ReeferJohn Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Getting back into the game after a few years off and want to start off with a tank between 4-8 gallons to sit on my desk. An AIO with as much plug-and-playability as possible is preferred. I've got my eyes on the CAD 4g but have heard that the lighting is questionable, despite the website saying it is "SPS capable". I plan on keeping small fish, LR, and inverts at first, and then add some coral later down the road. What would you guys recommend? edit: I now see CADlights has the 8g mini for roughly the same price minus a light fixture... Link to comment
rocksmom Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 PicO 5g, Fluval Spec V, Marineland 5G Contour. Aquatop has several cheap kits: http://www.truaqua.com/nano-aquarium-tanks.html Really depends on budget and the look you're going for. All of those would need a light down the road when you add coral. Nanobox's eco fixture would be great on any of them. Link to comment
Ahanix Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 I know this is a bit larger than you were wanting, I was in the exact same situation as you and ended up going with a Nuvo Fusion 10 for my desk. Total water volume I have been hearing is around 7.5 gallons if that makes you feel any better. $100 for AIO, pump, cheap media basket - Pretty much plug and play if you get a heater and a light to start with. I was going to go with a Pico 5g, but with the price being twice as much as the Fusion I couldn't do it. Link to comment
ReeferJohn Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 PicO 5g, Fluval Spec V, Marineland 5G Contour. Aquatop has several cheap kits: http://www.truaqua.com/nano-aquarium-tanks.html Really depends on budget and the look you're going for. All of those would need a light down the road when you add coral. Nanobox's eco fixture would be great on any of them. What's the general consensus on those Aquatop kits? Budget for a tank is on the lower side, no more than around $100 for the tank itself. What do you think of the CADlight tanks? I know this is a bit larger than you were wanting, I was in the exact same situation as you and ended up going with a Nuvo Fusion 10 for my desk. Total water volume I have been hearing is around 7.5 gallons if that makes you feel any better. $100 for AIO, pump, cheap media basket - Pretty much plug and play if you get a heater and a light to start with. I was going to go with a Pico 5g, but with the price being twice as much as the Fusion I couldn't do it. I can't find that in stock anywhere for some reason, but have heard great things about that company. Link to comment
tibbsy07 Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 I also like the EcoPico with 2 added LEDs (comes with 3 strips of blue/white, but adding 2 more would be a good idea), but they can be hard to find now. I think they were discontinued. Link to comment
Ahanix Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 What's the general consensus on those Aquatop kits? Budget for a tank is on the lower side, no more than around $100 for the tank itself. What do you think of the CADlight tanks? I can't find that in stock anywhere for some reason, but have heard great things about that company. You may have some luck if you call one of the local dealers - that's how I found mine in UT anyways - Plus I didn't have to wait for shipping! http://innovative-marine.com/dealers-us.html#ga Link to comment
ReeferJohn Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 You may have some luck if you call one of the local dealers - that's how I found mine in UT anyways - Plus I didn't have to wait for shipping! http://innovative-marine.com/dealers-us.html#ga I'm actually living in Alabama currently and the nearest retailer would be in Montgomery but that's an hour drive and I'd rather wait on shipping than drive there lol. Don't know why the tank without the light is out of stock everywhere but with the light is $200... Link to comment
Ahanix Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 I'm actually living in Alabama currently and the nearest retailer would be in Montgomery but that's an hour drive and I'd rather wait on shipping than drive there lol. Don't know why the tank without the light is out of stock everywhere but with the light is $200... I know the light comes packaged separately, maybe you could call one of the dealers and get them to ship you one without the light? Link to comment
ReeferJohn Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 I'm leaning towards the CAD since I can't find the nuvo in stock anywhere. How is the stock filtration on those CAD mini AIO's? Link to comment
ml86743 Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Stock filtration is eh. I had to upgrade the stock pump I believe its only around 70 GPH so if you wanted to keep some SPS its no good. The only complaint Ive had is the dual overflow on the right side, I don't know if they have made any changes to it but my nem got stuck in the bottom vent a couple times. Paired with Dave's Tide and proper up keep its an awesome little tank. Link to comment
Sancho Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 I love my CAD lights 8. Added a Tunze skimmer and it fit. the filter consisted of a giant block of foam. I made my own media basket since Intank doest make one yet. The LED could be a bit better but it works well, supports everything I have put in my tank. For what it is I am very happy with the CAD tank. Link to comment
ReeferJohn Posted March 8, 2015 Author Share Posted March 8, 2015 Think I'm gonna go with a CAD mini 8. Would one par38 LED be enough for everything besides SPS or would I need two for that tank? A lot of people use just one over the 4 it seems. Link to comment
Sancho Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Think I'm gonna go with a CAD mini 8. Would one par38 LED be enough for everything besides SPS or would I need two for that tank? A lot of people use just one over the 4 it seems. that would be more than enough. The 8 footprint is not much bigger than the 4. Link to comment
ReeferJohn Posted March 8, 2015 Author Share Posted March 8, 2015 Perfect the CAD mini 8 is gonna be the move. Thanks for the help all! Link to comment
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