Which All-In-One to choose?

[martiniReef]

its really just the 34G that you are talking about and once again not the 39G which is the only one they have available now. i think i trust a company and retail dealers rather than a guy with no face on forums for information. do you work for Finnex or something? cause other than that i really dont see how you can be so one-sided with every other AIO brands other than the one you have. and on the points that i made before:

 

please dont conveniently ignore these obviously better equipment from the CAD and call them the same as the Finnex.

Finnex cabinet too shoddy, CADs HQI (built-in ballast, LEDHO, ceiling cables etc.) please dont mislead by saying it is the SAME as the Finnex. needle-wheel skimmer, UV, better cabinet.

 

UV bulbs need to be changed once a year and you are supposed to change the whole unit once a year anyway (it still comes out much cheaper than changin just the bulb in most UV units).

 

the fan option is $25 extra on the OVERPRICED Finnex, while the $40 from CAD is if you purchased it separately. but the tank comes with it standard.

 

hmm, seems to me keep talking about the 34G in your one-sided argument. is there anything negative about the 39G that you can honestly say?

 

so much irrelevant topics you have pulled out yet the only thing you cant clearly see is the components one by one.

 

asides from the CAD i can at least think of 4 other packages that offer a better purchase than the Finnex. 28G JBJ or Solana are better pacakges too IMO. the Finnex works with some extra upgrades but its not the best buy man.

 

The entire Finnex tank and all its components are MADE IN CHINA Phixion as you can tell. the CAD tanks are made HERE in the US and the equipment is outsourced. maybe thats why the tank looks so much more nicer.

 

anyway i see you are trying to be nice in your words yet soliciting business for Finnex and bad mouthing other brands here. go with a straight forward comparison dude.

[Phixion]

Cabinet is not included with either tank, no comparison there since we're comparing the tanks specifically, at least I was. I see you have nothing to say about the MADE IN CHINA obviously crap UV that CAD includes. If a purchaser tossed it in the trash (the 34g came with the SAME UV unit that the 39g comes with) then it really must not even be worth selling. The 34g compares in that is uses many of the same components, well at least the main pump, UV, fan, and tank design.

 

Wow, you really are something else calling the Finnex overpriced. Sorry, I don't work for Finnex. My curiosity though is what's all your hate for the Finnex tank? Also where's your proof on the Finnex tank being made in China? Again, incorrect information. They are ASSEMBLED at Finnex's facility just outside of Chicago Ill. If you had researched ANYTHING on Finnex or read up, you'd have known that. So please, DO share your proof that the tank is made in China. With the exception of the tank itself, it's just as equally as Chinese made component wise as the Finnex. You're really reaching with incorrect info to attempt to justify an argument you simply won't win. It's not because I say you won't, but it's because the real facts won't allow you to.

 

Also, PLEASE point out where I'm so one sided about AIO tanks. Because frankly again, you'll look like a fool there. I've recommended CAD to people, I've recommended the JBJ to people, and I've recommended the Solana to people. I'd have recommended the DIY option to you, but since you attacked me off the bat (in your 2nd post on here no-less) that I didn't see point to waste my time telling you. You're experienced right, You should know which route to take. That's all besides the point though, the point is I'm not biased to just ONE tank like claim I am. I have a 2nd tank, is it Finnex? Nope, it's a complately custom AIO that is NO brand (unless you consider Advanced Acrylics a brand). Why that route? Because I had a hand in designing the tank and it's the only one of it's type/size/design in existance. You see, the big boy companies like CAD, Finnex, JBJ, Oceanic, etc. don't always have the best product going. I'm a beliver in the product I own however if it works well for me which my 30g Finnex does. No crime in passing along my experience and info on the tank to another member interested in it. You have no basis in here especially to attack me from the get go NOT having owned either tank, nor as it sounds (buy your "what I've seen") not having even seen any of them in person. I'm sorry my links pointed out to true to you to disprove your claims above, but that's life. I also am still waiting for your proof of the FInnex not having mechanical filtration, I see you have chose to leave that one alone which would only mean one thing...

