Looking to get my first sw tank

skyscraper2290 · Sep 17, 2013

Been looking at just the 6 gallon fluval edge
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005WEDVIM/ref=aw_d_pd_pet-supplies

Was wondering if anyone has tried one out now that they out LEDs in the tank and how they are.

I want to do a small reef tank with maybe a goby or two.

jservedio · Sep 17, 2013

That wouldn't work very well as a reef tank since the light isn't anywhere near powerful enough and the built-in filter is pretty useless. You are going to need a high-powered light to keep coral alive. You might be better off starting with something designed from the ground up to be a reef like the BioCube - which you can get in smaller sizes.

Arubix · Sep 17, 2013

As part of the formalities of the hobby, I have to say that if you're starting SW for the first time, then I would suggest going bigger(20-30gal range). But if you're heart is set on the fluval edge then go for it.

I know reefers on Nano-Reef.com could probably give you more info on the fluval edge 6 and some of the modifications they have done to make a more suitable SW tank. Just go on their forums and search for it and I'm sure you'll find a lot of information.

As far as fish, if you're talking about clown gobies then that may be fine. Definitely got to keep up with your water changes if you're getting anything bigger than that.

I currently have a 2 gallon fluval spec SW tank and one of the best investments is getting a refractometer. The salinity is going to spike and drop so fast. You have to keep up with the top offs. You may want to look into getting a top off system as well. It may not be so demanding in your 6 gallon situation but I have to top off twice a day to keep the salinity in check.

If you have any more questions or concerns, let me know or check nano-reef.

glb · Sep 17, 2013

I have a 12g nano which was my first sw tank. If I can help you in any way, please ask!

Arubix · Sep 17, 2013

jservedio said:
That wouldn't work very well as a reef tank since the light isn't anywhere near powerful enough and the built-in filter is pretty useless. You are going to need a high-powered light to keep coral alive. You might be better off starting with something designed from the ground up to be a reef like the BioCube - which you can get in smaller sizes.

The stock lights probably wouldn't work for a reef but they can definitely be upgraded.

Arubix · Sep 17, 2013

Saltwater Fluval Edge: Marine Nano-Reef Pictures & Interview | FLUVAL: The Official Blog from Hagen

For your viewing pleasure.

skyscraper2290 · Sep 17, 2013

I know that it is recommended for beginners to start with a tank around 20-30 gallons but i feel that I am up to the challenge of starting with a smaller tank. I really like that the way the edge looks. I would like to get a rimless tank and have also looked at the nuvo 8 gallon and also pico aquariums (picoII). From the looks of it the lights that come with the Nuvo 8 (Amazon.com: Innovative Marine Nuvo 8 Gallon Aquarium w/8 watt 14K LED: Pet Supplies) are able to support some coral. I was also thinking of getting the edge and upgrading the lights to the ultrabrite led system for the edge (Amazon.com: 9 Watt Ultrabrite reef led system for fluval edge: Pet Supplies) which I believe could support just about any type of corals.

The main reason I would like to get the edge is to stay within a reasonable budget for me and has a very clean modern look to it. I feel that if I start with a larger tank I will end up spending quite a bit more. I have around $500 to set up the tank and feel that I could stay within that with the fluval.

glb · Sep 17, 2013

skyscraper2290 said:
I know that it is recommended for beginners to start with a tank around 20-30 gallons but i feel that I am up to the challenge of starting with a smaller tank. I really like that the way the edge looks. I would like to get a rimless tank and have also looked at the nuvo 8 gallon and also pico aquariums (picoII). From the looks of it the lights that come with the Nuvo 8 (Amazon.com: Innovative Marine Nuvo 8 Gallon Aquarium w/8 watt 14K LED: Pet Supplies) are able to support some coral. I was also thinking of getting the edge and upgrading the lights to the ultrabrite led system for the edge (Amazon.com: 9 Watt Ultrabrite reef led system for fluval edge: Pet Supplies) which I believe could support just about any type of corals.

The main reason I would like to get the edge is to stay within a reasonable budget for me and has a very clean modern look to it. I feel that if I start with a larger tank I will end up spending quite a bit more. I have around $500 to set up the tank and feel that I could stay within that with the fluval.

I did my 12g biocube for about that four years ago. You can make a smaller tank work but you should know what you're taking on. Water quality can change very quickly, especially salinity, and you'd probably want to keep only hardy corals to start. You will have to monitor the tank much more closely than a larger tank to keep things in balance. You'll probably be able to keep only one fish. You'll have to watch temp fluctuations very closely when the lights go on and off. Anything that can go wrong in a big tank can go wrong in a small one, but it usually happens much faster. You have to be very careful when adding supplements because a small tank can easily be overdosed. Lots of supplies you'll need, such as testing kits, will cost the same no matter what the size of your tank. But there are benefits. You will have to develop a lot of discipline in caring for your tank, and forming good habits early is wonderful. You'll spend less on water, salt mix, food, live rock and additives. It will take up less space and will cost less. I did it and I love my tank, but I wanted to share my experience to help you decide what's best for you. Good luck!

skyscraper2290 · Sep 19, 2013

So I basically decided against the fluval edge because I figured I should listen to the pros out there and go with a larger tank so I am not battling the water chemistry constantly on my first tank, but maybe one day i will do the fluval because I really love the way it looks. With that being said I am seriously contemplating ordering the PicO III from picoaquariums and also getting the tunze nano ATO and tunze 9002 skimmer. I was thinking for lighting I am going to go with the nano maxspec razor but I am unsure which color spectrum to go with; 8000k, 10000k, or 16000k so would love some input on what would be the best one to go with. Also I need to find a powerhead that is not too expensive because as you can see from my above posts I originally wanted to stay around $500 for the tank setup but I kinda threw that out the window with this different setup. So any kind of input would be appreciated. And thanks to everyone so far that have replied.

glb · Sep 20, 2013

skyscraper2290 said:
So I basically decided against the fluval edge because I figured I should listen to the pros out there and go with a larger tank so I am not battling the water chemistry constantly on my first tank, but maybe one day i will do the fluval because I really love the way it looks. With that being said I am seriously contemplating ordering the PicO III from picoaquariums and also getting the tunze nano ATO and tunze 9002 skimmer. I was thinking for lighting I am going to go with the nano maxspec razor but I am unsure which color spectrum to go with; 8000k, 10000k, or 16000k so would love some input on what would be the best one to go with. Also I need to find a powerhead that is not too expensive because as you can see from my above posts I originally wanted to stay around $500 for the tank setup but I kinda threw that out the window with this different setup. So any kind of input would be appreciated. And thanks to everyone so far that have replied.

I've never had an ATO and my tank has been ok. I usually topoff in the morning and when I get home from work. How big is the tank you're looking at?