make RO water or not? And you'll found out what C3 is momentarily.

[cocoa_pleco]

not sure about the fridge filter, i would need to know how the filter works. ive heard of distilled water working for saltwater too, so if it produces distilled water it might be alright

[AABatteries]

Ok... and hope you like your cupcake! :D I'm getting off now I have to get early tomorrow for vacation.

[cocoa_pleco]

lol, its cupcaketastic!

[spudbuds]

I don't think the fridge is RO quality. Probably just is simple sediment filter. Also, if you are going to get an RO unit rather then buying the water elsewhere, get yourself a good DI stage with it.

- Bill

[unleashed]

it's a good price for what you are getting. I would get that as it comes with everything you need to get started. Most would spend that amount anyway setting a tank with good quality equipment

[AABatteries]

I think I'm going to start making a list so I can get a final cost. And I got one quick question... I was wondering which one to go with... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4685+4856&pcatid=4856 Reef Crystals or Instant Ocean

[cocoa_pleco]

i use instant ocean, mainly because its the first salt i used and ive used it for 8 years and its never failed me. im sure the other one is good too

[spudbuds]

Both are good. The instant ocean is lower then normal in calcium so you may have to suppliment your mix. You generally don't want a water change to lower your calcium level. Reef Crystals doesn't have that issue and is also a great mix.

- Bill

[Halelorf]

I've heard great things about both. I only use instant ocean because I bought a giant 160 gallon mix bucket awhile back and I have a 15gallon tank so it's going to take me awhile before I use it up. I plan to try some reef crystals out later but i've had no problems with instant ocean.

[AABatteries]

Ok thanks for the info I think Im going with the Instant Ocean. Also I have a change of plans I'm going with tank #3 with the normal hood.

[AABatteries]

Ok probably the last question till I actually go to make the purchase. Would this work for purified water? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4395+4484&pcatid=4484

[Halelorf]

Ok probably the last question till I actually go to make the purchase. Would this work for purified water? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4395+4484&pcatid=4484

I'm not sure how pure that water will be, it might work for you but it might not. I have one of these http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4395+4418+12093&pcatid=12093 the 50gpd 3 stage and it works great.

[spudbuds]

Ok probably the last question till I actually go to make the purchase. Would this work for purified water? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...84&pcatid=4484
That looks like just a DI stage. I will work and produce pure water, but the resin will become exhausted very quickly (depending on how dirty your tap water is). You'll be buying replacement filters very frequently and it would get more expensive then buying a better system up front.

- Bill

[AABatteries]

I'm not sure how pure that water will be, it might work for you but it might not. I have one of these http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4395+4418+12093&pcatid=12093 the 50gpd 3 stage and it works great.

I was actually looking at the 24gpd one. But I think I'm going to go with using bottled water to start. :sconfused: If the RO system would be cheaper in the long run(which it probably is) I'll get one eventually. And here are some systems I found on eBay... http://cgi.ebay.com/Reef-Aquarium-RO-DI-Reverse-Osmosis-Water-Filter-75-gpd_W0QQitemZ230280640454QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 30280640454&_trkparms=72%3A1075|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A13 18&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&timeout=1218676361490 and http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Reef-6st-100GPD-Reverse-Osmosis-RO-DI-Water-Filters_W0QQitemZ110279432953QQcmdZViewItem?hash=i tem110279432953&_trkparms=72%3A1075|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A13 18&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&timeout=1218676361490

[Halelorf]

I was actually looking at the 24gpd one. But I think I'm going to go with using bottled water to start. :sconfused: If the RO system would be cheaper in the long run(which it probably is) I'll get one eventually.

That's how I started with my 15 gallon tank. My LFS store sells RO and mixed saltwater. I just got sick of carrying 6 gallon jugs home every other week. Also I got some dwarf cichlids that like soft water and my tap is fairly hard so that's why I invested in a RO unit. At my LFS it was something like $0.60 for 1 gallon of RO water and I would do 3 gallon water changes a week plus about a gallon for topoffs. Take 5 gallons a week for a year gets you (5gal/week*4week/month*12month*0.60) comes out to around $144 a year just doing 5 gallons a week. This doesn't include travel expenses also. So really a decent unit easily pays for itself in the course of a year. I would highly recommend investing in one.

[AABatteries]

lol... You just missed my question I had to edit(I didn't have enough patience) xD

[spudbuds]

I'm using an SpectraPure MaxCap 90gpd RO/DI unit. A little more expensive to start off, but the filtration ability is second to none. They offer very high quality sediment filters, RO membranes, and DI cartridges.

- Bill

[AABatteries]

I'm using an SpectraPure MaxCap 90gpd RO/DI unit. A little more expensive to start off, but the filtration ability is second to none. They offer very high quality sediment filters, RO membranes, and DI cartridges.

- Bill

A LITTLE MORE?!?! That's more than everything I need to start other then an RO system(if I get one at the start).

[Halelorf]

A LITTLE MORE?!?! That's more than everything I need to start other then an RO system(if I get one at the start).

Think you might be confused with their high efficiency model. It has a extremely low waste water ratio (claims 1:1), which also carries it's extreme price tag of $900. This is the one that spudbuds was speaking of I think. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~YSP1317~idCatego ry~FIRORDNH~category~90_180_GPD_Units-RO_DI-Reverse_Osmosis-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

You can go with a ebay one just really research the product before you buy it. Look at the sellers history and do a google search of their name to see if you can find any reviews. When I was looking at RO systems I checked ebay and saw some really nice looking ones and was about to buy them until I researched more. Found the sellers product wasn't very high quality and they were kind of shady in dealing with som customers.

[AABatteries]

I've been looking at 2 on eBay and people have said both are great items, so I think I'm going to go with the cheaper one.

[AABatteries]

DOUBLE POST!!! xD

Anyways I probably shouldn't even be looking for an RO system yet but, its good to plan ahead.

[spudbuds]

Actually, this (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~SP1711~idCategor y~FIRORDNH~category~90_180_GPD_Units-RO_DI-Reverse_Osmosis-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html) is the one I have. You get what you pay for, especially with RO/DI systems.

- Bill

[AABatteries]

So expensive!! lol

[spudbuds]

So expensive!! lol
Unfortunately, this hobby ain't cheap. IMO, take a little longer to save up and get the best. It's a drop in the bucket compared to the full setup. Also, I don't believe I paid full price for mine. I waited for a sale and got it a bit cheaper.

[cocoa_pleco]

So expensive!! lol

personally i dont have a RO machine. i just got a few 5g jugs and get them filled with RO water for a buck each. I just fill them when i get groceries, the system works fine, but its a pain in the butt to fill a new tanks, i had to make 4 trips to fill my 55g breeder

[Halelorf]

I had my nano reef setup for couple of months before I got my RO/DI system. I did the same thing Cocoa does and would take some 6 gallon jugs and hit up the LFS every other week. It just became a big hassle to do once I setup my german blue ram tank as I would be going atleast once everyweek to fill up on water and in the long run it was cheaper to get the RO system.

[AABatteries]

I know it can be expensive. :l Yeah, I'm probably going to take jug trips. :P

[oldhead]

Yeah I'm in the same boat now, been making trips to get water every week or so. I'm heavily considering an R/O DI unit for the house now too. Just have to get some money together for one soon.