 

All that aside, please respect the OP's thread by not posting rubbish in here and attacking members, thanks.

[martiniReef]

Cabinet is not included with either tank, no comparison there since we're comparing the tanks specifically, at least I was. I see you have nothing to say about the MADE IN CHINA obviously crap UV that CAD includes. If a purchaser tossed it in the trash (the 34g came with the SAME UV unit that the 39g comes with) then it really must not even be worth selling. The 34g compares in that is uses many of the same components, well at least the main pump, UV, fan, and tank design.

 

Wow, you really are something else calling the Finnex overpriced. Sorry, I don't work for Finnex. My curiosity though is what's all your hate for the Finnex tank? Also where's your proof on the Finnex tank being made in China? Again, incorrect information. They are ASSEMBLED at Finnex's facility just outside of Chicago Ill. If you had researched ANYTHING on Finnex or read up, you'd have known that. So please, DO share your proof that the tank is made in China. With the exception of the tank itself, it's just as equally as Chinese made component wise as the Finnex. You're really reaching with incorrect info to attempt to justify an argument you simply won't win. It's not because I say you won't, but it's because the real facts won't allow you to.

 

Also, PLEASE point out where I'm so one sided about AIO tanks. Because frankly again, you'll look like a fool there. I've recommended CAD to people, I've recommended the JBJ to people, and I've recommended the Solana to people. I'd have recommended the DIY option to you, but since you attacked me off the bat (in your 2nd post on here no-less) that I didn't see point to waste my time telling you. You're experienced right, You should know which route to take. That's all besides the point though, the point is I'm not biased to just ONE tank like claim I am. I have a 2nd tank, is it Finnex? Nope, it's a complately custom AIO that is NO brand (unless you consider Advanced Acrylics a brand). Why that route? Because I had a hand in designing the tank and it's the only one of it's type/size/design in existance. You see, the big boy companies like CAD, Finnex, JBJ, Oceanic, etc. don't always have the best product going. I'm a beliver in the product I own however if it works well for me which my 30g Finnex does. No crime in passing along my experience and info on the tank to another member interested in it. You have no basis in here especially to attack me from the get go NOT having owned either tank, nor as it sounds (buy your "what I've seen") not having even seen any of them in person. I'm sorry my links pointed out to true to you to disprove your claims above, but that's life. I also am still waiting for your proof of the FInnex not having mechanical filtration, I see you have chose to leave that one alone which would only mean one thing...

 

All that aside, please respect the OP's thread by not posting rubbish in here and attacking members, thanks.

 

 

not having hate or anything, if you get to know me you will know that i say what comes to my mind first (its an Italian thing). it comes out and everything is cool. again no hate or anything, just the stuff you mentioned is like completely opposite of what i found and asked about.

 

here are my questions:

how much mechanical filtering can the 1st chamber have if theres a skimmer in there? (which leads to me thinking there is none). just having a sponge anywhere in the system doesnt count as mechanical filtration. it needs to be the first stage to contact with the water like in the first chambers of every major AIO system and full size.

 

you just totally admitted the cabinet is crap from Finnex by again conveniently not comparing the cabinet. you should never buy a tank without a properly designed cabinet to support it. you can read that in every single aquarium warranty. VOID IF NOT PURCHASED WITH CABINET (AGA, Oceanic, custom tanks even).

 

that tank cant be made here man, cause i have seen that same tank in China last month when i was shopping on a business trip. and nowhere on it does it say Finnex or even is there English on it. unless they are selling these tanks in China, they are manufactured there. but whatever all the AIO's aside from CAD are made there anyway and its no big deal. i can be wrong but either way, that tank looks exactly like just a AGA either way.

 

i have only been mentioning of the 39G yet you pull out like 20 different things on the 34G (which lead me to think of you being one sided and biased).

