Drama's Biocube

[Dramad1]

Hello fellas, new to the site and thought I'd start a build thread of my own so I don't clutter up the forum with new threads here and there.

 

So..... This will be my first nano tank. I have owned two 55gal reef tanks in the past, 1 long and 1 tall. I kept moving and had to part out and sell them. I Just bought a house so I don't think ill be moving any time soon. Time to get back in the swing of it all.

 

This time around I wanted a nano sized tank because of space and so I wouldn't have to deal w/ the higher expense of the larger tanks like lr and larger wc etc etc. keep it small and simple.

 

So without knowing what to get, I bought a biocube29 hqi. Hit the check out button and soon realized I had many other options like those cool rimless nano tanks. Should have waited and did more looking into it, but I got excited to be getting a new tank again. So I'm going to make it work and make it bad a$s.

So far I have been collecting the stuff I need to get it up and running. My plan is a reef style tank with some soft corals until i get all the lighting and temps, and water in check then maybe some sps and a single fish maybe two.

My list so far of items gathered:

2x hydor 425's

Tlf mag cleaner

30lbs figi branch (curing)

30lb super white reef sand

Inline media filter basket

Inline fuge basket

Chemi pure elite

Purgin

Filter floss

Red Sea pro salt

 

Items I need to get and am unsure of:

*Refractometer (old one broke) unsure which one to get. I had a cheap one and it broke. Ideas anyone.

*Skimmer, looking at the tunze 9002 or the 9004. No sure which is which, coral life or oceanic hqi. Or better. Not sure what I want yet but I know I want it inside the rear compartment, and a good one. I'm not afraid to mod if I have to.

*Power control center. So many options. I'd like it to just run my lights on a timer. Unsure which one would be best. All my lighting and pumps to be plugged into another power center w/ gfci

*possibly a ro/di unit. Local water store is a block away. Would be nice to have especially in emergency situation.

*ato, maybe. This is new to me so still have to read up on it, but from my understanding, these smaller tanks really evap a lot. And having a ato it will help keep my water in check and filters and

[Dramad1]

Pumps running.

Oops hit the wrong button.

My plan is to get the tank filled and equip tested then add the rock and sand, cycle it test and wc for at least a month then go from there. Summer is coming to an end but I'm worried about tank temps w/ the hqi. Hopefully wont need to worry about a chiller till nxt year. Once its cycled and water is in check as well as temps ill be looking to add my first additions.

Anyone have any comments or suggestion for me? Tips and tricks? This is my first nano, I hear its more difficult than a larger tank. Wc are my friend. Lol

[Sunar357]

I'd say no water changes while cycling. I'd say no lights needed either but some run them.

[Dramad1]

Okay on wc's. I planned to do a small one after it cycles.

[Dramad1]

Man, still waiting for my tank to show up. I ordered it 10 days ago, eta on arrival was between the 12th and 18th. No tank! I have been busy purchasing the general necessities so that I can get my tanks cycling and have most everything ill want and need down the line.

 

I'm bummed out right now. The wait is killing me. I went to aquatic warehouse to browse around and saw the same tank I ordered sitting on there shelf for sale. . I'm trying to just relax and know that it has already shipped and I need to just wait.

 

So a list of the items I have collected thus far:

2x hydor 425's

Red Sea pro coral salt 55gal

Ultra white reef sand 30#

30-35# premium figi lr

Refractometer

Tlf nano mag

Power center

API test kits

Gravel vac for wc

Prime

2x 5 gal buckets and a 3 gal bucket

Inline media basket

Inline fuge

Inline water director

Filter floss

Purgin 2x

Chem pure elite 2x

 

Still need to figure out/ may purchase

 

Modding the rear chambers for better flow

 

Upgrade stock return pump/ mj1200? Or rio6

 

Skimmer- I'm confused about witch model tunze 9002 or 9004 for the coral life hqi bc29. I have read and read but get mixed up on which model is for what when it comes to the oceanic model or the coral life model w/ the hqi hood or w/out the hqi. Hmmmm... which one works for the corallife bc29 hqi. can anyone chime in?

 

I've had thoughts through all this to ditch the hqi hood and go rimless w/ a sump, or hob skimmer. Hmmm.

 

Also looking for some type of fan for the tank top to help eliminate some heat from the hqi on the top glass. I may get a chiller down the road.

 

Thermometer, straying towards a digital one. Seen that the cheap corallife one's are not very reliable. May get the jbj one?

 

Moon lighting upgrade. Don't know what to get

 

Ro system, water store is down the street from me. Will go there for now.

 

Led lighting. Tempting.

