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new Coralife LED Biocube 32 vs something else


blazingnate

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First off, I've been into freshwater tanks for years and have finally decided to get into reef. I live in an apartment so i'm limited on size so I felt that a nano tank around 30g would work great. I've been looking at the Biocube for the past few months and was planning to get it and then saw that a new version came out. Long story short I'm looking for recommendations for a beginning wanting to get into a nano reef. Thanks in advance.

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It depends on what you plan on keeping for corals. If you want sps the lighting either comes with won't be enough.

 

Its good for lps and softies.

 

Other options are innovative marine with the following light options

 

Ai prime or Hydra

Nanobox

Mars Aqua

Kessil

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SelectedByNature

First off, I've been into freshwater tanks for years and have finally decided to get into reef. I live in an apartment so i'm limited on size so I felt that a nano tank around 30g would work great. I've been looking at the Biocube for the past few months and was planning to get it and then saw that a new version came out. Long story short I'm looking for recommendations for a beginning wanting to get into a nano reef. Thanks in advance.

Hi,

 

I have the biocube 32 LED.

 

Perhaps you could say more about what you're looking for in a nano tank and we could provide more info on various setups.

 

I went with the biocube for affordability, because it's all-in-one, it's a tried and tested legacy item, etc.

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So, I'm totally new to this and I also like the idea of an all in one tank to start out with. In terms of what would go in the tank: I would like clowns, shrimp, firefish and some attractive beginner corals. I guess I'm just looking for the best bang for the buck to get me into a nano reef. I would like the ability to upgrade the lighting in the future if I decide to.

 

I just don't want to spend all that on a all-in-one take, to just end up upgrading most of it in the long run. So would the Biocube do that, or would I need to upgrade most of the accessories?

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SelectedByNature

So, I'm totally new to this and I also like the idea of an all in one tank to start out with. In terms of what would go in the tank: I would like clowns, shrimp, firefish and some attractive beginner corals. I guess I'm just looking for the best bang for the buck to get me into a nano reef. I would like the ability to upgrade the lighting in the future if I decide to.

 

I just don't want to spend all that on a all-in-one take, to just end up upgrading most of it in the long run. So would the Biocube do that, or would I need to upgrade most of the accessories?

I'd say the biocube is a good bet for all the reasons you listed.

 

If you get crazy addicted down the road possibly you'll want more accessories, a better light (for SPS) or just a bigger setup, but a tank like a biocube is good or to get your feet wet without a huge financial burden.

 

I'm not advocating biocube particularly, there are many awesome tanks, and some all-in-ones, but typically when you factor in the light it's going to cost you more.

 

If depends how important money is in the decision, with a huge budget I might go with a red Sea reefer or innovative marine 40.

 

All depends on what you're willing to spend.

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I'd say the biocube is a good bet for all the reasons you listed.

 

If you get crazy addicted down the road possibly you'll want more accessories, a better light (for SPS) or just a bigger setup, but a tank like a biocube is good or to get your feet wet without a huge financial burden.

 

I'm not advocating biocube particularly, there are many awesome tanks, and some all-in-ones, but typically when you factor in the light it's going to cost you more.

 

If depends how important money is in the decision, with a huge budget I might go with a red Sea reefer or innovative marine 40.

 

All depends on what you're willing to spend.

I just looked up the marine 40 and have to say i'm impressed! I'm just not sure how much I want to invest right away. Are you happy with your biocube so far?

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SelectedByNature

I just looked up the marine 40 and have to say i'm impressed! I'm just not sure how much I want to invest right away. Are you happy with your biocube so far?

Yes very. But I can't say that this had been cheap by any means haha. It'll prob end up costing you 3-4 times the cost of the tank itself to set it up with rock, sand, salt, heater, pumps, test kits, etc etc.

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Yes very. But I can't say that this had been cheap by any means haha. It'll prob end up costing you 3-4 times the cost of the tank itself to set it up with rock, sand, salt, heater, pumps, test kits, etc etc.

Hmm so if I go with that 40 gallon you recommended what would I be looking at for cost to get up and running minus the cost of fish or coral? I'm trying to make sure you don't get a tank I'll want to upgrade later, but I also don't want to dump "too much" in such a new hobby to me.

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HI! Welcome and so exciting!

I am a few weeks shy of my 1 year BC29 anniversary :-)

A few months ago I swapped out my lid with the 32 LED and have been so happy.

I am planning to write an anniversary thread with my learning curve but can tell you the following top line:

1. The LED hood is amazing because it has a timer- this has been a huge game changer as it does the sunset/sunrise and you do nothing for lights!

2. Corals have been a learning curve for me. Thus far corals who have flourished are: Frogspawn, Duncans, Flowerpots, Green Polyp. Kenya tree is out of control growing. I have two sets of Zoas doing well but they grow really slow. I have had no success with Acans but haven't had any with the new lid.

