So I've been reading (and reading and reading and...) all the information about setting up a nano reef tank. I'd like to pull the trigger on an 8g cube, but I wanted to ask one question first -

All the mod'ing being done to these tanks, is it a necessity or is it just people who know what they are doing making the most out of a stock piece of equipment (sort of like people who are nuts about their cars constantly tinkering about under the hood)?

I ask because while I see there are all sorts of benefits to the various mods, I haven't read anything that says you are setting up 8 gallons of death if you don't do them and, frankly, I'm afraid I'd trash my first tank in the process of trying to improve it...

Thanks!

Generally people modify their set ups in order to facilitate care of more demanding corals like sps.
A stock nano cube or whatever would be fine for soft coral. (generally)

PS- Get out while you can... It's addictive!

Ok thanks. Looks like Craigslist is going to get me hooked up tomorrow

Buena Suerte.