 

Albert thiels nano reefing book. I have his other book and it is awesome.

 

Any comments and help would be greatly appreciated. This is my second tank and my first nano!! Nervous and excited.

[Dramad1]

Update:

 

Tank arrived about an hour ago. So now my build can actually start.

 

I got the rock home and its been in 5 gal buckets for a few days w/ some freshly mixed water. I have a few maxi900 in there as well.

 

I'm setting the tank up now and am going to run a water test for leaks. I think I may just fill it and let the pumps run all night, then start mixing my salt tomorrow.

 

I picked up and ordered a few new items as well;

Ordered:

Custom nano box!!!! ( Thanks Dave ) full package deal.

Maxijet1200 for return pump, fuge light and an

aquatic life 115 ps.

 

Picked up:

Digital temp, cheap suction temp, sm mag float and an algae scrubber pad.

 

DIY mods:

Finished tank stand and soldered up some temp moon lights.

 

Still need to get a mini clip on fan for my hqi lamp.

Ro/di system. I'm thinking around November for this. Water store until then. And Albert thiels nano reef book. Gotta have some reading material. I've read all 5 of the books I have now several times. Lol

 

Few questions fellas. Is there an iPhone app that I can use to post pictures and be able to browse through out the day? I currently use the moble version of the site on my phone but can't or don't know how to post pics yet. For my truck forum I use forum runner but I don't believe nano reef is avail on that app. Hmmmm...,

 

Back to tank, I plan to cycle the tank and after its finished cycling pull the stock filter off and start running the media basket and fuge basket. Will this cause a second cycle? Or should I throw the media basket in there now while it cycles?

Media basket will have filter floss, purgin and chem pure elite. Also the stock sponge, leave it or pull it? I was gonna pull it after cycle?

After it finishes cycling I plan to swap the return pump as well to the mj1200, I'd put it in now but am still waiting for it to arrive.

I have checked out the resource guide and it has been very helpfull. I've been out of the game for a few years and it seems like a lot has changed equipment wise. My first nano, Lil smaller than th 55 I had.

[Dramad1]

My tank is wet, yee haw. Lol. Added my power heads, digi temp and all seems well. Did some reef scaping and have now decided to leave it alone.

 

I had an order from intank that was due to arrive today but has been delayed due to the train derailment in Texas. Not sure when it will get here now. It's just mj1200 return pump, fuge light and skimmer. I can put them in after tank cycles and skimmer after I get some things in the tank.

 

So this weekend ill be doing some water test and tidying up my wiring. I also will be starting a new log book/tank journal. I did this with my last tank and it was very helpful reference and log.

 

Quick question(s);

How do I post pics, and is there a way I can post pics using mobile version on my cell/iPad, or do I need to use my computer?

Thanks in advance fellas!

[Dramad1]

So I just did my first set of water test and would like to hear some responses if possible.

Tank has been wet since 9-23-13, 30# live sand and 35# live rock. Aprox 20-22 gal after sand and rock.

Salinity: 1.025

Ammonia: 0.12 (between 0 & 0.25) closer to 0

Nitrite:0

Nitrate: 40

P.h: 7.9

 

Test kit used: API saltwater master test kit.

 

Should I look into a reef test kit or one that test the lower ranges? I also need to pick up a calcium test kit and phosphate, any other recs?

Also when should I test for calcium and phosphate or how often?

Any help fellas? Please

[slidinstar]

Looks like you're headed in the right direction....Your nitrate levels will probably stay where they are for a while....even with a water change. At least mine did. I also went through the diatom phase...more than likely because I added the live sand after my tank reached the point where you're at. Hang in there and be patient. Do a 10-20% WC once your ammonia levels reach zero. Good Luck....and keep us posted!

[Dramad1]

Did some water test tonight.

Water temp: 80.2*f

Salinity: 1.025

Ph: 8.0

Ammonia: 0.12

Nitrite: 0

Nitrate: 40

 

Topped off the tank with 2 cups ro/di, and uhmm threw in a small piece of raw shrimp. Want to be sure tank is cycling. Tank was was running for 4 days before I tested water and I'm testing every other day. Hmmm.

I also put in an order for some salifert test kits, nitrates, alk, cal,phos. I plan on replacing the ph, Ammonia, and nitrites test kits soon as well.

 

I started mixing 3 gallons of new water for w/c once my parameters zero out. Now it's just a waiting game. I added some walls to my DIY stand and a front door, still need to paint. I plan on cleaning up my wiring and hooking up my timers, mounting balist,and incorporating my custom moonlights.