3. Whatever you do don't overstock your tank with fish or buy your dream fish thinking it will work out. Ask people here what your thoughts are before going to your lfs because when you get there it is just so exciting and they will often tell you what you want to hear. I have made every fish mistake- from adding a 6th fish (nope) to bringing in a Mandarin (double nope). The BC should not have more than 4 fish ever in my humble opinion. Others who have had their tanks for years have of course added more but goal to have 2-3 fish. If they flourish over time you can add a few more with major caution.

4. Clowns are assholes. Cute. But mean and will bite you every time you have your hand in the tank. Don't take it personal.

5. BC sump is fine but make sure you have another source of water movement.

Everyone in this community and my LFS told me I would want something bigger and now of course I do. However the AIO was the best for a newbie and I have learned so much!

I feel like as a beginner you can't go wrong with an AIO. I am so happy I went that route and knowing what I know now feel much better equipped for my next tank :-)

good luck!!!

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SelectedByNature

Hmm so if I go with that 40 gallon you recommended what would I be looking at for cost to get up and running minus the cost of fish or coral? I'm trying to make sure you don't get a tank I'll want to upgrade later, but I also don't want to dump "too much" in such a new hobby to me.

Well an appropriate light depending on what your trying to grow will up the cost significantly. Live rock isn't cheap either. Heater 40-50$. Wavemakers 80-150$. You'll probably want an intank basket for another 60$. Salt 100$. RODI unit or buying water and mixing it (need a bucket, another pump and heater in most cases).

 

It all depends on you but that would be the low tech setup and it'll still cost for maintenance (supplies, test kits, refractometer, supplements).

 

Higher tech setup or expansion into more difficult coral will of course increase the cost and headaches a lot.

 

The biocube does come with a pretty decent light so it's more affordable way to start IMO.

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Thanks for all of the feedback everyone! I'm leaning toward the biocube due to simplicity and cost, right now. Are there any ways to save money up front such as starting with just regular sand and rock and waiting for bacteria to grow vs buying live rock and sand?

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No regular sand. You need either livesand or aragonite. Caribsea is good.

 

Regular sand has silica in it, it will save you money but give you nothing but headaches.

 

You have 3 options for rock, liverock, dry reef rock, or caribsea life rock(dry with injected bacteria) all are not cheap.

 

The only cheaper way of doing sw is getting a standard tank with an hob filter but the lighting will still cost you in the end.

 

Factor in costs:

 

Tank(bc comes with lights and pump)

Or standard with hob plus lights)

 

Heater $30-$50 x 2

Powerhead for salt mixing $20-$50

Powerhead or wavemaker for tank $40+

 

Salt $40+

Refractometer $40+

Buckets $10+

Test kits price varies on brands($10+ each)

Sand $40

Rocks $3.99/lb and up

Graval vacuum, turkey baster, filteration media

 

Water(ro/di system or buying your own distilled- price varies)

 

Eventually possibly dosers

Coral foods and fish foods

 

Then corals and fish

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Have you looked into SC Aquariums plug and play systems? Might be a little above your budget but could be something to think about. I'll be upgrading soon and these and the cad lights versa series are prerrt high on my list. I also have a pretty decent light already though

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Thanks for all of the replies everyone. Reading about the sc plug and play, makes it sound sweet but on the more expensive side. I live in an apartment right now and will probably only live here 2 or 3 more years so I don't want to go too big or spend too much in case I move. I'm planning to take it real slow and plan out what I want. I'm still leaning toward the biocube for cost abs size reasons. I have other hobbies that are trying to take my money too but I've always wanted a salt water tank since I was a little kid, so I think that's were my money is going to go.

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I would really consider this before a biocube. Im not a fan of the biocube although I have owned 2 and bought them cause they seemed to be the cheaper option. When all was said and done after several light upgrades I had well over a grand in just the tank and equipment. I kicked myself for not just getting a nice tank to begin with. The red sea is truly almost plug and play. I think all you will need to buy is a heater. If you live somewhere like southern CA or Florida you may not even need a heater. These are dead sexy high quality tanks tanks. You wont be itching to upgrade lights. It has thick low iron glass and the build is top notch.

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_MAX_NANO_Complete_Reef_System_Black_Nano_Tank_with_Lighting_Stand_etc_20_29_Gallons-Red_Sea-RS40000-FIAQNCCKCKTT-vi.html

 

The SCA 40 is on sale also high quality but you need a light. So you will still be in the $900 range

http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-40gpnp.htm

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I would really consider this before a biocube. Im not a fan of the biocube although I have owned 2 and bought them cause they seemed to be the cheaper option. When all was said and done after several light upgrades I had well over a grand in just the tank and equipment. I kicked myself for not just getting a nice tank to begin with. The red sea is truly almost plug and play. I think all you will need to buy is a heater. If you live somewhere like southern CA or Florida you may not even need a heater. These are dead sexy high quality tanks tanks. You wont be itching to upgrade lights. It has thick low iron glass and the build is top notch.

