Beginner to saltwater Aquariums

[surf1921]

I was looking for some advice in purchasing a Nano Tank all in one system. The best deal I could find for my price range was the Aquatop 40 Gallon cube Recife ($489). Some of the other tanks I looked at were the Fluval 13.5 EVO and NUVO fusion AIO 40. The only reason I was looking at the Fluval 13.5 was cost and simplicity (no stand/smaller water changes). As a beginner I would like 2 clowns and a few other fish with some simple coral to start. I’ve received conflicting information about Nano tanks at the fish stores.

 

[lapin]

Howdy and welcome
Nanos are great tanks. They even have a forum here they are so popular.

 

[New&no clue]

I have the Nuvo 30L and I really like it. Big enough that I can have multiple fish and corals, but small enough that maintenance and equipment cost are low.

 

[New&no clue]

What conflicting information are you getting?

 

[surf1921]

What conflicting information are you getting?

What conflicting information are you getting?

Was told smaller salt tanks are very difficult and I was better off saving up to get bigger tank and equipment. That they were not worth the money with all the problems that come along with a small tank. I don’t want to sink a ton of money right out of the gate.

 

[Super Fly]

if you're not in a hurry and on a budget or hate overspending in this hobby like myself, shop around for used equipment or as they say these days "pre-owned". That's how I acquire most of my gear.

 

[Dr. Phil]

Was told smaller salt tanks are very difficult and I was better off saving up to get bigger tank and equipment. That they were not worth the money with all the problems that come along with a small tank. I don’t want to sink a ton of money right out of the gate.

Welcome to R2R!

Some of the "trouble" that people see with smaller tanks is that due to less water volume small changes can have huge impact. Those huge impacts can lead to issues. However, if you are diligent and keep up with parameters and are careful not to overload them nano tanks can be quite nice.

I agree with @Super Fly on buying used. I purchase most of my equipment that way through the buy/sell forums here on R2R.

 

[Super Fly]

Was told smaller salt tanks are very difficult and I was better off saving up to get bigger tank and equipment. That they were not worth the money with all the problems that come along with a small tank. I don’t want to sink a ton of money right out of the gate.

That response is somewhat true but it's all relative to how diligent one would be with tank husbandry. Smaller tanks are not necessarily very difficult but rather less forgiving with less room for error, because the reduced water volume results in faster adverse livestock reactions vs large tanks w more water.
However if you are on top of tank husbandry then this should not be a problem. On the flip side, if u do notice water/livestock issues, then smaller tanks are easier to address due to less water volume. Imagine having to do large emergency water changes, small tanks would be easier to execute.
Some people will also say its far easier to manage and learn while working on a smaller tank, well bc it's smaller and not overwhelming. So I would think smaller tanks are not for the lazy person like myself who sometimes go weeks w/o testing water parameters.

 

[surf1921]

What would your thoughts be for the Fluval 13.5 EVO or the Fluval 32 EVO. Are they quality products? They are both at the local fish store and I’m trying to make the decision so I can go through the process in my kids. A friend also recommended the NUVO Fusion 40 gallon AIO kit, but that was around $700. I think I’m going to stick with something smaller that will Force me to keep on top of the tank. I assume this will eventually point me in the direction that I will go in the hobby. Thoughts?

 

[surf1921]

That response is somewhat true but it's all relative to how diligent one would be with tank husbandry. Smaller tanks are not necessarily very difficult but rather less forgiving with less room for error, because the reduced water volume results in faster adverse livestock reactions vs large tanks w more water.
However if you are on top of tank husbandry then this should not be a problem. On the flip side, if u do notice water/livestock issues, then smaller tanks are easier to address due to less water volume. Imagine having to do large emergency water changes, small tanks would be easier to execute.
Some people will also say its far easier to manage and learn while working on a smaller tank, well bc it's smaller and not overwhelming. So I would think smaller tanks are not for the lazy person like myself who sometimes go weeks w/o testing water parameters.

TY

 

[surf1921]

Howdy and welcome
Nanos are great tanks. They even have a forum here they are so popular.

TY

 

[Super Fly]

Also an FYI - if the LFS (Local Fish Store) is trying to upsell you to bigger expensive equipment by discouraging or not willing to help you along bc u r interested in small tank, then I'd start looking somewhere else for advice.
Unfortunately from my experience, the good trustworthy LFS are too far and few between while buying livestock in such places are caveat emptor... when I first started in this hobby a guy sold me an anemone even though I said my tank is new and I'm a newbbie. The anemone didnt live long.

 

[surf1921]

Also an FYI - if the LFS (Local Fish Store) is trying to upsell you to bigger expensive equipment by discouraging or not willing to help you along bc u r interested in small tank, then I'd start looking somewhere else for advice.
Unfortunately from my experience, the good trustworthy LFS are too far and few between while buying livestock in such places are caveat emptor... when I first started in this hobby a guy sold me an anemone even though I said my tank is new and I'm a newbbie. The anemone didnt live long.

Thank you... I totally agree. I was driving home and called my wife to tell her that my saltwater tank dream is over.. Lol. A buddy of mine in the hobby said don’t go back and join Reef2reef for advice.

 

[Super Fly]

Thank you... I totally agree. I was driving home and called my wife to tell her that my saltwater tank dream is over.. Lol. A buddy of mine in the hobby said don’t go back and join Reef2reef for advice.

LOL. Not sure where u r located but if u look here on the "for sale" forum, there are some good deals like this Nuvo 20gal in IL

Illinois - Nuvo 20

Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion 20 gallon for sale. $350 OBO, local pick up only. Includes: Nuvo 20 aquarium Stand Ghost skimmer Mighty Jet 328 return pump 2 IM Caddy baskets 2 SpinStream return nozzles

www.reef2reef.com

 

[surf1921]

LOL. Not sure where u r located but if u look here on the "for sale" forum, there are some good deals like this Nuvo 20gal in IL

Illinois - Nuvo 20

Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion 20 gallon for sale. $350 OBO, local pick up only. Includes: Nuvo 20 aquarium Stand Ghost skimmer Mighty Jet 328 return pump 2 IM Caddy baskets 2 SpinStream return nozzles

www.reef2reef.com

NJ

 

[Kycelium]

I picked up the Aquatop Recife 40G earlier this month. This is my third tank, after using an Innovative Marine Fusion 10, and a JBJ 30 Gallon. I love the cube shape personally. So far I haven't had any issues. I will agree with others, if you can save up and have the patience, bigger is always better. Yes smaller tanks have smaller room for error, but if youre watching what your corals and fish are telling you, you can almost always be one step ahead of the problem.

Let us know what you end up going with!