Thinking about saltwater...

[rubysoho]

Hey everyone! I've been in the freshies' section for a while and lately I've been contemplating a 12 gallon nano cube saltwater tank. The tank is for both my boyfriend and myself, although I plan on being the person to take care of it (but it will be at his apartment since I already have three )

I'm not completely new to saltwater, but it has been a long time (7 years?). I understand 12 gallons is not the best way to start because the bigger the amount of water, the more stable it will be, but because of space and landlord issues, a 12 gallon will just have to do.

Anyway, I've been researching these nano cubes and I was wondering which ones you would suggest. I'd like to have more than live rock and a fish, so what should I be looking for? What books do you suggest? It will be a while before the tank is actually purchased so right now I'm just in the research stage.

As a side note, the boyfriend loves all the colorful anemones, corals etc... would there be any species that would do well in a nano cube, or should I just wait until I'm in a better position to have a larger tank? (probably a little over a year from now)

THANKS!!!

[grimlock3000]

A lot of corals will do great in a Nano Cube, just do not expect to be putting clams or SPS in there with the stock lighting. Even with just Mushrooms and Zoos you can get a lot of color. Search for pics of Nanos and there are many absolutely beautiful ones out there with loads of color. For Anemones, you really should wait a while before adding one of those for the tank to really get established. Very few Anemones are appropriate for a 12g tank, so keep that in mind.

Also, check out a normal tank setup instead of the Cube. It will be easier to change equipment compared to the Cube and you can use whatever you want for lighting without modification.

[quarryshark]

Hey you!! Welcome to the dark side of our hobby!!
Just kidding!!!
So he talked you into it huh...cool.
I know you don't have much room for another tank, but a 20 or 30 would be much better, allow you more options and be much more forgiving.
I would suggest Fenner's book, "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist"
Or The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Paletta.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...367554-2175259
Great places to start, also don't be a stranger to this side of the forum, lots of good info here too.

[lando]

If you decide to go with the nano cube, spend a little extra money and get th deluxe version. It has twice the light wattage and it a little better at surface skimming with a redesinged flow nozel. It is a pretty good all-in-one unit and with some modifications makes a good SW reef tank. While I agree that biger is better for SW beginners, it is a good choice if you decided to go with a smaller tank.

[rubysoho]

Haha, thanks Quarryshark! And yes, I've given into the temptation of the "dark side" I'll check out those books soon.

So, right now the boy doesn't know what he wants. He is toying with a few ideas. The reason for the nano cube is that the landlord of his apartment complex doesn't allow anything over a 10 gallon (I figure a 12 gal nano cube won't hurt). However, he has just arranged his room and found a perfect spot for a 20 gallon tank (it is really cute to watch). Our friend is selling his 20 gallon Eclipse, but the standard lighting wouldn't be good for a reef tank. Plus I don't want an angry landlord cause god knows he can't stay at my place with yet another tank (college apartments are tiny!). Besides, I might snatch up that 20 gallon and use it for myself... I could find room... somewhere...

Lando, I'd certainly shell out the extra cash for the deluxe system. Thanks for telling me about the skimming being better as well.

Grimlock, do you think a regular 10 gallon tank would be better than a nano? Could I keep more cool stuff/creatures than I could in a nano? I have a 10 gallon, but it is currently occupied. However, I've been thinking about rearranging my tanks to free up that tank (was gonna make it super planted with some guppies). It has a glass top already so I guess I'd just need a new filter (walmart kits suck) and lighting.

[IfoundNemo]

I saw a 15gal H aquarium for $22 @ Petsmart. It looks good for a small reef setup. You may want to check it out.

[rubysoho]

I think I'd rather get the nano cube just because it comes with most everything I need. Also, we could play it off as an "oddly-shaped" 10 gallon since the landlord wants nothing over a 10g. But thanks!!