Dipping my toes... Again

[chrisnif]

I've had salt before, starting in the early 90s with a 20 long (with crushed coral, an under gravel filter, and some damsels), my last go at it I had a really nice 5 gallon "walmart kit" that did real well with a 20w 50/50 screw in from coralife (mushrooms grew quite well shockingly) and a 20 gallon tall w/ a 70w halide (converted a halogen security light). I'm not sure where I want to go this time around, but I know being a reseller for DA I'll be putting a ReefKeeper of some sort on there and hopefully that will make it a bit easier this go around.

 

I'm considering 3 possibilities with some pros/cons in this order

Nanocube/biocube in the around 30 gallon range -

Probably stock - clown pair + 1 or 2 small others.
Pros - all in one, no sump, hide most things in the rear compartments.
Cons - Most likely will need a lighting upgrade right out of the box. Need a good skimmer.

 

40 Breeder
Probable stock - clown pair + small angel + ? Likely 5 fish or those 3 plus 3 that stay very small
Pros - bigger - accommodate more fish, all equipment in sump
Cons - Sump, more to buy, higher cost of upkeep

 

Nanocube/biocube in the 10-15 gallon range
Probable stock 2 fish (not sure what at this point)
Pros - lowest initial cost same other pros as larger nanocube above, might be able to go no skimmer.
Cons - small likely will want to upgrade down the road, likely still needs a lighting upgrade.

 

Give me opinions folks, the two top options are most likely as I really do want a pair of misbar black clowns again or perhaps a naked regular and a misbar black.

[mystersyster]

My bias is the 40 breeder. But I couldn't pass this up. And you wouldn't need to upgrade the light until you went to sps or lps. Softies would do great.

 

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+20024+18524&pcatid=18524&r=1663

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+20024+15559&pcatid=15559&r=1663

 

These are amazing deals, considering they come with stands.

[Genie382]

Some tanks I have been eyeballing for a possible upgrade are as follows...

 

If your interested in an AIO why don't you consider either one of the new Fusion lines. They range from 10 and 20 gallon (but there are 30 and 40 gallon tanks as well) I think Marine Depot is doing a package deal right now which includes a skimmer and media reactor (though from what I've read the IM skimmer is crappy)

 

and as a more random choice on the new Fluval Reef (there's a 14 and 24 gallon) systems. Those come as an AIO (w/ skimmer/lights/heater) and stand for about 600$. I started out in the fish keeping hobby w/ a Fluval edge so I'm a fan of their products.

 

If you had a little more money to burn go for a Pico aquarium, which is an AIO and comes in a 5 and 20 gallon, or they are willing to do custom sizes at a very reasonable cost.

[chrisnif]

Well Thanks so much for sharing those sale links with me, I ended up pulling the trigger on the 24 gallon JBJ.