Question about 12g nanocube

[altinure]

Is this aquarium basically ready to go as is? I know the filter isn't the greatest, but would it be fine for starting out, and then replace it later when I have better funds? Also, does this tank come with a heater? If not, does it have a good place for attachment? It doesn't look like you can really hook a skimmer or heater up to this tank.
Is the delux really that much better for a reef tank than the regular, or is it a waste to pay the extra $60 for another light? And what would be good light bulbs for this tank?
Also, would it be cheaper to set up my own 10g? Or is the nanocube a good first nano tank?
Thanks a bunch.

 

[jacksdad]

personally I love the nanocube, but they do have limitations. Even if you get the DX you are limited to the types of coral you can put into it (no SPS). Most softies, however will do fine in a nanocube, DX or OG. I would suggest getting the DX, that extra light means a lot.. Take everything out of the back chambers when you get it. Place some LR rubble in the first chamber on top of which you can put some sort of poly filter or sponge. Put the heater, which doesn't come with the cube, in the 2nd chamber and just leave the pump in the third. You could add some extra LR rubble to that chamber as well. There is a skimmer that will be out shortly that will fit into the rear chambers of the nanocube.
After all is said and done it may be cheaper to setup your own 10 gal, but it doesn't have that clean look like the nanocube. JMHO I think any size nanocube is a perfect tank for someone on a budget or with limited space. Be aware though, smaller tanks are harder to keep healthy than large tanks, because of the small volume of water you are trying to keep stable. If I can do it though, so can you.
Good luck and hope this helped,
Bob

 

[bigpete]

a skimmer for nano cubes?!?! oh man....listen to jacksdad...nano cubes are great. mines been up for 2 months now with NO problems. i already have some polpys in there and they are doing great. jacksdad told me about the LR rubble idea, and i have to say, best thing i could have done for the tank. good luck

 

[leftyblite]

Nanos are great. Good idea with the rubble. I've had mine running for about a month now with no problems. :joy:

 

[khaotic2]

Hello. This seems to be a good group to ask questions about the 12g Nano. I am downgrading from a 55g to a 12g JBJ Deluxe Nano. How does everyone feel about the JBJ Deluxe? What heater and size works the best? Does any additional equipment need to be added inside or outside the tank? As far as inhabitants go, I will be adding LR/LS of course, some softy's, 1 clown, a jaw fish, a cleaner shrimp, snails and crabs. Pro's, Con's and any recommendations would be great and certainly appreciated. Just an FYI on the down grade; I lost my job, have to sell my pride and joy of 3 years 55 reef

, but can't live without my clown

. Can someone please express the joys of having a Nano because I am having a really difficult time with all this. Thank you.

 

[nanocuber7]

ive had a few bad experiences with my nano cube. i have the regular version not the deluxe. but ive had to replace the ballast after 3 months, solder wires ontop of my tank because i couldn't find away to detach the top, and those copper sleves that they use to attach the light to the wires are cheap peices of junk. i also have heat problems due to the lack of fans.
but i think it would be much better to get the 12dx if you wanted a nano cube. that extra light means alot to the coral and it comes with fans and a moonlight. but if u started your own 10 gallon you could easily upgrade your lights if you wanted, you could also hook up a sump or refugium, and your choice of skimmers wouldn't be limited very much.

 

[jacksdad]

khaotic2:
Sorry to hear about your job and your 55 reef, but it's not all bad. The nanocubes are great lttle tanks IMO. You can run them right out of the box or you can modify them like crazy. Personally I would go with the 24NC if you can swing it finacially. Especially since you already have the 55 to pull from. I have a 100 titanium in my 24 and it works flawlessly. The nice thing about those heaters is they can be partially out of the water and still work.
The first thing you should do is remove the bio balls, ceramic rings and sponges from the new cube. I just use LR rubble and chemipure. Another thing I think is necessary to do is swap out the stock pump for a maxijet900. It produces less heat and is quieter than the stock pump. Not to mention the flow is much, much better with the maxijet.
Your livestock list sounds good, just be careful of the jaw fish, since the surface area of the LS is smaller, when he digs he could topple your LR.
Bob

