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umdivx
05-19-2009, 09:43 PM
So I am friends with Lurch and Aberrix and have been talking with both of them (mostly Aberrix) about their setup's and now I think I've got the bug.

I've been wanting to do a tank setup, and just didn't know really what I wanted to do. But after seeing Aberrix's setup, I now know I want to do a nano reef setup.

thanks to him here's the list of things I am considering.

The Tank/Stand: Oceanic BioCube 14 w/ Stand (http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=k0038) the combo is on sale right now online at Petco and Aberrix is recommending it. Any comments? Thoughts? Suggestions for a noob that doesn't want to break the bank on a decent tank?

From what I understand if I want to change lighting because it is a popular tank places like nanotuners make replacement plug-n-play lights for this tank. Was also talking with The guy from Discovery Aquatics in Anoka about the tank and also said it wasn't a bad tank for someone who doesn't want the high maint of a pico tank and doesn't want a 20+ gal tank either. Kind of the sweet spot for size I guess.

Am I way off base with those statements or am I on the right track?

I am looking to go with mostly soft corals, something easy, and something that is cheap, that again won't break the bank.

As far as accessories, go, a digital thermometer, heater, possibly a protein skimmer, test kit, and a hydrometer. Anything else I am missing?

Also for a 14gal tank, what size (wattage) heater should I be looking at?

thanks in advance for any input. I trying to turn this into a father/daughter bonding thing, as well as something to teach my daughter about responsibilities, and of course as an excuse for yet another hobby for me ;)

so thanks again,
Josh
dustybaker
05-19-2009, 09:51 PM
You came to the right place. You'll have 20 posts on here by tomorrow evening with advice. I am new myself and have been filled with knowledge in a short amount of time. I guess the only big mistake i have made is using tap water, get RO/DI water from Jake at Discovery or somewhere else.Oh, and I live in Ramsey off of Alpine and St.Francis if you want to check out another tank sometime.Good Luck!
:beerchug:
umdivx
05-19-2009, 09:55 PM
You came to the right place. You'll have 20 posts on here by tomorrow evening with advice. I am new myself and have been filled with knowledge in a short amount of time. I guess the only big mistake i have made is using tap water, get RO/DI water from Jake at Discovery or somewhere else.Oh, and I live in Ramsey off of Alpine and St.Francis if you want to check out another tank sometime.Good Luck!
:beerchug:

off of Bunker and Sunfish here. So you're nice and close to me so I just may take you up on the offer some time.

But for now more reading/research is needed.

- Josh
mnpilot
05-19-2009, 09:56 PM
Give this a looksy: http://www.cadlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=117

I just did a 39g, but the 12g looked pretty slick. Good luck with the setup.:beerchug:
MSmusicstudios
05-19-2009, 10:24 PM
I second the CADlights!!!! Great Value! I have the CADlights 12 and love it. It has been a great tank for me. Really it is plug and play (of course you have to cycle etc..). The CADlights do not require alot of upgrades. With the lighting that came with it I am keeping softies, Zoa's, LPS, and SPS.

I thought about the Biocubes and the Nanocubes, but really liked the CADlights. The evaporation is more that the Box models, but I just top off everyday.

As far as accessories go skip the hydrometer and go straight for the refractometer. I made that mistake to try and save a couple bucks, but it was not worth the savings. Also with the CADlights I added a powerhead, and upgraded the pump. You would want to do that with the Biocube as well, but I just thought I would mention it.

Oh and by the way... Welcome!:biggthumpup:
umdivx
05-19-2009, 10:33 PM
Also with the CADlights I added a powerhead, and upgraded the pump. You would want to do that with the Biocube as well, but I just thought I would mention it.

Any recommendations on the powerhead and upgraded pump?

thanks,
Josh
MSmusicstudios
05-19-2009, 10:36 PM
Yeah.. Koralia Nano or 1 for the power head. I upgraded the pump to a MaxiJett 600. I like the stock pump a lot, but the MaxiJett has a little more flow.
coralreefer
05-20-2009, 12:30 AM
Welcome to the club! :beerchug:

Research is your best friend in this hobby. This site is a little tough to navigate at first but is full of good info:

www.wetwebmedia.com

Also, a refractometer is a better way to go than a hydrometer.
Aberrix
05-20-2009, 09:03 AM
/waves
kmjoen230
05-20-2009, 12:35 PM
Hey there and welcome!
I have been running a 14g bioCube for over a year now.
I like it but of course there are better things out there.
The skimmer I have is the Oceanic skimmer, it is a little bit more high maintenance than a normal skimmer, I have a Tunze on my RedSea Max 34g, because you need to replace the wood air filter and this can become a pain in the rear.
I also added numerous power heads to it as well, I left the main pump alone but added a Maxi-Jet 400 and a Koralia Nano.
I believe I have a 25watt heater, but don't quote me on that, I will check tonight and get back to you.
I have not upgraded the lights at all.
Also refractometer is a must
bkoppes
05-20-2009, 12:47 PM
off of Bunker and Sunfish here. So you're nice and close to me so I just may take you up on the offer some time.

But for now more reading/research is needed.

- Josh

I live off bunker and near sunfish lake as well. My wife has a 28 gallon cube and I have a 75g. You are welcome to see our tanks before you set yours up.

Brett
wes
05-20-2009, 01:43 PM
I've got a 12g aqua-pod and I've modified it quite a few times. If you can keep up on your water changes and stock very selectively, this can be a great tank. Do some research on mods, as many of them you'll want to do before the tank is setup. one of my favorite mods was putting a koralia nano pump into a rear chamber of my tank--I HATE how much tank space they take up, and in a small tank you don't want to lose any footprint for corals.

IMO/IME5g water changes weekly or bi-weekly will make your nano look killer and doesn't take too much effort. To start, you might want to buy water from a place like Salt water empire, where the salt mix is quality and salinity will be close to what you'll want to use.

TALK TO A LOT OF PEOPLE!

GO SLOWLY!! The best advice I ever got in this hobby was to go slow because "nothing good happens fast"
Nemo
05-20-2009, 03:01 PM
Did you know petco will price match there prices online. That is how I got mine, talk to the manager.
Aberrix
05-20-2009, 03:10 PM
Did you know petco will price match there prices online. That is how I got mine, talk to the manager.

Do you pay taxes w/ online petco purchases? (I know umdivx scored a petco.com free shipping coupon from jake@discoveryaquatics also...)
Nemo
05-20-2009, 03:14 PM
Do you pay taxes w/ online petco purchases? (I know umdivx scored a petco.com free shipping coupon from jake@discoveryaquatics also...)

I dont think you pay tax for online purchases. I just went to the store and told the guy this tank was online at petco for this price and he said he will match it. I could have bought it online but I wanted it right away!