ittybittypilot Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Hi everyone! I've been lurking, reading, searching and enjoying this site for awhile now. Finally ready to start posting and taking the next step....buying a small "cube-style" tank. I have been keeping freshwater/planted tanks for a long time. And yes, I know smaller is harder. I don't have space now for anything bigger than an 8. So....can anyone recommend or advise agains various "cube" tanks? I'm really interested in the CAD 8G Mini. I don't plan to have much fish. Mostly corals and snails...keeping it simple. Thanks so much! So happy to find this site. Link to comment
Rememberme Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 I have a cube and now tbh, I think I should have opted for a long tank. Long tanks give you more space for coral and can feel like your fish have more room to swim around (subjective tho). Go for a breeder 8 gallon long, probably no skimmer maybe a HOB filter or something. A lot cheaper too Link to comment
ittybittypilot Posted March 20, 2015 Author Share Posted March 20, 2015 How critical are things like lighting (meaning high end/high tech) and protein skimmers on these tiny tanks? The CAD has an impressive filtration/skimmer system built in. Should I spring for that (meaning is it worth the extra $$) or can I get away with basic HOB? What I have had great success in for freshwater/planted....I am totally unsure what I can get away with for reef. I want to buy the right 5/8 gallon now, even if that means saving a bit for the better/more high tech one if that is what is best. TANKS! Link to comment
Cencalfishguy56 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 How critical are things like lighting (meaning high end/high tech) and protein skimmers on these tiny tanks? The CAD has an impressive filtration/skimmer system built in. Should I spring for that (meaning is it worth the extra $$) or can I get away with basic HOB? What I have had great success in for freshwater/planted....I am totally unsure what I can get away with for reef. I want to buy the right 5/8 gallon now, even if that means saving a bit for the better/more high tech one if that is what is best. TANKS! If you go long or even an 8 gallon you can opt for cheaper lighting as the spread wouldn't be that great to cover but it will still be a pretty penny for optimal growth and health and for a protein skimmer that depends on your bioload with fish I keep 3 in my 10 gallon but run a skimmer for nutrient export if you keep something small water changes will take care of it Link to comment
ittybittypilot Posted March 20, 2015 Author Share Posted March 20, 2015 I'll look at the dimensions for the long 8's. I really appreciate the advice. I'm not sure I have the space for a long, but I will see what I can do! I'm really not that interested in fish, I want the corals and anemone....and SNAILS! I have a snail fettish. LOL Any tips on lighting for corals and Anemone tanks? Is that easier than setting up for those AND fish? Link to comment
Rememberme Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 IMO, go for a HOB with a compartment where you can put biomedia (those cermaic things and active carbon). Using biomedia will reduce the no. of water changes by a lot, especially active carbon like boyd's chemipure blue. For an 8 gallon, you can spend some cash for a maxspect razor, which is relatively cheap. The best lights for coral growth is probably radions. Tbh, I think in an 8 gallon a skimmer isn't really nessicary unless you plan to stock more than 2 fish and even then water changes will still be better (keep in mind that a skimmer will take up space where you might have put corals or give more room for your fish to swim. In terms of priority for stuff you wanna buy (what's most important) 1.lights 2.pumps 3.biomedia 4.filter (most filters are similar IMO) Link to comment
Rememberme Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 I'll look at the dimensions for the long 8's. I really appreciate the advice. I'm not sure I have the space for a long, but I will see what I can do! I'm really not that interested in fish, I want the corals and anemone....and SNAILS! I have a snail fettish. LOL Any tips on lighting for corals and Anemone tanks? Is that easier than setting up for those AND fish? Lighting for anemones need to be somewhat stronger than for most soft or LPS corals (SPS and NPS don't tend to do well in smaller thanks, but still doable). In terms of lighting for anemones, you can use a Maxspect razor (100% channels are already over kill) or some other specialized coral lights (plenty out there). If you get an anemones, the only reef safe ones that can manage in an 8 gallon is probably BTA (bubble tip anemone), rockflower and minimaxi (mini carpet anemone). Anemones tend to be somewhat sensitive to changes, I'd say wait 2 months before adding an anemones (after everything is cycled+1 month). Things that which I know of that can be hosted by an anemone: Clownfish (will not work for mini maxi) Sexy Shrimp Porcelain crab I only mention Maxspect razor cause I'm using that, so don't feel that you should/have to get a maxspect razor. I'd actually say it's middle of the road(maybe a bit higher) lighting for corals Link to comment