 

[khaotic2]

Thank you so much for the information. You have been a great help and I really appreciate it. I may be referring back from time to time, and of course will keep you updated. :joy:

 

[jacksdad]

khaotic2:
No problem what so ever.
nanocuber7:
The hood on the 12OG comes off by lifting up at a 90deg. angle and pull the hood towards you (assming your in front of the cube). Pull at the hinges, alternating back and forth between hinges. Eventually it will give, it takes quite a bit of pressure so don't be shy.
Bob

 

[littleliza]

I've had my 12 gallon nano cube deluxe running for a few months now and I think it's a great set up. I left one sponge in the first chamber, took out all the stuff in the second chamber and put in some carbon and a 50 watt heater. I switched out for the maxi jet 900 in the third chamber. It's really a good set up for a beginner IMO, and it looks sleek. If I ever get a picture uploaded I'll post one. :joy: good luck!

 

[khaotic2]

Just out of curiosity, why remove the media? I understand adding the rubble. And I don't think the top comes off fully. It looks as though the hinges are completely surrounded. It is really difficult to get your hands into the spaces. I'm having a really difficult time removing the current pump.

 

[jacksdad]

Originally Posted by khaotic2
Just out of curiosity, why remove the media? I understand adding the rubble. And I don't think the top comes off fully. It looks as though the hinges are completely surrounded. It is really difficult to get your hands into the spaces. I'm having a really difficult time removing the current pump.

First, the media trap nitrates and are no better at filtering than LR. The hood will come off. Tilt it all the way up and pull it toward you. It takes some pressure but it will come off. If you are uncomfortable doing that, use a flat blade screwdriver and twist it back and forth in the hinge.
Good luck,
Bob

 

[khaotic2]

Thanks Bob. Will do. Everything seems to be going well thus far. The gentleman who is purchasing my 55 will be here tomorrow. 3 years of my tank life will be gone, but I have this little beauty to nurture and enjoy.

 

[jacksdad]

No problem. They really are grea little tanks. Just think of it as your slice of ocean!
Bob

 

[khaotic2]

One more thing. I don't know if I am being idiotic or not, but I have my Maxi-Jet 900. How do I turn it into a pump? I'm sorry but the instructions leave something to be desired. Is there a reason the heater should go in the middle compartment? Does it have better heat dissipation there, or is there not enough room with the pump? I still can't get the top off without feeling like I'm going to break it. Have I mentioned I've had a really bad week???

 

[jacksdad]

khaotic2:
It's hard to believe that there are 7 Mondays in a week sometimes!!! Look at the maxijet, it has an inlet and an outlet. If you position it so it is sitting on the suction cups the inlet (where the water comes in) will be horizontal and the outlet will be pointing up. Just connect the hose to the outlet and zip tie it in place.
You do not have to put the heater in the 2nd chamber, any of the three will work.
Do a search for removing the top. You might find a different way. It does take some force to remove it.
Bob

 

[khaotic2]

Thanks Bob, your'e the best!

 

[feixjai]

im still kind of new to this but whats the point of putting lr rubble in the chambers? is it ok to put some crush coral in the chambers? i have ls in my tank but have non of the rubble lr. but in my backyard theres a whole bucket of dead crush coral from my brothers past tank. what should i do?

 

[jacksdad]

Lr acts as a biological filter. The benefit of putting it in the rear chambers is you get more filtration without over filling your display with LR. Crushed coral will not work as a filter, if anything it will trap nitrates.
Bob

 

[jackspets]

I work in a pet store and Nano cubes are great for a mini reef. It does not come with a heater, but plenty of room to add one! Oh and the delux is great because it has more watts of the compact flourescent lighting, but the regular will work just fine. I just set up my own nano three days ago, and we have one set up in our store for over a year. Both are doing great.