 

the UV is a disposable UV that is made to last up to 12-14 months for a changing. where and how many incidents that you hear of the UV crapping out? i have heard of none so far. is there a thread out there that has that? and if so one doesnt make much of a difference when they seem to have been selling it for like 2 years since the 22G's. (which also lead me to think you are biased of the exaggeration of one incident). and the UV for the 34G is blue, but the UV on the 39G's are black and a new model. dude man get your info straight. alls i did was looked at the pic from the site and any tank post.

 

IMO and i can honestly say i know my equipment (not to be conceded) especially for a mini-tank like these. the tank and all the equipment components are offered more by CAD and the Finnex gives you less and for what difference? the Finnex sells for $550 (their deluxe package) and CAD sells theirs with all the stuff for $695 (NOT $800 like you said which lead me to think you are being one sided and biased by lying and over exaggerating the price).

 

if Finnex is so good why doesnt it give you a needle wheel skimmer or anything better than the one they give? it just doesnt make sense to stay with a piece of crap skimmer that everyone complains about. i looked at the old pics of the 34G and CAD clearly saw the skimmer being ineffective and upgraded it. why dont they offer the customers a tank package that has Loc-line, spinning flow return, standard cooling fan, 500GPH pump like the CAD. even the JBJ, RSM has a better skimmer.

 

look man i dont know you and i dont know of the huge contribution you might have contributed to this forum with your ridiculously high post count. i wish i had the time to post so much but i dont. but what you say and the facts just dont add up. the way you are ignoring and down playing the obvious better attributes of many systems and while conveniently saying components that are not available by the Finnex as "not needed". on design features that are better in the CAD, you say the Finnex is the same? i dont see any similarities the way you do. why i think u work for them? how can u just know all this inside info and make snap judgements saying that their tanks are made here yet there is no mention anywhere in the world that their tanks are made in the US? inside explanations and design reasons, how can you know all that from just having one? i have received emails from dealers and CAD personally saying their tanks are built in their facility in NY. unless you are lying again about that too.

 

sorry to the OP, i really dont mean to seem annoying but again and again the exaggeration and one sided soliciting really ticked me off and Phixions arrogance of other ppl like me being new to nano reefing but NOT new to the hobby. Rubbish? whos the one being less truthful Phixion? not attacking you in any way, i think you can clearly see that these are just responses to what you say.

[blu23girl]

whoa...

 

well, thanks for all the info/input on this thread... i will post any further questions/comments in new threads, so as to help this thread disapear...please do the same

 

peacful reminder here- please take any disagrrements to moderators or into PM in the future, it definilty isn't what someone brand new to a site wants to see... not really encouraging to keep posting, or to stay a part of this site... this was my first post here... and might be the last one now, which is sad...

[rotti1450]

whoa...

 

well, thanks for all the info/input on this thread... i will post any further questions/comments in new threads, so as to help this thread disapear...please do the same

 

peacful reminder here- please take any disagrrements to moderators or into PM in the future, it definilty isn't what someone brand new to a site wants to see... not really encouraging to keep posting, or to stay a part of this site... this was my first post here... and might be the last one now, which is sad...

I am with Phixioen I have had my 30g finnex tank since christmas and I love it. Pretty much trouble free and a good product, would buy again. My leather coral and mushrooms are growing like crazy under the T5 lights. The only addition to the lights were clip on reflectors as per phixions thread. I am sure the cad is a great product, but after reading all of the horror stories I went with the finnex. Hopefully they have improved there product. As for the jbj 28 have you seen one in person? Did not impress me that much. Finnally I agree with Phixieon that the red sea max is way overpriced for what you get, but a very nice looking tank. I spent a couple of months researching these tanks before taking the plunge and I am still glad I went with the finnex.

Mark

[marinekeeper]

I have the jbj 12g dx and I do like it except it has heat issues and their warranty as well as support absolutely BLOWS! I wouldn't buy anything jbj again. Thats my opinion.

[EvMiBo]

whoa...

 

well, thanks for all the info/input on this thread... i will post any further questions/comments in new threads, so as to help this thread disapear...please do the same

 

peacful reminder here- please take any disagrrements to moderators or into PM in the future, it definilty isn't what someone brand new to a site wants to see... not really encouraging to keep posting, or to stay a part of this site... this was my first post here... and might be the last one now, which is sad...

