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New 29gal Biocube Setup - $2K (Cheaper Alternatives?)


Greshman

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Hi All,

 

I've been doing some planning regarding the setup of a new 29g Biocube. My goal is to have a tank which could potentially support any type of coral (soft, LPS, SPS) or other fish/invertebrates.

 

After & researching & pricing everything I'll need to start, I'm coming up with about $2,000 for everything as follows:

 

1)Biocube (29g) with Stand - $410

2)Steve's LED reterofit - $430 (they complete the setup; comes with 2 dimmable/programed controllers)

3) Vortech MP10 - $230

4) 30lbs Reef Ready Live Rock - $210

5) RODI System from Spectrapure - $150

6) American Marine PH Probe - $100

7) Refractometer $65

8) Cobalt Aquatics 100w heater - $63

9) Acquatic Life 115 Nano Skimmer - $55

10) Reef Gently Acclimator - $55 (used to transport & acclimate new species to tank)

11) 30lbs live sand - $50

12) MJ1200 return pump - $40 (will use stock pump for eventual ATO or completing water changes)

13) API Test Kit (SW Mater - Ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) - $25

14) API Test Kit (Reef Master - Ca,Kh,Phosphate,nitrate) - $25

15) Nano Flipper Magnetic glass algae scraper/razor - $25

16) 5g measuring bucket - $20

17) Instant Ocean Salt Crystals (50g) - $16

18) Eshoppes square large form x 2 - $16

19) Seachems Matrix biofilter media (1 liter) - $11

20) Media bag for maxtrix biofilter - $10

21) Chemipure elite carbon - $10

22) Instant Ocen Epoxy - $8

23) Fish net - $ 5

24) Other materials - $25

 

So, this is turning out more expensive than I initially thought. I'm wondering about the LED retrofit and whether there's a cheaper alternative. Same goes with the MP10 which may be overkill. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions regarding these items? Any cheaper alternatives out there?

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Very nice list and yes this hobby drains wallets but it is worth every dime. That LED setup is great but there are cheaper alternatives (DIY, Lumentek, Reef Breeders Value, PAR38 bulbs, check the LED forums here for more suggestions). You can substitute the mp10 for a jebao rw4. Get dry rock and sand instead of live (will take longer for tank to cycle). I acclimate all my livestock in a bowl or in the bag. I would buy a better skimmer though as this is a very important item for removing excess nutrients before they break down. pH probes are nice but not necessarily required so you could buy that at a later date. I'm sure you could get a used tank and stand if that is something you are interested in. Usually you will get a lot of extra equipment with it as well. Good luck with the tank.

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Jebao instead of vortech. Scrap steves and led super outdated and a biocube is super outdated as well. If you want to save money you bets throw that Jewish cap on.( btw I'm Jewish ) and I have been doing this since I started this hobby and it js suited me well:)

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You can get a biocube used usually for around $100-$150 with stand and some extras, that's a lot of rock and sand for that setup imo I had a biocube 29 and used 20# sand and 20 ish # rock, I'd buy live sand but dry rock that'd be cheaper. Light wouod be great looks sleek or You could probably retrofit a hydra 26 in the hood and that should cover the spread and they got those for $324 on a site I know, pm for more info. I'd get a better skimmer for sure, mj1200 is perfect, jebao rw4 will do just fine for it $45-$55 on amazon etc. I'd definitely find a used pair or new of intank media basket/refugium basket it's a must for that tank and there awesome. All I can think of atm any questions feel free to ask. Good luck with the build man. And in the end this is your tank so follow your gut and do lots of research.

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Very nice list and yes this hobby drains wallets but it is worth every dime. That LED setup is great but there are cheaper alternatives (DIY, Lumentek, Reef Breeders Value, PAR38 bulbs, check the LED forums here for more suggestions). You can substitute the mp10 for a jebao rw4. Get dry rock and sand instead of live (will take longer for tank to cycle). I acclimate all my livestock in a bowl or in the bag. I would buy a better skimmer though as this is a very important item for removing excess nutrients before they break down. pH probes are nice but not necessarily required so you could buy that at a later date. I'm sure you could get a used tank and stand if that is something you are interested in. Usually you will get a lot of extra equipment with it as well. Good luck with the tank.

Thanks CronicReefer. I appreciate the suggestion regarding the LED's & powerhead. I'll take look at those other products. Regarding the skimmer, I chose that one based on a youtube clip posted by "ReefThuz". He was able to configure it to fit in compartment #1 while allowing the hood of the biocube to shut. Is it not an adequate skimmer?

