What nano would you guys recommend?

We are twins on this subject. Although I cannot be called a guru of the box kits, I haven't seen one yet that I would like enough to set up and feel comfortable with.

I cannot argue with the allure of plug and play though......I have considered one for my desk over the last few months. But, again, I haven't found one that I figured was a good deal.

 

well it doesnt have to be difficult, to put together one you self you only need 4 things.
heater.
lighting(70watt halide/t5 actinic go with clip on halide and buy a coralife t5 fixture).
tank(10-20gal a).
skimmer(octopus hob).
thats about as simply you can get.
no fuss no mess, if you can open 4 boxes you can set it up

for somebody that knows the hobby you will want versatility that a most kits wont have(atleast not with a reasonable price)

 

Well, what do you consider building? It will all come to your door in the same box either way, and the kits do require assembly I take it this is most likely going to be a reef right?
I did some searching on that tank: seems the bulbs and the skimmer are not getting rave reviews. So you would have to count on replacing those almost immediately. 425 gph is not nearly enough flow for a 30 gallon reef, so plan on adding powerheads. Doesn't come with a heater, so need to get that. Now you have $300 over the original price tag, a fair amount of work, and have removed/replaced/or enhanced 3 different components. Sorry if I sound negative, but I know you're the type thats going to want a tank operating properly And the best, most time and cost efficient way to do that would be to build your own. You could build a 20 long for $100 less than the sticker on that 30 gallon that would blow it away.

 

How about the Oceanic Premiere 30 gallon cube tank? They have nice stands too.
I know it's not "all-inclusive", but you'll have more options for lighting, etc.
Oceanic Systems | Products | Cube

 

Did you hear from Jwin? He has a Nano Wave 9 by Aqua Medic. It's been a nice little tank for his mantis shrimp. The main problem he had from the start was temperature control. He ended up having to order and install a fan kit to keep it from getting too hot.

 

My old nano cube got really hot with 48w of pc.s. I ended up doing a sump. I still have the tank.. Hint hint and a 150w mh clip on.... HINT HINT>>>>>>lol..

 

It's a 12 gallon..

 

hey Baugherb I'm lookin for a 150w MH hint hint lol

 

Guys....I didn't have much experience at all getting into this! Still don't know all that much either! LOL! Not knowing anything, I was talked into a JBJ 12 by the LFS. Seemed inexpensive and simple. Out the box simplicity....the JBJ cubes have been doing me very well. Only thing I have added is a fission nano protein skimmer into the back and a heater. Water params always stayed very stable after initial cycling. Only deaths I had was an extended power outage after a hurricane, so not the cubes fault. Everything I have is very healthy and spreading very generously!

Again....with not much experience...I sure cant say anything negative here about the JBJ's. Maybe its just good luck! LOL!

Reason for this post: Knowing a little more now than when I bought mine....I know they have better nano's out there....and my little POS is doing just fine!