Nano-cube: bad idea?

[WackyInsertions]

I saw this little 12 gallon nano-cube yesterday at my lfs, and I'm curious if anyone has any comments about them? To date, I've always stuck with fw because I live in a cramped apartment and can get by with "smaller" tanks, but this size would be great. Basically, all I've ever wanted was a true percula and a shrimp (and an anemone, but I hear they don't do well in any aquariums, even with expert care :-(). With some liverock and livesand, would these do alright in that small of an aquarium?

Some extra considerations: (1). I don't have central heating/air, so the temperature in here is fairly inconsistent; my 30 and 20long fluctuate about +-4 degrees or so over a period of about 8 hours, so the 12 gallon might feel the effects a bit more.

(2). I've never done a sw tank before

(3). The nano-cube has a built-in filter for circulation and if it breaks, I think I'm just boned on that.

Don't be afraid to tell me that given my situation, I shouldn't go the sw route; I'd rather have people be honest than make some fish suffer. And if all else fails, I'll set up a serious sw tank when I graduate and (hopefully) have a house .

Thanks.

[sumphead]

Hey Wacky,

I happen to love the JBJ nano cubes. I also think that for what you are wanting as long as you are diligent with maintenence you will have no problems with this as a first SW tank. Granted larger saltwater tanks are easier to maintain. Things to consider:

1 - JBJ's have accasionally been known to have ballast issues with the light, though I believe the problem has been corrected.

2 - You aren't "boned" if the filter breaks as it is not a true filter. It is more of a baffles system with filter media and a small powerhead circulating the water. If the pump fails it is a $10 fix.

3 - If cycled properly and with 10 to 15 lbs of LR and decent amount of sand with only one percula no filter media is neccisary. I only run a bag of carbon.

4 - Once you get the Parameters maintained and maintenence down. Soft corals are easy to maintain in a nano.

Go for it. Just do you research and stay on top of it. But as warning don't be suprised if SW tanks start to rule your life.

R-

[WackyInsertions]

Originally Posted by sumphead

2 - You aren't "boned" if the filter breaks as it is not a true filter. It is more of a baffles system with filter media and a small powerhead circulating the water. If the pump fails it is a $10 fix.

Ahh, I see; I was thinking it was a sort of irreplacable built-in sort of thing, like in those tiny freshwater setups you see for $15.

Originally Posted by sumphead

4 - Once you get the Parameters maintained and maintenence down. Soft corals are easy to maintain in a nano.

I really don't want to bother with corals in such a small aquarium; this won't be an issue, will it?

Also, about the temperature issue, will this be a problem?

Thanks for the help .

[WarOrks15]

if you get the one with 2 fan in the top i dont think you will have a real big problem with heat.

[sumphead]

I have the older version and no fans. I run the light 11 hours a day and there is a 2 degree drop overnight. No problems at all. I run no heater at all. Housed inside is a large toadstool leather, anthelia, and a couple of shrooms. As for other livestock, I have one marron goldstripe clown and a 4 1/2" mantis shrimp. Of course there is no problem with not having corals, but simple softies are a breeze to care for.

R-