Where in ATL caters to nano-reefers?

[bulkrate]

Just getting back into the hobby after a loooong hiatus. Space and personal preference rules out the standard 55+ gallon starter tank approach. However, I've seen some really interesting developments in the 5.5-17 gallon range in the past few years, especially in rimless/low iron glass models and LED lighting. It is truly a different world than when I was a kid and had a 10-gallon rectangle on the dresser lit by a 30w desk lamp.

My question is...which store(s) in Atlanta or its immediate surroundings carry a good selection of nano/pico-sized tanks? All I've seen so far are a few that have Tom Decos and I'm looking for something a little nicer & bigger. Anyone carry ADAs, Mr Aqua or the like? I'm not really digging the Nano/Bio Cubes...I like the concept but the execution just doesn't seem to work for me.

Or am I just better off getting a custom built (from who) or ordering online? I'd really rather not buy sight-unseen, especially as workmanship flaws in something this size can really be a show-stopper.

Thanks in advance for the advice, and I'm loving the gallery pics!

 

[jennm]

Welcome to ARC!

Does http://www.eheim.com/products/detail/Aquastyle-9">this</a> appeal to you?

Jenn

 

[bulkrate]

That's getting there...I actually need to sit down with some stiff card stock to mock up a model or two of some common dimensions. I started looking at rimless cubes a couple of monts ago, but I'm getting a feeling that a rectangular would make for happier fish due to the increased lateral swimming area. Potentially thinking of putting a sixline wrasse and maybe 1 other fish (undecided), plus a couple of porcelain crabs.

That EHEIM looks really nice though. How's the included filter/pump for flow and filtration (seeing a lot of mixed physical/chemical setups, even in AIO tanks)...this one looks like a bag 'o bioballs but I assume could be swapped out for the carbon/gfo/purigen filter bags I see others running. And can the LED fixture support some of the hardier LPS/zoanthids?

And...and...my god this was easier when I was twelve. And only had neon tetras. Thanks for the welcome and for the response...I haven't been up in the Canton area recently or I'd have swung by your store already.

 

[jennm]

My better half just set one of those up in our living room. He didn't use the biological media that it comes with, I believe he put some carbon and maybe Phosguard in the chamber. With live rock, as I'm sure you're aware, there isn't a real need for artificial biological media unless you plan to stock it heavily. My choice in that instance would be for Seachem Matrix as it's more appropriate, IME.

It's a little submersible filter - dead silent. He put a small powerhead in there too - I think a Mini-Jet we had lying around (~73 GPH I think).

The LED is a bit weak. We had a Current Powerbrite blue LED strip lying around (comes with the territory in my biz - having stuff 'lying around' LOL) and it fits perfectly on the top glass and is rather inconspicuous. It adds a nice blue to the appearance as the stock LED is just white. He's only had it up a few weeks, again with stuff gathered from around the house/shop. Just a bit of live rock, and a few mushrooms and a couple of zoas he scavenged. No fish yet although he's pondering one or two purple reef chromis that we have that are uber-tiny.

If I remember when I get home, I will post a picture of it - it's really nice, albeit not totally stocked yet. Always a work in progress, but this one was set up about a month ago, so it's still in its infancy.

Jenn

 

[crew]

I know you said the biocubes aren't really your style, but I really enjoy mine (under 2 months old)

I think they have lots of issues the way they come, but with some modification, they work great. In my opinion, that just makes it more fun.

check out my build thread for an idea of what I mean.
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=59120">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=59120</a>

Welcome to the ARC!

 

[bulkrate]

Jenn- thanks. I suspect I'm going to want a stronger light, but it's good to see other options. That's a pretty nice tank for the money, and I'm definitely going to want a lid on whatever tank I get, given the carpet-surfing nature of at least half the fish I'd want to have.

Crew- I'm reading through your build thread. Facinating and kudos on teaching yourself to solder. I've seen people paid well for lower quality wiring and layout tha what you've done in the pursuit of the hobby.

Amici- looking for something a little bigger, 12-16 gallons ideally. Thanks for the offer, though.

 

[jennm]

It does have a lid. I took a pic but I don't have my cable here... I'll try to remember to post it when I get to work tomorrow.

Jenn

 

[hiimsean]

sent you a PM

 

[bulkrate]

What's the overall take on this: http://www.innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aquarium/nano16-0301.html">http://www.innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aquarium/nano16-0301.html</a>

Looks like a breakaway faction from JBJ went hog-wild at a glassworks studio. But in a good way.

I'd want it even more if there was a "tank-only" option, without the lights and stand...by their own price lists it looks like over half the cost of the kit is the dual SKKYE lamps. I'd be more inclinded to go the DIY/nanotuners route to not have spill and reflection off the included glass lid.