 

 

Jebao instead of vortech. Scrap steves and led super outdated and a biocube is super outdated as well. If you want to save money you bets throw that Jewish cap on.( btw I'm Jewish ) and I have been doing this since I started this hobby and it js suited me well:)

Thanks Nickbruh510. What do you mean that the biocube is outdated? Are there better alternatives to a covered all-in-one system?

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NorthGaHillbilly

Hi All,

 

I've been doing some planning regarding the setup of a new 29g Biocube. My goal is to have a tank which could potentially support any type of coral (soft, LPS, SPS) or other fish/invertebrates.

 

After & researching & pricing everything I'll need to start, I'm coming up with about $2,000 for everything as follows:

 

1)Biocube (29g) with Stand - $410 (up to you but I would drill a standard tank and run a sump from the get go... and it would likely be cheaper with a DIY sump)

2)Steve's LED reterofit - $430 (they complete the setup; comes with 2 dimmable/programed controllers) MANY other options, with or without hood

3) Vortech MP10 - $230 Go with a Jeabo if your worried about cost

4) 30lbs Reef Ready Live Rock - $210 look for some LR locally from local reef club or go dry rock with alittle seeder rock

5) RODI System from Spectrapure - $150

6) American Marine PH Probe - $100 Dont bother at first atleast, youll likely go with a controller if your aready interested in constant monitoring

7) Refractometer $65

8) Cobalt Aquatics 100w heater - $63

9) Acquatic Life 115 Nano Skimmer - $55

10) Reef Gently Acclimator - $55 (used to transport & acclimate new species to tank) Over complicating things, youll get em in a bag, put em in a cooler, acclimate at home... done

11) 30lbs live sand - $50

12) MJ1200 return pump - $40 (will use stock pump for eventual ATO or completing water changes)

13) API Test Kit (SW Mater - Ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) - $25

14) API Test Kit (Reef Master - Ca,Kh,Phosphate,nitrate) - $25

15) Nano Flipper Magnetic glass algae scraper/razor - $25

16) 5g measuring bucket - $20 $5 with lid from HD

17) Instant Ocean Salt Crystals (50g) - $16

18) Eshoppes square large form x 2 - $16

19) Seachems Matrix biofilter media (1 liter) - $11 No need IMO

20) Media bag for maxtrix biofilter - $10

21) Chemipure elite carbon - $10

22) Instant Ocen Epoxy - $8

23) Fish net - $ 5

24) Other materials - $25

 

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I would scrap those test kits and go with Salifert or redsea or even elos or hanna. The api kits are okay for cycling bit imo you need something more accurate for the long run.

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You can get a biocube used usually for around $100-$150 with stand and some extras, that's a lot of rock and sand for that setup imo I had a biocube 29 and used 20# sand and 20 ish # rock, I'd buy live sand but dry rock that'd be cheaper. Light wouod be great looks sleek or You could probably retrofit a hydra 26 in the hood and that should cover the spread and they got those for $324 on a site I know, pm for more info. I'd get a better skimmer for sure, mj1200 is perfect, jebao rw4 will do just fine for it $45-$55 on amazon etc. I'd definitely find a used pair or new of intank media basket/refugium basket it's a must for that tank and there awesome. All I can think of atm any questions feel free to ask. Good luck with the build man. And in the end this is your tank so follow your gut and do lots of research.

Hey Kidnatural. Thanks for the response. Interesting comment regarding the quantity of rock. I'm new to the hobby, and have been using the 1lbs per gallon rule; however, I would like to get by with the least amount of rock that can get the bio-filtration job done. The manufacturer states that there's 23.5g actual capacity in the tank and after rock/sand displacement that figure would probably drop down to 21g which makes your 20lbs rock/sand suggestion viable, I believe.

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Hi All,

 

I've been doing some planning regarding the setup of a new 29g Biocube. My goal is to have a tank which could potentially support any type of coral (soft, LPS, SPS) or other fish/invertebrates.

