Which tank should I get?

Ronix137 · Jul 19, 2017

Hi everyone! I'm wanting to get into the saltwater aquarium hobby. I've done a lot of research on it for a long time so I have a good idea of what to expect.
The main issue thats holding me back from starting is that I do not know which tank to get. I want to get one that is high quality, so I'm okay with spending a little more than necessary as long as its a good quality one. I also want one that is about 10-20, so

I've looked at the following:
- Red Sea MAX Nano
- Nano-Reefer Signature All in One
- Coral Life Biocube 16

Any info on these aquariums or other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

SalinFL · Jul 19, 2017

I highly recommend Innovative Marine. I know that everyone will swear by what they own. I currently have a 40gal and love it so much I'm looking to get a 120. Their customer service is outstanding should you ever need them.

cmcoker · Jul 19, 2017

I would go with the reefer.

I have a biocube 14, biocube 16 and reefer 250. The biocube fans are LOUD and I'm not a huge fan of the stock lights. My biocube 16 is a clownfish tank, that will just have some softies. If you look at biocube build threads, people swap out lights, swap the return, modify the lid, rim etc. so that's something to keep in mind.

I say the reefer nano so you get a sump, pick your own lights, return, skimmer to begin with.

My reefer ended up with a leak, which does not seem very common, but customer service was excellent. I had a new tank with 10 days of contacting them.

JaaxReef · Jul 19, 2017

I have a white Red Sea Max E170 and I would highly recommend one of their max setups! No experience with the other offerings you mentioned, but I'll say that I'm still impressed with the Red Sea build quality every time perform maintenance or look at my tank.

It was actually the only brand my wife would let me keep anywhere other than the basement because of the polished and professional look of the display and stand.

I'm sure you will make the choice that is best for you and your budget, but if you could look into a larger setup like the e170 and save a little more, having 45 gallons of water will be easier to maintain for a beginner than the nano and the footprint isn't too much larger.

Best Regards

Maacc · Jul 19, 2017

I can recommend the fluval evo 13.5 great little aio tank.

This one is in mybhome office next to my desk.

Mikedawg · Jul 19, 2017

cmcoker said:
I would go with the reefer.

I have a biocube 14, biocube 16 and reefer 250. The biocube fans are LOUD and I'm not a huge fan of the stock lights. My biocube 16 is a clownfish tank, that will just have some softies. If you look at biocube build threads, people swap out lights, swap the return, modify the lid, rim etc. so that's something to keep in mind.

I say the reefer nano so you get a sump, pick your own lights, return, skimmer to begin with.

My reefer ended up with a leak, which does not seem very common, but customer service was excellent. I had a new tank with 10 days of contacting them.

BTW, Biocube customer service told me about six months ago that it was okay to disconnect my LOUD fan (they had tested this removal in their spec tanks and found no significant difference); I did so and have had no problems since as well as getting some peace and quiet.

Scurvy · Jul 19, 2017

I have a 32 bio and reefer 250. Red Sea makes a beautiful tank and if i had a do over i would have gotten the 170 over the Biocube for the bedroom. Ive had it less than a year and fight the urge to break it down often.

The biocube is nice but as mentioned above the stock lighting isnt great, the fans are loud and if you keep the hood on heat will be a problem in warmer months even with the central air at 73.

Ronix137 · Jul 21, 2017

Thanks everyone for your input! I really appreciate it!

After considering everyone's comments, I'm going to go with Innovative Marine's Fusion Nano 10g.

The main reason for choosing that one is because it's not too expensive and I want to make sure I enjoy this hobby before I spend a lot of money into it.

I'll post a photo on this website once I buy it.

Thanks again!