JBJ nano VERSUS Oceanic BioCube

[AMW]

I am currently downsizing from a 155g mixed-reef tank to the world of NANO-REEFS!!!

I am looking for an A.I.O. nano and have narrowed my choice down to the following two:

 

~ JBJ 28 g nano with LED lighting, (cooler, less energy consumption, bulbs last longer), OR

~Oceanic 29 g BioCube with HQI lighting (includes a refugium)

 

Both systems are sufficient for SPS and clams.

To all you professional nano-reefers, which one would you pick if you had to choose??????

[urbaneks]

I'm no professional but I did have a chance to chose and chose the Nano Cube. Couple major reasons which were cost and ease of access to the back chamber. After looking a both systems, I felt that the Nano was easier to maintain with a larger access point into the back.

 

Since getting the Nano, I am very please with my decision. There are a few things that I've modified (adding additional powerhead in display and upgraded my media basket) but I think that would have been true with the BioCube as well.

[ziege]

You say "(includes a refugium)" ... what's the difference between the two tanks in that regard?

[AMW]

You say "(includes a refugium)" ... what's the difference between the two tanks in that regard?

 

There is a mini-refugium built in to the back of the Oceanic BioCube (not that one couldn't create their own refugium with the JBJ...)

[ziege]

There is a mini-refugium built in to the back of the Oceanic BioCube (not that one couldn't create their own refugium with the JBJ...)

 

Huh? Guess I'm not attuned to the difference. Both tanks have a window in the back. Both tanks bring water through an overflow, past the window, through some foam, through pump(s), and back to the tank, which means any tasty critters that take refuge in the refugium are gonna stay there unless they can burrow through foam and survive a pump impeller. And, since the window is on the back, you can't really see into the 'fuge in either case.

 

Does the Oceanic come with the light? Or is there something else different? It'd be cool if they put the pump before the 'fuge or something.

[ziege]

To kinda answer my own question... I looked on Oceanic's web page...they have a manual for the HQI which says the refugium light is not included, and a "sell sheet" with accessories (UV sterilizer, replacement lamps, hydrometer, etc.) with no refugium light...so I'd say it's not included and not available from Oceanic. You are going to have to figure out at least lighting on your own.

 

JBJ sells a lamp for their tanks ("nano-glo", w/ magnetic attachment to hold it at the tank window) which would work for either tank though.

 

I kinda like the stock Oceanic chaeto chamber over the JBJ version, but I can't see where the JBJ is DIY and the Oceanic isn't.

[StevieT]

BC29