The 12-Gallon Nano Cube by JBJ

[AdriftQuasar]

Just how good is the standard 12g model? As many of you may be aware of Reef Central members can get them at discounted price. Is the basic set-up good for a first-time reef keeper or would I be best suited with buying an AGA 10g and buying every component of the aquarium separately? Also, I've been been having a hard time finding out what is best for the beginning reef-keeper to get. What are the things that are best to have starting out, and which are best saved for later? I know that this has quickly become a question laden post, but I'm just geting into aquariums so some of this is new to me.

[wills]

The 12 is o.k.

Have you seen one in person? They are a smidge small and if you get it you may get the upgrade bug sooner than if you got a 24.
In your area I'm sure you could find a used 24 in good shape but that is up to you.

Things you will need:

A stand. With a 12 you could get a little nightstand somewhere like Target or Ikea, or get the nano stand.

Water source- Will you buy an RODI or get distilled water from the store? (FYI- www.airwaterice.com has the best RODI units. I bought my Typhoon from them and I LOVE it).

Powerhead (Maxi-jets are nice, they come with stock powerheads but I would upgrade and use the stock one for mixing salt).

Heater (I have an Eco Jabra from Premiumaquatics.com, low wattage, you could wait to buy this until the fall)

Salt, gotta pick. Right now I have Instant Ocean but plan on trying Topic Marin next. Everyone has their own views on which salt is better.

Live Rock- I went with Premium Aquatics Marshall Island Live Rock. It's nice.

Substrate- Crushed Coral or Sand or Bare bottom. I went with sand but again, lots of variations. If you want a little sand sifter don't get crushed coral :)

Test kit- I bought the master test kit from Dr. Foster and Smith. It's o.k. I have heard good things about another brand but they are costly. I think it's like Seachem or something close.

I think it would be cheaper to get a Nano over buying all the spare parts, plus they just look cool (In my opinion).


Have you looked into the new Oceanic cube that is coming out? If you want PM me and I'll forward you a link about it.


A picture of my setup, this is a 24 gallon Nano Cube:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/colinadam/FTS2.jpg

What kind of fish did you want to keep?

[mister crabs]

oceanic cube looks like a sure winner......now if someone would hurry up and release a nano skimmer that actually WORKS

[lizardcouple]

aqua c has a nano skimmer out and tunze has a nano skimmer also that works good.

[NUBIANTANGLOVER]

I was going to get a 12G nano by AquaPod. But, when I layed my eyes on the 24G in person--in comparison to the 12G, I chose the 12G. I know how deadly the hobby-bug can be. Trust me. My 175 bowfront is looking kinda small now. :) I would go with a 24G. I got mine for only &169.99, and no cracks....from Drs. F &S online.

[AdriftQuasar]

Where does the protein skimmer go in the jbj 12g?

[wills]

You could buy a smaller one that fits in the middle back chamber but I think most people don't need one if they keep the bioload low and keep up with water changes. Just my opinion