Better nano setup?

pdiehm · Mar 25, 2015

Since the 120 can't be up in our family room, we do want a tank of some sort up here, and I started looking at the all-in-one nano's. I'm not going to do modifying of it. Gonna get that out of the way quick.

The thinking is 2 clowns, maybe a fire fish, and a yellow blenny...and some cleanup crew. Maybe a very very hardy/easy to care for coral or 2. Nothing major.

I'm looking at the Coralife Biocube 29 with Stand for $415...or the JBJ Nano 28 with stand for $389.

I can't really find a determining factor here, but would like the capability of running the lights on a timer.

Any advice?

saltyphish · Mar 25, 2015

You can run the biocube lights on a timer that's what I did. The white lights and the blue lights each had their own plug. I just left the moonlights on all the time. I have no exp with the nanocube.

pdiehm · Mar 25, 2015

I found a 28 gallon jbj intermediate series with a free stand from Foster and Smith for $389.

*	Nano Cube aquarium featuring energy-efficient LED technology

*	High-intensity LEDs support low-medium light aquarium corals

*	27W LED aquarium with smart filtration allows easy refugium conversion

Enhance the Nano Cube experience with energy-efficient LED aquarium lighting. JBJ 28g Nano Cube LED Intermediate employs brilliant, high-intensity LEDs (light emitting diodes) for functional light that supports the growth of photosynthetic organisms. Cool-running LEDs reduce operating costs and unwanted heat transfer while delivering PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) levels that accommodate mid to low light corals!
Individual power cords for 14K daylight and 456nm Nite-Vu moonlights allow 24 hour aquarium illumination you can control. High-intensity LED system delivers the beautiful shimmering of metal halides and the broad coverage of T-5 lighting for advanced aquarium illumination. Eco-friendly LED lighting with an impressive 50,000 hour lifespan means greater savings for you by lowering operating cost and virtually eliminating the cost of annual bulb/lamp replacement.
Loaded with hobby-friendly features, the 28g Nano Cube LED Intermediate is a smart choice for new or experienced reef aquarists.

Glass aquarium with rounded corners lets you enjoy seamless panoramic views.
Two 266 gph Accela powerheads with directional flow nozzles controlled by the Ocean Pulse Duo alternating wavemaker.
Redesigned Ocean Pulse Duo wavemaker lets you create turbulent currents for a more natural reef environment. Newly incorporated memory chip ensures flawless performance even after a power failure.
Built-in filtration system employs an innovative 3-stage filter media basket. Includes a mechanical sponge, activated carbon and biological ceramic rings.
For the experienced reef-keeper, the transparent compartmentalized Filter Media Basket can be used as an in-tank refugium for a natural approach to reef keeping. Simply add macro-algae such as chaetomorpha in lieu of the mechanical sponge and biological ceramic rings.
Cooling fans automatically turn on/off with the main lighting system. Efficient aluminum heat sink quickly dissipates heat while built-in thermal protector automatically shuts of the lighting system in the event the fans fail.

Specifications
Tank Volume: 28 gallons
Dimension: 18" x 22" x 22" high
Lighting Type: Light Emitting Diodes
Cooling Fans: (2) 3000 rpm
Pump Flow Rate: 532 gph-(2) x 266 gph Accela Pumps
Glass Thickness: 6mm