jasnhrp Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 I have been studying aquariums for a couple of months now and had decided on getting a JBJ Nano Cube. But recently after looking at all the AGA MiniBow 7 gallon setups, I am really starting to like the look of those setups. I liked the Nano Cube because it looks so clean with no pipes or heaters or anything inside the tank. Also, I want to use the stock equipment at least for a while. Is it possible to use just the MiniBow stock lights with FOWLR? What I would like to keep in the aquarium is 2 percs, a cleaner shrimp, snails and/or crabs. Which of these aquariums would you suggest for me? Also, the Nano Cube setup costs right around $100. What will the Minibow cost me to get everything setup? Link to comment
aqua_aaron Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 I'd get the minibow- if you don't like the look of heaters, pumps, etc., then cut a piece of colored acrylic to fit two inches in from the back of the tank. It'll hide everything and if you are a DIYer you could even drill the acrylic where you think you want your powerheads and then all you see are their output nozzles. The water just falls into the back area from the top and is shot back into the tank with the powerheads. As for the lights-I'd upgrade to a 1x32 watt PC if you wanted to keep the sleek included hood. Pricing-Although I didn't set up a Minibow, I'm guessing it'll cost around $100-$150, including the 32 watt PC retrokit. I've also heard complaints about the nanocube. HTH aqua_aaron Link to comment
darwin604 Posted January 16, 2004 Share Posted January 16, 2004 If I had to chose between the two, I'd pick the minibow . . I think its a great looking little tank and I've heard more gripes about the minibow than the nano cube from fellow reefers. d. Link to comment
Tempest Posted January 16, 2004 Share Posted January 16, 2004 Jasnhrp - Go with the minibow. Way easier to mod. The stock lighting will be fine for a FOWLR. Link to comment
SLOreefer Posted January 16, 2004 Share Posted January 16, 2004 minibow...the nano cube is a pile of crap..you will end up replacing everything because it will all break Link to comment
nanocat Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 Love my nanocube, in fact I just bought a second one. Just take out all the filter media and add live rock rubble. I did add a CSL 32W retrofit to one of them for 56W total. Link to comment
jasnhrp Posted January 18, 2004 Author Share Posted January 18, 2004 Thanks everyone. I think I am going to get the minibow. I went to Petsmart and I really like the way it looks. A question about getting the accessories that I am going to need for it. Is it possible to get a HOB filter that is large enough to put the heater in? Also, if I get a large HOB, will I need to add powerheads, or if the HOB has a high rate of flow, will this be enough? Please give suggestions for the filter and other accessories that I am going to need. Jason Link to comment
jasnhrp Posted January 18, 2004 Author Share Posted January 18, 2004 I found this heater. It is only 6" long. Surely it will fit in a larger HOB won't it? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...=9&N=2004+22787 Link to comment
seabass Posted January 18, 2004 Share Posted January 18, 2004 The 50W Visi-Therm Deluxe Heater is pretty good and it will fit in an AquaClear 300. You can replace the original (300gph) impeller with a smaller one (100gph, 150gph, or 200gph). The 200gph impeller should be enough for the Mini-Bow 7 without an additional powerhead; however, you will have more random currents is you use one of the smaller ones with a powerhead. Link to comment
Proost Posted January 18, 2004 Share Posted January 18, 2004 I'm new to reefing, but I have returned three vistherms use in freshwater in the last year because they didn't hold a temp or stuck on. Especially if I mounted them horizontal in the tank. My LFS said they have had quite a few of the 25w and 50w, but no problems on the larger ones. I would suggest looking at the 50W Tronic heater. If I remember correctly, they are about the same size as a 50w visitherm and I have had no problems with them so far. Just my two cents. Link to comment
jasnhrp Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 What about the Whisper power filters? They have an adjustable flow rate. Are these any good? If so, What would be a good size to use for the Minibow 7? Thanks, Jason Link to comment
jasnhrp Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 Maybe this Whisper Filter 40. It will flow up to 200 gph. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...=9&N=2004+22769 Or how about this Skilter. Anyone have any experience or comments about it? It has a built in skimmer and flows 250 gph. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...88&N=2004+22769 Link to comment
Chronicles Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 I have a 6" mini-therm, it's really tiny, about the size of a marker. Link to comment
CanadianGuy Posted January 30, 2004 Share Posted January 30, 2004 If you want to use a HOB filter and put the heater into it, get a Tetratec. They have a space specifically for the heaters. Link to comment
jt48 Posted February 1, 2004 Share Posted February 1, 2004 how about the aquatech pf 150 hob with the heater inside the hob? Link to comment
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