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_MAX_NANO_Complete_Reef_System_Black_Nano_Tank_with_Lighting_Stand_etc_20_29_Gallons-Red_Sea-RS40000-FIAQNCCKCKTT-vi.html

 

The SCA 40 is on sale also high quality but you need a light. So you will still be in the $900 range

http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-40gpnp.htm

I have to agree with Sancho re Biocube. I really like mine but it is due to the fact I was overwhelmed, not from a background of understanding a lot of the hardware and wanted something simple.

A year in I have changed the media, added additional pumps, planning to upgrade sump etc.

My next tank will not be an AOI because I think some of the items are superfluous and you are paying for the ability to start the tank immediately. That said after a few months you will be itching for upgrades like I have been.

That said I really think it is a great beginner tank and will help you with what you actually want.... to become addicted and goal for more(eeck me) or be pleased with a neat tank that will house beginning corals and a few fish :-)

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I would really consider this before a biocube. Im not a fan of the biocube although I have owned 2 and bought them cause they seemed to be the cheaper option. When all was said and done after several light upgrades I had well over a grand in just the tank and equipment. I kicked myself for not just getting a nice tank to begin with. The red sea is truly almost plug and play. I think all you will need to buy is a heater. If you live somewhere like southern CA or Florida you may not even need a heater. These are dead sexy high quality tanks tanks. You wont be itching to upgrade lights. It has thick low iron glass and the build is top notch.

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_MAX_NANO_Complete_Reef_System_Black_Nano_Tank_with_Lighting_Stand_etc_20_29_Gallons-Red_Sea-RS40000-FIAQNCCKCKTT-vi.html

 

The SCA 40 is on sale also high quality but you need a light. So you will still be in the $900 range

http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-40gpnp.htm

 

You all really have got me thinking, so I went to the local fish store to look at fish and tanks. They have a biocube set up with a seahorse in it. I have to admit that I would prefer something without the hood. The visibility isn't amazing with the biobube unless you kneel down and look at it. Nothing against the biocube but I think I may be willing to spend more to get a tank without the hood. I'm still wanting to keep my costs down.

 

I guess my my next question is: I think I want to go between 30-50 gallons. What would be the advantage and disadvantage of going with the 50 vs the 30 or 40? what would you buy between these sizes? and which all in one tanks would you recommends?

 

what do you think about this one? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27974&cmpid=03cseYY&ref=6194&subref=AA&cmpid=PLA_G_6194&gclid=Cj0KEQiA-_HDBRD2lomhoufc1JkBEiQA0TVMmliu13Fmv2jilgd3_bWwLKg2945jHdK0Im2QcO12IuEaAgqz8P8HAQ

 

or

 

https://www.amazon.com/Starfire-Aquariums-Complete-Package-24x24x20/dp/B00HY5PD56?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJWBR6IT5QZMSJ3LA&tag=asaplugin-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00HY5PD56

 

Thanks in advance

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Whoa the first one looks so sleek!

VERY Cool- You will have to see what the more experienced people say but if it were me I would go with 45 over 30. Just 15 extra gallons opens you up to so many fish and corals.

Also the bigger tanks are supposedly easier to maintain :-)

Yay so exciting!

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Awesome tanks for sure! So too will be the price once all is said and done haha.

 

For real! this is becoming way more expensive then I thought it would be. That's why I'm not rushing out and buying one right away.

 

have you thought about skipping the aio and going with a regular tank and a sump.

 

I have thought of it, but it sounds a little overwhelming. I like the simplicity of an all in one tank, but I would be open to considering doing it myself.

 

That SCA is a hell of a good deal on amazon. And free shipping ;)

 

It's very temping. Would you consider that a pretty high quality tank?

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SO if I end up getting a more expensive tank like the SCA, are there some ways to save money, to make up for the extra cost of the tank? In terms of lighting or regular rock vs live rock, ect.

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burtbollinger

SO if I end up getting a more expensive tank like the SCA, are there some ways to save money, to make up for the extra cost of the tank? In terms of lighting or regular rock vs live rock, ect.

 

you really cannot mess with the basics.

 

you can go dry rock...but not "regular" rock. theres no way around rock that costs money....dry or live. This savings will not be dramatic.

 

also, do understand that lighting is the most expensive part of what youre planning perhaps. no way around it. not making much sense to skimp there.

 

this is a pricy hobby....and you have not even factored in things like your test kits, sand, heater, heater controller, gfci strip,etc. it is the little things that get you. take what you think you were gonna spend, then mulptily by 2.5 I just dropped 1800 on what I consider basics, and I already had a ton of equipment. Zero corals added yet....that will be another 1000 over the next 24 months.

 

keep in mind, as the tank gets bigger the costs go up for the stuff that goes on and with the tank. pinching pennies and cutting corners while talking about 50 gallon tanks just doesnt make sense.

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