Looking for some information.

[zackish]

In a few months I am looking to setup a SW tank but I like to do a lot of research before I do something. I was wondering if you guys had any good on-line reading or anything of that sort you could link me to? Maybe so info. on exactly what I will need and such. I am also really interested in coral and would like to know what I could have in a nano tank. I really like mushrooms but I am really not sure what they require and such. I am a member of the nano-reef.com website and I have probably read every article there.

I also had a question as far as a tank. I was planning on going with a 20 gallon tank but a friend of mine that works at one of my LFS thinks I should go with the 14 gallon Oceanic Biocube. The biocube seems like a good deal to me except the lighting seems weak. Would the biocube be a good idea or would the 20 gal with a more intense light work better. I am mainly interested in the corals which is why I was going to go with a seperate light on a 20 gal tank rather than the 48 watts worth on a bio-cube.

[Rue]

...as a rule, the bigger the better...SW is much less forgiving of 'oopsies!' than FW...

As long as light is adequate, most corals can do well in a nano - just don't choose any fussy ones. All the ones I have are essentially easy-going without too many special requirements. Fish are more problematic...you can't have as many fish per gallon in SW vs. FW because of the lower O2 levels in the water...

If you go with a biocube, you will likely need to upgrade the lighting. But shop around, with the current increasing interest in nano tanks there might be some new set-ups available that are better than the older ones.

I got the RSM because it's set up for a reef...however, lots of RSM owners are also upgrading it for various reasons...so far I haven't seen a need to, I'm using the set-up as intended without any major issues...

Knowing what I know now...I'd definately go with a 20g or a bit bigger...but if you really want smaller that's fine too...just be aware of the issues that go with the smaller tanks...

[cocoa_pleco]

definitely go bigger. as soon as i tore down the 10g nanoreef and transferred the fish and corals to the 33g things were easier. the 10g 3g sump nanocube salt tank isnt too hard to take care of either, and it has 60W, but the 33g is easiest.

[coachfraley]

Another vote for bigger. I have a 12g all-in-one, but i would much rather have a 20 long with my choice of components.

There are plenty of good HOB fuge and skimmer options that will make your tank just as good, if not better than, any all-in-one.