 

After & researching & pricing everything I'll need to start, I'm coming up with about $2,000 for everything as follows:

 

1)Biocube (29g) with Stand - $410 (up to you but I would drill a standard tank and run a sump from the get go... and it would likely be cheaper with a DIY sump)

2)Steve's LED reterofit - $430 (they complete the setup; comes with 2 dimmable/programed controllers) MANY other options, with or without hood

3) Vortech MP10 - $230 Go with a Jeabo if your worried about cost

4) 30lbs Reef Ready Live Rock - $210 look for some LR locally from local reef club or go dry rock with alittle seeder rock

5) RODI System from Spectrapure - $150

6) American Marine PH Probe - $100 Dont bother at first atleast, youll likely go with a controller if your aready interested in constant monitoring

7) Refractometer $65

8) Cobalt Aquatics 100w heater - $63

9) Acquatic Life 115 Nano Skimmer - $55

10) Reef Gently Acclimator - $55 (used to transport & acclimate new species to tank) Over complicating things, youll get em in a bag, put em in a cooler, acclimate at home... done

11) 30lbs live sand - $50

12) MJ1200 return pump - $40 (will use stock pump for eventual ATO or completing water changes)

13) API Test Kit (SW Mater - Ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) - $25

14) API Test Kit (Reef Master - Ca,Kh,Phosphate,nitrate) - $25

15) Nano Flipper Magnetic glass algae scraper/razor - $25

16) 5g measuring bucket - $20 $5 with lid from HD

17) Instant Ocean Salt Crystals (50g) - $16

18) Eshoppes square large form x 2 - $16

19) Seachems Matrix biofilter media (1 liter) - $11 No need IMO

20) Media bag for maxtrix biofilter - $10

21) Chemipure elite carbon - $10

22) Instant Ocen Epoxy - $8

23) Fish net - $ 5

24) Other materials - $25

 

I would agree with this. You have a bunch of things on the list that you don't need now, or probably won't need ever for that matter. A lot of other items can be found cheaper or even second hand.

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Yeah mine looked right on with about 20# give or take, I tried adding more later on in the tank and ended up looked beyond crowded so I removed the additional rock. And in response to the tank being outdated, I believe that's all a matter of opinion. If you like the idea of the biocube and the view go for it, I did for a while and then went innovative marine, much sleeker looking tanks imo but other tanks have other problems. Pico aquariums makes some beautiful tank and should be around the same ish price point with much better quality glass, construction, and filtration. Cadlights has some tanks around this volume of water as well. When I received from biocube first thing I did was remove the lid and put a piece of glass over the top. Gave me endless options for lights and room for bigger skimmers etc. This being your first aquarium your going to hate some of your decisions/purchases down the line no matter what,

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Hi All,

 

I've been doing some planning regarding the setup of a new 29g Biocube. My goal is to have a tank which could potentially support any type of coral (soft, LPS, SPS) or other fish/invertebrates.

 

After & researching & pricing everything I'll need to start, I'm coming up with about $2,000 for everything as follows:

 

1)Biocube (29g) with Stand - $410 (up to you but I would drill a standard tank and run a sump from the get go... and it would likely be cheaper with a DIY sump)

2)Steve's LED reterofit - $430 (they complete the setup; comes with 2 dimmable/programed controllers) MANY other options, with or without hood

3) Vortech MP10 - $230 Go with a Jeabo if your worried about cost

4) 30lbs Reef Ready Live Rock - $210 look for some LR locally from local reef club or go dry rock with alittle seeder rock

5) RODI System from Spectrapure - $150

6) American Marine PH Probe - $100 Dont bother at first atleast, youll likely go with a controller if your aready interested in constant monitoring

7) Refractometer $65

8) Cobalt Aquatics 100w heater - $63

9) Acquatic Life 115 Nano Skimmer - $55

10) Reef Gently Acclimator - $55 (used to transport & acclimate new species to tank) Over complicating things, youll get em in a bag, put em in a cooler, acclimate at home... done

11) 30lbs live sand - $50

12) MJ1200 return pump - $40 (will use stock pump for eventual ATO or completing water changes)

13) API Test Kit (SW Mater - Ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) - $25

14) API Test Kit (Reef Master - Ca,Kh,Phosphate,nitrate) - $25

15) Nano Flipper Magnetic glass algae scraper/razor - $25

16) 5g measuring bucket - $20 $5 with lid from HD

17) Instant Ocean Salt Crystals (50g) - $16

18) Eshoppes square large form x 2 - $16

19) Seachems Matrix biofilter media (1 liter) - $11 No need IMO

20) Media bag for maxtrix biofilter - $10

21) Chemipure elite carbon - $10

22) Instant Ocen Epoxy - $8

23) Fish net - $ 5

24) Other materials - $25

 

 

Thanks for the input. Part of my initial goal was to go for an AIO system that avoided the necessity of a sump/refugium. I wanted a cleaner looking setup that could still handle bio-filtration and nutrient/nitrate export without a sump. As you mentioned, I'm going to do some more shopping regarding the LED's. I'm trying to avoid as much DIY as possible, so I'm willing to pay a bit of a premium on having someone else do some of the work. Great point on the probe. I think I'll defer as you suggested.

