New Tank? Options...

Beausoleiljacob · Jul 16, 2016

Hey Reef 2 Reef,
With all the options for aquariums I am just so unsure. I want an aquarium that I can bring with me to college but can set up now until I make the move to college. Here are the options I am considering:

New BioCube 32 Gallon (Might be pointless for the extra money since I have heard the lighting upgrade sucks)
Old Biocube 29 Gallon (Upgrade Lighting to either AL Prime or Kessil - Does anyone know where you can get a top if you take the lid off)
Fluval EVO 14 Gallon (Don't really care for the filtration but for the price of $150 and the lighting being able to support low light corals well... idk)
JBJ 28 Gallon LED (Good for the price and could wait on lighting for some time)
Fluval Spec 5G Planted Tank (IDK... Have always wanted to give planted tanks a try)

Thank you!

Tahoe61 · Jul 16, 2016

Keep in mind that stock PC lighting in AIO is just fine for a lot of the hardier LPS and soft corals. I have had some beautiful tanks with the PC stock lighting on JBJ and other AIO tanks. Unless you're going hard core sps or more sensitive LPS you'll be fine with a simple T5 or PC fixture.

Griff · Jul 16, 2016

When do you start college? Are we talking weeks months or years? I've really enjoyed my Innovative marine 30 L

Beausoleiljacob · Jul 16, 2016

2 years.

Griff said:
When do you start college? Are we talking weeks months or years? I've really enjoyed my Innovative marine 30 L

Beausoleiljacob · Jul 16, 2016

Tahoe61 said:
Keep in mind that stock PC lighting in AIO is just fine for a lot of the hardier LPS and soft corals. I have had some beautiful tanks with the PC stock lighting on JBJ and other AIO tanks. Unless you're going hard core sps or more sensitive LPS you'll be fine with a simple T5 or PC fixture.

So the stock lighting on the Biocube will be sufficient with the stock Fluorescent Bulbs?

Griff · Jul 16, 2016

Beausoleiljacob said:
2 years.

2 years is good. I wanted to make sure you weren't going this fall. That wouldn't have made a whole lot of sense.

What's your budget?

I'm not a fan of the jbj's based on what I've read and if this is your first reef tank larger is better. I'd go with the bio cube of the ones you listed.

Maybe check out

http://innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aquarium/

http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com/All-In-One-Aquariums_c_46.html

Good luck!

Beausoleiljacob · Jul 17, 2016

Griff said:
2 years is good. I wanted to make sure you weren't going this fall. That wouldn't have made a whole lot of sense.

What's your budget?

I'm not a fan of the jbj's based on what I've read and if this is your first reef tank larger is better. I'd go with the bio cube of the ones you listed.

Maybe check out

http://innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aquarium/

http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com/All-In-One-Aquariums_c_46.html

Good luck!

I love the nuvos but I rather spend that extra money on equipment. Should I get the new or old bio cube? I mean.. I could probably get a good deal on the old ones now that the LED version is coming out. In reality, I would only want to upgrade the lighting since the stock is that great. Thanks for your input and keep it coming

Oh my budget is really undecided it's a birthday present from my mom so.. Idk 800?

SantaMonicaHelp · Jul 18, 2016

How much space is available to you in your college-living-situation? Knowing what type of home you are living in will really alter my recommendations. Nevertheless, I have always found Fluval Spec tanks beautiful! I hope you find your answer soon.
Best Regards

- C. Smith