First Tank For Newby - Red Sea Max 130D Or JBJ 28 Nao

[vtrain58]

Hi Everyone,
Looking to start my 1st saltwater tank - Fish Only. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which might be better tank for a newby like me - the Red Sea Max 130D or the JBJ Nano 28?
I'd like to stock the following;
2 Clowns (Oscellaris)
1 Banggai Cardinal
1 Yellow Assessor (if I can find one)
OR
2 Clowns
1 Dwarf Angel (Flame or Lemonpel)
I'm really confused about the dwarf angels. Each book I read seems to have a differing opinion as to whether than can be kept in a tank like a 28 or 34.
Thanks to all for your help.

 

[srfisher17]

Just a general rule of thumb: everything else being equal, the bigger the tank the better. Large SW tanks are actually easier for beginners than small tanks, IMO. I think those tanks are "iffy" at best for most dwarf Angels; but a Cherub (pygmy) should do well and they are very personable, pretty fish.

 

[denniscoy420]

If I was starting all over I would Buy someone's used tank that they put lots of $$$ and have given up on the hobby
they will sell cheap with cash in ur hand and also moving a tank is easy as eating cake
trust me go buy someone's old tank move the rock around mould ur own tank take some or all the fish out and take to the LOCAL fish store and trade for credit all u really want is the rock the sand and the lighting...
trust me on this one

 

[mproctor4]

I completely agree with Denniscoy420. You can get some great deals locally if you look around and are a little patient. Check craigslist, local reef club, or some LFS post for sale items. My tank was used, set up as freshwater. I did get a great deal even considering I had to convert. A week later I found a much nicer tank that was salt (complete set up) for the same amount of money!! Wish I had held out a little longer. My daughter bought a used tank on craigslist also and got a great deal. Bigger is easier and I'm betting if you enjoy the hobby you will be upgrading in size soon if you buy a small tank.
Also, my hubbie has a Cherub angel in his 29 gallon bio-cube reef that seems very happy. She doesn't pick at the corals, friendly, and very pretty. I don't think I would put a flame or lemon in a 28 or 34, stick with a pygmy.