[Dramad1]

I received my return pump upgrade today as well as My fuge light and skimmer. I also received some new salifert test kits, cal phos,alk.

 

So I swapped the return pump for the new mj1200 after Performing some water test,

Tank temp: 81.2*f

Salinity: 1.025

PH: 8.0

Ammonia: 0

Nitrite: 0

Nitrate: between 20&40. Hard to tell

 

I'm going to start checking my phos, alk and cal tomorrow.

 

I did a three gal water change yesterday as well to try and lower the nitrates a Lil. Water test were the same yesterday as well.

So ill continue to monitor the water over the nxt week and if all is good then cuc will be going in. And a week or so after that ill be installing my fuge basket and media basket. I plan on running a Lil cheato just because. Lol.

Tanks getting there. Still want to post pics but can't seem to figure it out, I'm online with my iPhone, I do not have a photobucket. Hmmm. I tried emailing myself a photo but then couldn't figure out the link part. Is there a forum app that I can use to post pics?

[Dramad1]

Day 11:

Water temp: 81.2*f

Salinity: 1.025

PH: 8.0

Ammonia: 0

Nitrite: 0

Nitrate: 20

Calcium: 415

Phos: 0.1

Kh/alk: 7.0

 

3 gal water change this Sunday, mixing water now.

Anyone have any comments?

Is there an easy way to post pics using iPhone?

[Dramad1]

Water parameters are the same today except for temp witch is down to 80.2*f. I have 3 gal of fresh saltwater mixing now for a W/c tomorrow.

 

Stil wondering about posting pics from my iPhone. I have forum runner and flicker and

Neither recognized this site. I tried emailing myself a few photos so I can copy link to post and no go. I really would like to share my tank w: the community. Hmmm....???

 

 

I've been browsing around for a stocking game plan as far as corals. Anyone besides myself want to chime in on my thread? I want a small set if mushies, haven't had much luck in the

Past w/ ricordia- I can keep them but they always stay small and never flourish. I've had gsp's and not sure if I want them in this tank. I had them in my last tank as an underwater grassy plain that eventually spread like crazy. No Xenia because it spreads all over. Maybe a few montiporas, I've had some really nice pieces that did well in my last tank. If like to try a Variety of lps and some

Easier to take care of sps. I will be running one of Dave's nano boxes w/ full control so I'm sure my lighting will be adaquite.

Can anyone recommend some good beginner sps corals I can start with? And where is a good place to find info on corals? I've found bits and pieces but am wondering if they sell a book or something that goes In depth about various species.

[Chadf]

Use photobucket and copy and paste the IMG link.

[Javious]

Are you getting those temps with or without the light on? When I ran the MH light on my HQI it always ran too warm for my taste, even with the glass top off. I got mine used and the light was big, ugly, loud, and hot. It needed the bulb replaced and the fan replaced. I decided to go LED instead. With those temps evaporation could be an issue. I'd add an ATO before an RO/DI or even livestock. I wish I had spent money on an ATO rather than all the things I bought that haven't worked out.

[Dramad1]

Are you getting those temps with or without the light on? When I ran the MH light on my HQI it always ran too warm for my taste, even with the glass top off. I got mine used and the light was big, ugly, loud, and hot. It needed the bulb replaced and the fan replaced. I decided to go LED instead. With those temps evaporation could be an issue. I'd add an ATO before an RO/DI or even livestock. I wish I had spent money on an ATO rather than all the things I bought that haven't worked out.

Yes I'm running the stock hqi lighting for now, but I run it in the evening to counter the warm temps during the day. I ordered a nano box from Dave, so when that arrives my hqi will be a back up light.

I do plan on getting an ato so I can keep the salinity levels consistent. I'm thinking the tunze. So far evap hasn't been to bad, about 2-3 cups a week. I've also been thinking or doing some kind of netted top to do away w/ the glass top only to help w/ temps. Still need a clip on fan.

 

And I don't have photobucket. I may just get it

[Dramad1]

Photo test.

 

Looks like it worked. Thanks for the help fellas.

 

Ill upload several pics tonight.

[Dramad1]

Few tank shots:

Not much going on. Tank cycled now just waiting a few weeks to be sure, and also bring the nitrates down a bump and make sure water params stay consistent

Enjoy!

[Javious]

I like the scape, nicer than mine! I wish I had blocked the lower intake on the 1st chamber, the surface skimming isn't very good with both open. I run mine without the glass or rear covers. I'd suggest a Two Little Fishies Nano Mag cleaner, it has a flexible inside cleaner pad that will get in the curved glass corners and it cleans better than the mag float I had.