Rememberme Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 I'd only go for 2 max size 3 inch fish in an 8 gallon. keep in mind that you will have some additional bioload if you keep anemones (not a huge deal though). Either way, make life easy for yourself and only go for 2 fish max, maybe 1. I know 2 or 1 fish sounds very little but when you get the fish itself it'll be different. If you go for smaller fish like clown goby then yea, you can have 3 fish (maaaybeee). O yea, Kessil is another good light brand Link to comment
Cencalfishguy56 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 I have a kessil awesome light and everything will grow Link to comment
kylhcky Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 good lighting goes a long way on any size tank. as far as a protein skimmer goes, that is not necessary on a tank this small. weekly 10% to 20% water changes should handle the tanks bioload just fine. putting fish in a tank this small can just add to the difficulty though. Link to comment
ittybittypilot Posted March 20, 2015 Author Share Posted March 20, 2015 Like I said I'm Not all that interested in fish. I want the corals and anemones. Maybe 1-2 fish. So, what do you guys think about the Fluval Spec or Edge (lighting/filter)? Link to comment
Evanski9 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 PM me and I will take care of you on what is needed. I see alot of the incorrect info being tossed around. Link to comment
Cencalfishguy56 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 PM me and I will take care of you on what is needed. I see alot of the incorrect info being tossed around. How is our info incorrect? That's a biased opinion lol everything is credible Link to comment
Evanski9 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 How is our info incorrect? That's a biased opinion lol everything is credible "MO, go for a HOB with a compartment where you can put biomedia (those cermaic things and active carbon). Using biomedia will reduce the no. of water changes by a lot, especially active carbon like boyd's chemipure blue." This makes me want to bang my head on the ground. Your fine. I didnt say names. Hi everyone! I've been lurking, reading, searching and enjoying this site for awhile now. Finally ready to start posting and taking the next step....buying a small "cube-style" tank. I have been keeping freshwater/planted tanks for a long time. And yes, I know smaller is harder. I don't have space now for anything bigger than an 8. So....can anyone recommend or advise agains various "cube" tanks? I'm really interested in the CAD 8G Mini. I don't plan to have much fish. Mostly corals and snails...keeping it simple. Thanks so much! So happy to find this site. Grab a beer and kick back and read this : It is for Pico's but really will give you a great grasp on the concept since a 8g is not much bigger. http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/180570-el-fabs-simple-guide-to-pico-tanks/ Link to comment
Cencalfishguy56 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 "MO, go for a HOB with a compartment where you can put biomedia (those cermaic things and active carbon). Using biomedia will reduce the no. of water changes by a lot, especially active carbon like boyd's chemipure blue." This makes me want to bang my head on the ground. Your fine. I didnt say names. Grab a beer and kick back and read this : It is for Pico's but really will give you a great grasp on the concept since a 8g is not much bigger. http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/180570-el-fabs-simple-guide-to-pico-tanks/ I know man sorry I failed to read all the posts! My fault lol Link to comment
Evanski9 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 I know man sorry I failed to read all the posts! My fault lol No problem! Cheers! Link to comment
ittybittypilot Posted March 21, 2015 Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 Excellent info, everyone! I'm so pleased. Next question...what do you all think of the Fluval tanks? I looked at the JBJ Pico's (love them), however my LFS has various Fluvals on sale making them a VERY economical choice over online ordering. Curious over your thoughts on the ability to upgrade my lighting or is the stock lighting decent enough for most corals? And how many watts/gal should I be looking for? Link to comment
Eckozulu Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 I'm surprised no one mentioned the IM fusion 10g. The dims are 12Wx15Dx12H. Great deal for $100. Lighting AI prime, $200 or Nanobox mini tide, $250. With these you can just about keep anything. Another setup, deep blue 12" cube with a Fluval AC 30 HOB filter. There are also plenty of Fluval spec V's on this site. Not so many edges. Nanobox mini tide lights those up perfectly. Link to comment
ittybittypilot Posted April 4, 2015 Author Share Posted April 4, 2015 I just wanted to post and update and thank everyone for all the encouragement and advice. about 10 days ago I bought the Fluval Spec V. It's been cycling with LR I got off CL for $1/lb and I bought Agra-Alive Live Sand. I have 2 Red Legged Hermies and a bunch of tiny unidentified snails that hitched a ride (along with Bristleworms..which I'm removing) and 2 baby star fish. There is alot of purple coralline algae, a xenia (who's not happy) and a tiny bit of hair algae I neglected to notice before I hard scaped. All in all, I'm very pleased and once cycled, I am looking forward to buying a few Zoas. Link to comment
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