 

I think the back and forth comments between Phixion and Martini is interesting as hell. Two different opinions based on different experiences with different tanks and brands. Even though I'm sure my knowledge in these subjects compared to theirs is minuscule, as is yours, it's still an interesting read and challenging at that. Sort of like a political debate! This site has immense amounts of information on it. I've only been on here for about a month or so and I can say that I've learned more than I thought I could in 3 months (the addiction kicking in helps too, ).

 

All in all, don't take it in a bad way, it's a constructive conversation that is interesting to read (at least for me). Keep asking questions, if you don't understand, ask why, use the searches and don't be afraid because there's plenty of noobs (including me) all over this site.

 

-EvMiBo

 

edit: It IS my 1month BDAY on the site!!!

[southstar066]

solana all the way

[Phixion]

lol, the Solana is nice, yes. I've seen the JBJ in person (know a couple people that own one too) and it's a great tank. Several of us studied the JBJ 28g before it was even released to the public when an LFS nearby was sent one by JBJ (since they are local to us) to test out how well it did in real world and during a heat wave period no less. Everyone that saw it including the store owner who had it was very impressed.

 

Back when I got my Finnex, it was the ONLY tank of it's clout on the market at the time. Sure CAD was around, but their biggest tank was the 22g with 144w T5 lighting (similar to what's offered now in 22g form). But at a $20 higher price tag then, lack of a skimmer (the issues with the Finnex skimmer weren’t really known yet) and the 8g less capacity made the Finnex the clear winner. All the CAD had going for it was the nice curved front and 48w more of lighting. THAT is why I got the Finnex. Also the CAD also didn’t include or incorporate a fuge into the tank yet either, and the overflow area was just a bulge out of the center back of the tank, not a full width rear chambered sump area. (gotta clarify that for the haters! ) In any event, there’s SO many good choices now between the Finnex, CAD, JBJ 28g HQI, Solana, and others that is really a much more difficult decision than I had 2 years ago and you really can’t go wrong with any of them though I know I wouldn’t consider the RSM still though.

[Marine1]

Here are the choices that I'm debating:

 

Cadlights 12G Nano reef, 4T5 32w w/ full Refugium for $175; OR 22 gal for $220 (however, I would like to keep more than 1 fish - I was thinking 3 - 4)

 

29 Oceanic bio cube for $236

 

24 gallon AquaPod, 150W HQI Metal Halide System (sunpod) for $320

 

24G JBJ Nano Cube Deluxe with LED and FREE MSS SKIMMER for $196

 

Due to reading a lot about heating issues with the cubes with hoods I think I'm leaning towards the AP24 w/ MH.

[91coupe]

My tank is in my living room. I recently sold my JBJ 28HQI and purchased a Solana. The Solana is a piece of furniture that compliments my living room. The JBJ was a big plastic fish tank in the room.

 

Out of the choices available, the Solana was the most attractive solution.

[Nickeleye]

I have the jbj 12g dx and I do like it except it has heat issues and their warranty as well as support absolutely BLOWS! I wouldn't buy anything jbj again. Thats my opinion.

 

Actually, the JBJ 12DX can be one of the best cooling mainstream AIO solutions out there. None of the AIO tanks have the best cooling out of the gate, but the 12DX is probably one of the better. With some very simple upgrades the 12DX can even drop temps by 2-3 even with increased PC lighting. Not bad.

[masterbuilder]

From what i read around the jbj has a over heating problem with the hood and i know people are selling the hood and buying sunpods.

 

 

No over heating problems with my MH Nanocube.

 

IMO...

 

Closed top....JBJ nanocube with nancustoms.com light mods

Open top.....Finnex or Solana

[Timanator]

There is also the EcoCube as well, which is the 25G version of the Solana.

[fsu1dolfan]

I love my BioCube 29G....paid only $199 brand new!! Running a year plus with no problems and getting ready to upgrade to a sunpod just my $.02