Buying a nano

[ontario1]

I am looking into some of the nano cubes on the market and I had a few questions. I am interested in some of the larger ones around 29g. Other than the Red Sea Max, all manufactured nano's have power compact lights. From most postings I read, this won't be sufficient for corals yet the three stores I have been to are using them and they are full of soft corals and I saw a candy cane coral in one of them. Will I be ok with the power compact.
2nd question is about the protein skimmer. The lfs store says that because nano's are so small and will be full of live rock, I won't need the protein skimmer. I was curious about everyones thoughts.
3rd question is, do I cycle my tank with the live rock in it? Can I cure the live rock in my tank? And can I do that at the same time?
I know there will be different opinions out there. I am not an expert. I just want a pleasant looking nano with some nice corals and a couple fish. If I cant grow all the corals, so be it.

 

[perfectdark]

Hi Ontario,
1st your question about the nano's I have a BioCube 29 and if I had to do it over again I would still get the same thing. Only because timing is everything. Having said that you happen to be looking at a very good time I believe its the JBJ nano just released a new tank. (it wasnt out when i was looking) There is a thread about it here somewhere. IMO best one for the money. It looks as though they have encorporated all of the mods that people have done to their tanks in here and made a version of thier tank with all these mods included. And it comes with HQI's!!
2nd, Protein skimmer included in that tank prob solved. However, if you choose not to go with that tank, then all I can tell you is that I dont have one and my tank is fine thus far.
3rd I would def cycle the tank w LR in it. If its not cured when you buy it, then it will cure in your tank for sure. And I did mine at the same time, although I believe I puchased cured rock. From what I understand uncured is not easy to come by and it smells BAD !!
Hope this helps Good luck on your decision.