Hey guys!

Years ago I had a pretty sweet 30 long that eventually had to be broken down after our first child and 4 moves in 4 years! I made the mistake the other night when I thought "it's been years...let me see what's new in the nano world"

OK...I have around $600 to spend on equipment and I'm really liking the look of all these new AIO setups by CADlights, Solana, and Finnex. My main requirement is a simple and clean look. I want to stay away from the huge clutter of wires and equipment everywhere. I want something that I can be away from for a few days and not have to worry about.

From my previous reefing days I still have an AquaC Remora and an old 250w IceCap single end MH ballast that could be incorporated if they fit the new setup. If not then they will be sold.

I plan on a few small fish, zoos, rics, lps, and maybe some easier sps placed higher up. Not looking to dose.

Sooooo....knowing all that what setup (tank, lights, skimmer, etc.) would you recommend? It's been so long that I'm a bit lost .

THANKS!

What size Display are you thinking about? Whatever size.... Go with a CAD!

I have a 12G and it is Great! Minimal Equipment and stable... I'm out of town 3 days a week and never worry about it...

That would probably help. Really anything from 20g up to the 39. I don't mind going towards the smaller end of that range if it means a great setup.

Those Cadlights are sweet and what first got me looking at AIO's. However, just saw a Solana with the disco ball at the lfs and it was VERY NICE!

Well, it'll be a little over your budget, but a Red Sea Max 130 will give you a nice AIO tank, hide the wires and have a control panel, and include stand, salt, sand, etc. They're very nice units.

For something cheaper, can't go wrong with an Aquapod, Bio Cube, etc. Are you looking to purchase new or used? Reefkeeping is a "luxury hobby" and with the economy the way it is, you can probably find a steal on Craigslist if you're patient.

For the price I really like the Eco-cube

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=18993

since you have a light already pretty much just add sand and rock and your off and running

I think this is what I'll do as I'm not in a rush at the moment.

Here's the main ones I'm looking at in order (just need to figure what light fixture and what skimmer will fit with each one) :

Cadlights 22g w/ fuge
Solana 34g
Cadlights 39 (probably out of my price range)
Finnex 30g


If I see one of those on here, nano-reef, or craigslist for a great price I'll probably pounce.

with $600 i would buy a 250G tank, DIY stand(im good with wood so i diy everything) make a list and quote of everything you need. wait for tax money to come in and boom! you dont have to worry about upgrading no more. but thats just me. i went from 10G to 20LG to 30HG to 65BG and now am going to get a 300G and im only 18!!!! but then again i have Large Tank Syndrome.