is this a good starter tank?

I have the biocube 29, it's been great for me so far though truth be told I wish I had bought a larger tank. One think you have to do is cut away a little of the area where the water flows from chamber 1 to chamber 2 to allow greater flow.

 

Keep in mind T5s are florescent lights as well.

 

I am pretty sure that he meant that the standard fluorescent light that comes with that tank is crap GM. You will have to replace the light to be able to keep an corals.

And as far as the filter goes, you can use it you just will have to clean in more often thats all. I have have many very successful tanks using a HOB filter. Finding a tank to fit under that stand to use as a sump will be a challenge, I have one or those stands and I am using a 10 gallon tall as a sump.

And as far as the making sure that the tank has never had copper in it, contrary to popular belief that is not an issue, all you have to do is scrub the tank really well paying particular attention to the corners. Silicone cannot and does not absorb or leach copper

 

My mistake. Yes, I meant the standard florescent lighting is what's the crap stuff. Thanks for clearing it up, Gazog.