 

Here is what mine looks like currently:

[Dramad1]

 

Man I wrote like two paragraphs and it disappeared all if a sudden. Sweet looking tank man.

Pic of my nano mag, waiting til I stock the tank to put it in. Lol. But yeah I née to plug the lower intake. Ever since I did the flow mod (remove tab ) to accommodate for the inline media basket, it seems like my surface skimming went to crap. I have one of my hydor 425's pointed up toward the top to produce surface ripples and direct some of the junk towards my intake and into my filter floss. Ill have to find an old cd or something to cover it. Hmmm

[Dramad1]

Tank update:

Water temp @ 79.3*f

Salinity: 1.025

Ph: 8.0

Ammonia: 0

Nitrite: 0

Nitrate:15-20

Calcium: 420

Phosphate: 0

Kh/all: 7/2.50

Tank looks about the same, clean up crew continues to clean up my live rock, small diatom bloom right now. I plan to do a 5 gal w/c tomorrow to try and lower the nitrates a bump.

I put in a small order for some zoas to start and I picked up some revive and coral rx to dip them when they arrive. I also picked up a Colbalt 100w neo-therm heater to help maintain a better temp during the winter months. My tanks temp has been as low as 76 and as high as 82.6 so I'm trying to keep it from fluctuating to much and stay with in a degree or 2 between night and day.

I was temped to pick up an mp10 and swap it with my two hydor 425's but had to walk away before spending to much as the tunze ato was right nxt to it as well as a few led setups..... Pretty much everything in that same display case, I wanted. Lol.

Media basket is in now and running chemi pure elite/ purgin/filter floss I also put in the fuge basket and plan on running a Lil cheato.

I'm going to wait a week or two after adding zoas before adding a fish, only gonna do two fish a cleaner shrimp and maybe a crab. My ideas for fish are:

Tail spot blenny

Purp fire fish or fire fish

Pygmy wrasse

Banner cardinal

Tangaroa goby

.... These are fish me and my wife's likes but plan on only picking two. Still may be other options out there. We saw a jeweled damsel today that looked kinda cool. I originally wanted a candy basslet but the price is a Lil to much for me.

Anyone have any Cool ideas for fish, likes/dislikes? I had occelaris clowns and flame angel In my last tank and so me and my wife decided to skip the clowns/angel this time around.

I'd like them to be small but bright and colorful and of course mixed reef friendly. No six line either. Lol

On the possibility of picking up a cleaner shrimp and crab, will they get along? Are the porcilin, emerald crab and or red crab good choices for a mixed reef w/ fish? I have searched around and am a but confused if the crab is okay or not.

Thanks for looking fellas, please comment!

[Dramad1]

Bump for fish suggestions

 

Bump for fish suggestions

[Dramad1]

Need advice on reef friendly fish.

I was looking at a tail spot blenny, Fire fish for the wife and a tanakas Pygmy wrasse

My questions are:

Will all these get along well in my 29 bc?

Which should I add first?

Can I add all three at once?

All seem peaceful enough and reef safe. They are the only fish I plan to put in, may skip the wrasse because I heard they can be quite the jumpers. Please help! I need some opinions other than my own.

Or should I wait on the fish and stock corals first?

I have a few frags on order, mainly zoa's.

I'm in no rush, just trying to get a plan going.

Thanks in advance!

[Reeftech]

Just found this thread and following.I also like the nice scape work.

 

Just a few tips.

 

I see you say you have the nano mag but I see a magfloat in the tank.I know 3 local people that have had the nano mag rust away in their tank.The first persons tank crashed so the other 2 inspected theirs to find the same issue.

 

now onto the fish selection.I think all the fish would be fine in there.I would add the firefish first then the tailspot followed by the wrasse. Imo adding the fish before the coral will benefit the coral by giving them a more stall water column and also nutrients from the fish waste.

 

If you do a search there is a biocube resource guide on here that has alot of good answers.

[Dramad1]

Thanks for the reply!

I have heard some mixed rumors about the nano mag, I planned to wait until tank was a Lil more stocked before starting to use it, I have the small mag float in there now but it sucks on the corners. I have an algae wand I have been using for this. When I do put the nano mag in, ill be watching it closely, the velcro design looked kinda cheap on the mag, worried about the corrosion.

I'm still writing out a list of fish, corals, and equipment I want and the list grows more and more every day. Ato, apex, mp10, coral, fish, misc tools etc.

I'm looking at the purp fire fish, tail spot blenny,some kinda wrasse.

Any thoughts on a crab? Pom Pom, how are they with corals. Porcilin or green or red crab?

Nothing's set in stone yet just compiling a list of possibilities, just about ready to stock up my tank