Quote:
Originally Posted by texasfootball21  So once again, for a beginner, which is a better choice, converting the 36 gallon or buying the aquapod. Thanks in advance for your help |
texasfootball-
I am a big fan of the all-in-one idea, but I have not seen one that people didn't want to modify after purchase. Some of the all-in-one designs cannot be modified effectively, which may make you frustrated months down the road.
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For example, I have been using a 24g JBJ Nanocube (Stock lighting: 72W total) + 2 powerheads as a
FOWLR for over 14 months. It was pretty quiet with the lid closed, but had 3-4 degree temp swings each day. I could have added a ICA chiller, ran plumbing to an external $ chiller, propped open the top, or modify the fans to help keep it cool. I chose to prop the lid open, and cut a piece of egg crate to keep any jumpers in. Now my swings are around 1-2 degrees, but I have to add 2.5 cups of RODI water per day to keep up with evaporation, and have a lot of salt creep to clean.
I have since added a Remora
HOB skimmer (bulky/noisy!), and replaced the sponge filters and bioballs with
LR rubble, and replaced the factory pump with a Maxijet 1200.
More mods I am contemplating would be to lose the lid entirely and replace it with more powerful lighting (with moonlights). Also, to add a
refugium - either in the center chamber, a
HOB model, or one above the tanks.
The final mod would be to toss the 24G, or use it as a
sump/refugium for a larger 30 or 40g display. I would like a tank with breeder dimensions if not longer.
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Also, I am not sure how suitable your 36g freshwater tank is for
SW. It could have trace metals (ie..
copper) in the silicon or elsewhere that could leach into your
SW later on.
You may be better served by purchasing an inexpensive 30 or 40G AGA tank and get a
HOB filter/refugium and
skimmer. That may give you more flexibility, but may not be as cheap as buying the $200 Aquapod model you mentioned.
-Scott
