Would LOVE your input regarding tank purchase.

[kiwiklown]

Hi all,

First off brand new to nano-reef, be gently 😛

 

I've been thinking about getting a basic marine tank for a while now and am perfectly prepared to spend the time learning the cycles and levels required (have a basic understanding coming across from a heavily stocked planted tank.)

 

As suggested my the name I'm from New Zealand and our selection of LFS' are lackluster to say the least...

I have stumbled across a cheap NEW Aqua One Nano 40 and I would LOVE your input regarding my options.

 

My options for a nano reef tank limited, basically the option for a new tank is a AQUA ONE NANO REEF 35 starter package which I can get for NZ$550 including:

Aqua One Nano Reef 35 Aquarium with built-in lights and filter
Aqua One 55Watt Heater
Protein skimmer – Aqua One NanoSkim 40
3 Kg Aragonite Substrate
2.5 Kg Coral Rock
API Saltwater Master Test Kit Red Sea Salt – 4 Kg
Refractometer

From what little I understand this is enough to suffice a cycle and I'm in no rush to by this or complete the cycle as I understand the importance of patience in this hobby.

 

The alternative is a Aqua One Nano 40 for NZ$300, however this is a one off and has a very short timeline on availability. This would come with:

500 lr/hr pump

50W heater

LED lighting (no further info)

 

So my question is this (and sorry for being so long winded getting here) - would you recommend getting the Nano 40 now, or the Nano 35 later down the track (remembering I'm in no rush to set up, but my money is very finite.)

 

Thank you so much for your input, I look forward to being part of this community.

Kiwi out.

[wsonner]

Spoiler

 

Welcome to the hobby!  I like the 40g deal better.  It doesn't lock you into a bunch of stuff you don't know if you'll like. Spend the difference getting gear that you choose based on reviews and advice. 

[seabass]

to Nano-Reef.com Kiwi!

 

For me, I'd try to evaluate the lighting.  If either or both are insufficient, you'll end up buying another fixture.

[kiwiklown]

Thank you both, will look into the lighting options and go from there

[Clown79]

Can't find much on the lighting.

 

The aqua one nano 40 is designed for tropical so the lighting would be for a planted tank.

 

Not sure what the filtration is on this tank but you will need lighting upgrade.

 

The 35 comes with a lot more. The lighting is 15watt led, can't locate the spectrum.

 

 

How difficult is it to get reef supplies in New Zealand? 

 

Availability of equipment outside the US can be limited which would alter the choice of tank.

[kiwiklown]

13 hours ago, Clown79 said:

The aqua one nano 40 is designed for tropical so the lighting would be for a planted tank.

Thank you, went to lfs today and priced up the substrate, coral, skimmer, heater and was going to be insanely expensive plus getting it to me would be no small feat since it has to cross the Tasman to get from the other Island. So this rules out that option. The lighting that comes with the nano 35 is supposedly good enough to grow coral, they had a bigger version growing some in a 90L so this must have some element of truth to it (but don't know the extent.) It was an AquaOne Mariglo, any idea if this is suitable?

 

How difficult is it to get reef supplies in New Zealand? 

Let me say we don't have a lot to choose from. From what I can find there is two stores that deal with Marine fish and they're the same store in different locations... there's some in the south island but it's insanely expensive to get anything valuable or alive from the south island to where I am. The one shop is http://www.hollywoodfishfarm.co.nz/ 

They seem to be pretty well priced even though they're a somewhat specialist store as I've had the same tank quoted for a special order for a similar price with less extras.

It also doesn't help that we take bio-security very seriously here... for instance there are THREE types of shrimp allowed in and if anything is wrong with any fish in a shipment the whole shipment is disposed.

 

 

Availability of equipment outside the US can be limited which would alter the choice of tank.

Mmmmm I'm seeing this now, although it is definitely do able

Thank you so much for your insight, and any further insights onto additional information I've added would be insanely appreciated @Clown79

for reference this is the setup I'm thinking about http://www.hollywoodfishfarm.co.nz/product/aqua-one-nano-reef-35-starter-package/

Thanks again,

Kiwi

[Clown79]

I don't believe it's  available in NA.

Looks like a UK product. Maybe UK members can chime in and help.

 

There are videos on YouTube of these tanks. I'd go through those to determine if it's a good option or if you will need to upgrade most items. 

 

 

I believe @DominicDuffy has one of these tanks. He might be able to give you some help.

 

 

 

 

[seabass]

So that's a 9 gallon tank with a 15W LED fixture (half white and half blue).  It's a little on the weak side.  I believe that you'd have to stick with lower light demanding corals, or upgrade your lighting.

[kiwiklown]

Thank you both, much appreciated