Which nano is the best?

[Saltwatertaylor]

Looking to buy a small tank (up to 12g, but can be no smaller than 4) to setup in my college apartment. I want to grow corals in it and possibly have one fish. I am wondering what would be the best choice if my budget is around 80 dollars TOPS. Preferably more around 40-60.

 

[ChoxRox]

At a budget of $80, you're going to have to do a lot of craigslist-ing! I'm not really sure of what you can get aroung that price... expecially since your lighting will cost a lot (even DIY)

 

[Saltwatertaylor]

Even for a 4g tank?!!

 

[thadscottmoore]

I have $1200.00 US (not including live rock, corals, inhabitants) invested into my 3 gallon.

but, 80.00 can be done with some patience and a keen eye for good deals on ebay, craigslist, reef forums classifieds... The lights are generally, the top dollar spend for reef systems. If you dont have proper lights for corals- then your wasting your money if you want a reef system.

 

[Kworker]

Honestly I have not even finished setting up my first SW tank and i know all around 80 bucks would be hard to set a Nano up in SW esp reef. I dont want to take away from the reef crowd but I want to suggest since your going to be away at college, to make things easier for you and step into the planted tank world. There are many more possibilities and fits the budget you have MUCH better. I recommend looking at plantedtank.net at some of the tanks people set up, I myself love planted tank looks and you can really get a nice nano going for that price range with everything included in your budget. There are many methods at keeping planted tanks, I've kept nano's with a simple desklamp with a LED bulb in it, many use CFL's. You can stock it with freshwater dwarf shrimp!

A awesome tank for this setup are ones ive recently seen at my LFS, deep blue makes these nano cubes that are rimless and super sweet looking.
Look up some ADA planted tanks for a idea if you need some reference. PM me if you want to know more, and i know how much time college can take from you, i start tomorrow morning

 

[Saltwatertaylor]

I have all the supplies for a reef saltwater LR sand. I have a 120g that I share with my brother at home so I just want a tank to help grow corals while I am away and miss having one!

 

[Kworker]

I have all the supplies for a reef saltwater LR sand. I have a 120g that I share with my brother at home so I just want a tank to help grow corals while I am away and miss having one!

Oh haha thought you were talking about getting everything. Those Deep blue cube nanos i saw though were sweet looking i would try to pick one up! they were decently priced too i think like 30-40 bucks. very clean look. but could just go with a plain ol' 10 gal no?

 

[Saltwatertaylor]

I want something that comes with good lighting and a protein skimmer ( protein skimmer isnt necessary but would be nice ).

 

[thadscottmoore]

with system that small- protein skimmer can be bypassed with routine water changes- saving you money. cheap 5 gallon tank with an AC70 modded with fuge and decent PC light system and decent live rock- could be on your way.... seen modded AC70 filters on various classifieds cheap. seen some cheap light fixtures too...

 

[Saltwatertaylor]

What type of light fixtures are cheap?

 

[M@!]

Are you interested in DIY? You could make a decent LED setup for $30-$40.

 

[Saltwatertaylor]

I have never done one before, but I would give it a shot to save some money. How hard is it? Does anyone have any nice nano system or pico systems they want to share that were relatively cheap?

 

[M@!]

Here is a tank I put together.

5.5 Gallon $15
Piece of Acrylic $5
Pump $15
Used Locline Pieces $5
Silicone 1/2 Tube $3
Total $43

Tank De-rimmed and False Wall

Pump Installed

Aquascape

Sand in and Media Rack

Wet and ready for Lighting/Livestock

DIY LED - I actually went down to 4 LEDs and a different Driver, 8 was too many.

Ebay Driver $16
Bridgelux LEDs (4 RB, 1 W, 1UV) $8
Luxeon LEDs (2 CW) $6
Total $32.00


May FTS

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[Saltwatertaylor]

Awesome looking tank! Your corals grow good in there?

 

[M@!]

Awesome looking tank! Your corals grow good in there?

Thanks, I have mostly zoas and they're growing great. I also have a green monti that is doing well.

 

[Saltwatertaylor]

Where did you pick up the 5g from? I would prefer a little big bigger of a tank. Do they have that for a 10g?