Going with a CADlights tank and a stand from DF&S

[zergling]

I just realized that it was the first week of July when I first started researching nano reefs, it's already August and am now very close to ordering the equipment.

For those that saw my first thread asking about where to get a 15g tank and live rock, you'll notice that I'm all for a "minimal equipment" setup. After reading the July NTOTM, I'm convinced that I want to do the same -- ADA tank with minimal equipment (heck, not even a background :lol: )

After looking around, I stumbled onto this cadlight 22g tank only. http://www.cadlights.com/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=86

23.75" x 14.25" x 14.5". Perfect dimensions for me, cheaper and bigger than ADA 60cm, and still easy to get lighting fixtures for.

The stand is a bit of an issue for me as I have no woodworking skills, and it has to be black to match my other tank's stand and complement the apartment. My options are

26g bowfront http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9881&N=2004+113764 but pricey

Or get a cheaper 24"x12" stand and add a 2'x2' black (spray?)painted plywood on top.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18529/si1378561/cl0/bigalsstingraystand24x12black

So, do you think I could get a cheaper trimless tank somewhere else? The cadlights 22g tank is $89.99+shipping, but I'd rather have the same size glass tank without the rounded corners or the bowfront, if I could get it in the same price range.

Same goes with the stand...I'd rather not modify if I could get it in the same price range....

I won't be doing craigslist as I've learned my lesson with 2nd hand tanks, and do not trust 2nd hand stands.

Thanks for the help!!

[zergling]

found another option for the stand

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FI-MS-2401&Category_Code=Aquariums

still somewhat pricey, but it'll give me the option of possibly doing a 24"x18"x??" tank.

[ianiwane]

Have you looked locally at all maybe asked any LFS for custom stands by their cabinet makers? I have a 24x24x30 stand made with a solid oak top for I think 140. I don't think you will find anything much cheaper than what you are looking at. Besides the tank and stand are normally the cheapest part of the system. I have or have had several (5) ADA tanks and they are worth the money. They make a 18x18x18 cube tank as well. However it probably is over your budget.

[zergling]

hey Ian, what's up? This is Nathan from sfbaaps. I haven't looked locally for stands, any recommendations?

As for ADA tanks, I absolutely love them, and was actually a few clicks away from buying a 60-P last night. The only reason I'm thinking about going with the cadlights is that I want more than 12" of space front to back, preferably 18". I also want to stick with the 24" length as it makes lighting a lot easier. I'm actually going to email cadlights later to see if I could get just the tank from their 25g or 34g products.

Well, I've been planning for a month now, won't hurt to add a few more days to see my options :D

BTW, how do you get your ADA tanks? adgshop? Aqua Forest?

[ianiwane]

Talk to Chris as aquatic central to see what he can do for a stand. I got mine through a friend who got it in modesto. The 18x18x18 would be nice with a single 150 watt MH light over it. I did a DIY 150 watt over a ADA 45p tank. I don't have a problem with heat, I just have a fan that comes on with the timers.

[zergling]

thanks ian! I'll see if I can drop by aquatic central this weekend