Reef Casa studio 12 gallon or cube 15 gallon

[new2Reefer]

Hi. I am new to this hobby. I am debating between the studio 12 gallon or cube 15 gallon from Reef Casa: https://reefcasa.com/product/studio-12-saltwater-aquarium-kit/?currency=USD

Which one would you recommend for a beginner? Aside from aesthetics, are there some pros and cons to consider for each model?

It would be very expensive to buy "wrong" so your help is much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Bigger is always better, and a 15 gallon will allow you to keep 2-3 fish, while I would only keep 1 or 2 in a 12 gallon.

this is a good article for beginners coming into the hobby. Good luck

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[Tahoe61]

I prefer the foot print of the lagoon Reefcasa over the larger cube. I have the Reefcasa 6 gallon and it's very easy to work in. The lagoon dimensions allow for better areas for coral placement.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

If you can afford the bigger option and have the space for the bigger option, that is the one I would go with.

 

[new2Reefer]

If you can afford the bigger option and have the space for the bigger option, that is the one I would go with.

In this case both the 12 and 15 gallon have the same length and width. The 15 gallon is just taller.

 

[nickscorals]

I do lots of research on nano systems, so here's a bit of advice: To get more out of this hobby than the average reefer, always consider the costs vs the benefits of everything. Now when it comes to buying coral, we definitely act like the costs are minimal and the benefits are boundless, but it's helpful to be more measured when first setting up a system.

For your situation, I'd definitely recommend upgrading to the 15-gallon cube version, UNLESS you really like the dimensions of the Studio 12. For just an extra $50 you get 25% more water volume than the 12 gallon, and you can just do a weekly 3-gallon water change and call it a day. It won't cost you much extra in the long run to have more water volume, and your tank will run more stable in the long run.

With nano systems, the trouble everyone faces is wanting to fit a large tank into this nano system, but it's important to treat it like a nano, so running a very low bioload is important.

Best of luck, and hope to see your build thread!

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Much better quality tank if you go with the IM 15. Reef Casa tanks are junk.

 

[Tahoe61]

Much better quality tank if you go with the IM 15. Reef Casa tanks are junk.

Why?

 

[nickscorals]

Much better quality tank if you go with the IM 15. Reef Casa tanks are junk.

Curious why you say that!

 

[Tahoe61]

Curious why you say that!

I love my ReefCasa 6.

 

[GrimReefer51]

I love the Reef Casa Tide, I have the 10 gallon version and very happy with it.

 

[HouReefer]

I have a build thread for my 12 gallon casa

 

[GrimReefer51]

Much better quality tank if you go with the IM 15. Reef Casa tanks are junk.

Curious to know why they're junk?

 

[ld762]

Curious to know why they're junk?

I just got the 12G Tide version. The dimensions are just what I was looking for. The water flow design lacks the design part. If water evaporate just a little, the pump will start choking on it; meanwhile, the first and middle chambers are full of water!

Also have been through 2 WB's. Tide's quality can't come close.