Still Researching, but have a few questions!

Craigslist is a great place to find used aquariums and equipment.

The biodiversity from some of the LR is truly amazing. I started with 100% LR and have removed quite a few hitchhikers. If you want to avoid the bad hitchhikers completely, quarantine the LR. It's been weeks and I'm still noticing new hitchhikers.

 

The cycle isn't really affected by the lights. Although I did have mine on for at least 4 hours every day.

Are you using any chemicals or bacteria with the cycle? If you are, take any carbon out and turn off any skimmers that you may have. If not, keep things the way they are.

As for sand, live sand is really for people who want a shorter cycle. I'm using dry Aragonite Sand in my 55, and a couple pounds of live rock. It wouldn't hurt to mix some dry sand with live sand, also. In time, all the sand will have been converted to live. A good rule for live sand is 1 lb per gallon. I'm using all dry, and only got 40 lbs. Yet, 40 lbs gives about 3 to 3 1/2 inches.

As for rock, i've never encountered hitchikers. Maybe except some snail-eating worms. So youre planning on seeding? Depending on how large your tank is, 1 lb/gal is also a good rule. ReefCleaners has some great pieces and deals on base rock.

 

What would be the advantages/disadvantages between the two?

 

If you want to see a well established tank with black sand, look at ReefBruh's 225 gallon thread.

 

I've been checking frequently. Sadly in my area there isn't too much in the nano-reef size (which, apart from a corner tank, fits my space the best).

Part of what I'm worried about with hitch hikers is figuring out what the bad ones are to start with :-[ haha

 

The JBJ for me and this is why

JBJ 28 gal HQI

Lighting incorporated into the lid.
Lid good for keeping the fish from jumping.
Spill gate center of back.
I like the design of the sump better as well.

What I like about the Biocube.

Does not run as hot because of placement of light.
I like the stand better.
You can do modifications easier to the biocube. JBJ harder to modify.
Makes a wicked looking rim-less tank if you are so inclined.

Both are good AIO just a personal preference, as I have a JBJ so that weighs into it as well.

 

Hitchhikers list.

Here are a few I have run across.
Aiptasia
Xanthid crabs
Eunicid worms
Cirolinids
Polyclad Worms

 

I will def have to do more research comparing the two. Though overheating is something that really makes me nervous. I'm usually gone a few weekends in the summer, and the less I have to worry about the better!

 

if you have the bucks, the jbj LED is the best. no heat issues. i don't know about the others but the jbj led has the wave maker control which is real nice to get some nice flow going.

 

Does this have a powerful enough light for coral?

I'm willing to spend a little more, within reason, (though it just means the process of getting ready to start it all up will take longer) if the benifits are worth it.