JimK

I am getting ready to purchase a 12-gallon JBJ Nano Cube and am not sure whether to get the regular or deluxe model. The regular model has one 24-watt PC bulb, while the deluxe has two. Would the single bulb be enough light? Would the two-light unit be too much light?

Also, should I replace the 50/50 reef light with the 6700K light?

John N.

I would get the Deluxe, since I think its only a little more. You'll have more flexibility with the lighting as you start up.

1 bulb would put you in high low to good medium light
2 bulbs would put you where you can grow anything...after you change the bulb to a 6700k of course.

Those cubes look pretty good, but expensive..I would also consider just getting a 20 gallon or 30 gallon with a coralife fixture.

Looking forward to see what you get.

-John N.

Roy Deki

I ditto Johns' comments!!!

JimK

Thanks for the replies. I was leaning toward the deluxe model as well, since I can put each light on a separate timer (I think) and stagger the on/off times. I will definitely order replacement bulbs. I don't see why they don't package the cubes with 6700K bulbs as an option.

I agree that I could probably set up a cheaper aquairum than the cube, but this is going in a bank lobby (my client). The nice thing about the cube is that the equipment is hidden behind a black wall and is all self-contained. So it less resistent to tampering and looks nicer as well.

Any opinions about some of the other "nano cubes" on the market? Aquapod? ViaAqua?

John N.

I heard good things about viaaqua, haven't heard much about aquapod.

But JBJ is simply the best, and looks really good. There is also a 8 gallon Finnex (rimless) on ebay too, run a search over there.

The JBj nano is used typically for reef setups or normal setups, so that's why I bet there isn't an option to switch the bulbs.

-John N.

Roy Deki

There is a recall on Aquapods...you can see the recall notice on www.plantedtank.com

nanoguy

I have a deluxe 12 gal JBJ Nano Cube and I have had really good luck with it so far. It was set up as a marine tank before Hurrican Rita knocked the power out for 3 weeks and killed everything. Now its planted with the stock 48w lights and doing ok. The one complaint I have is that it runs a little warm (80-82F) with the lights on. I blame the stock pump and plan on replacing it with a minijet 606. As it gets older it is getting a bit louder, the dual cooling fans could use a good cleaning and maybe an upgrade, but I've had mine about a year. As far as looks the JBJ Nano cube is hands down the best looking as far as I'm concerned, the Auquapod looks "cheap" to me. I spent a little extra for the deluxe from www.petsolutions.com with the cabinet stand (not much room in the stand with the ballast in there) but it looks nice. By the way both lights are on a single switch so unless you good at DIY wiring they can't be controlled separatly. Another option you might check out is www.nanocustoms.com, they mod new Nano cubes with lights and other options and then sell them for a few more bucks. If you have anymore questions about it let me know.