I would scrap those test kits and go with Salifert or redsea or even elos or hanna. The api kits are okay for cycling bit imo you need something more accurate for the long run.

Thanks for the tip. I didn't realize API was deficient.

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They are not deficient, just not as accurate and or hard to read, but I guess that goes for most test kits. Lots of people use api test kits with great results. I prefer Salifert kits cause they are simple and easy to use as well as a lil more accurate than the api test kits. If you do choose another brand kit, I would pick them up online opposed to lfs due to price mark ups at lfs.

Also, I didn't see an inTank media basket on your list, imo they are a must have when running a biocube and superior in quality to other baskets avail. Great for running edit of your choice and easy to remove and clean/replinish any media you may desire.

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Some of my thoughts next to the list.........

 

 

 

1)Biocube (29g) with Stand - $410. I'd look at im tanks instead.

2)Steve's LED reterofit - $430 Hydra 26 or radion xr15

3) Vortech MP10 - $230. Wp25 or rw4 maybe

4) 30lbs Reef Ready Live Rock - $210. Brs dry rock. I can get some of best liverock at my lfs for $4 lb so I'd look more for rock.

5) RODI System from Spectrapure - $150. Great filter

6) American Marine PH Probe - $100. I'd skip this but that's just me.

7) Refractometer $65. Can find sales on these for lower

8) Cobalt Aquatics 100w heater - $63. Awsome heaters

9) Acquatic Life 115 Nano Skimmer - $55. Maybe skip skimmer to start unless full blown sps tank. Water change goes long ways on small tank

10) Reef Gently Acclimator - $55 (used to transport & acclimate new species to tank. Cool product but not needed

11) 30lbs live sand - $50

12) MJ1200 return pump - $40 (will use stock pump for eventual ATO or completing water changes)

13) API Test Kit (SW Mater - Ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) - $25

14) API Test Kit (Reef Master - Ca,Kh,Phosphate,nitrate) - $25

15) Nano Flipper Magnetic glass algae scraper/razor - $25

16) 5g measuring bucket - $20

17) Instant Ocean Salt Crystals (50g) - $16

18) Eshoppes square large form x 2 - $16

19) Seachems Matrix biofilter media (1 liter) - $11

20) Media bag for maxtrix biofilter - $10

21) Chemipure elite carbon - $10

22) Instant Ocen Epoxy - $8

23) Fish net - $ 5

24) Other materials - $25

 

So, this is turning out more expensive than I initially thought. I'm wondering about the LED retrofit and whether there's a cheaper alternative. Same goes with the MP10 which may be overkill. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions regarding these items? Any cheaper alternatives out there?

 

Thanks.

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They are not deficient, just not as accurate and or hard to read, but I guess that goes for most test kits. Lots of people use api test kits with great results. I prefer Salifert kits cause they are simple and easy to use as well as a lil more accurate than the api test kits. If you do choose another brand kit, I would pick them up online opposed to lfs due to price mark ups at lfs.

Also, I didn't see an inTank media basket on your list, imo they are a must have when running a biocube and superior in quality to other baskets avail. Great for running edit of your choice and easy to remove and clean/replinish any media you may desire.

My intention was to use the 2 Eshoppes large sponge filters in the 2nd chamber, then slide in a media bag 12"x15" full of Matrix bio-filter. I would also add some carbon along the entrance to the 3rd chamber. Meanwhile, I'd like to have a skimmer in 1st chamber.

 

Could you define what you exactly mean by a media basket? I'm still pretty new to this. Sorry!

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Sent u a pm with info to the media basket

Interesting. So do you think having a media & fugue basket would be better than the large sponge filter?

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All good responses. Imo. Buy the tank standard just grow it out as needed. You need to have time to figure things out anyway. Read this board and you'll find great info and lots of those products used.

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I'll put it this way having that setup with and without it. Before it was in I just dropped in a bag of chemipure and swapped every 3 months. Was getting green hair algae due to overfeeding be it my bad habit, and more detritus on the sand bed, rocks, etc. I then added the media basket/ fuge and within a month my tank was free of algae and began to show real growth and I can say the refugium saved my butt. I work a lot so tank maintenance takes a Backseat sometimes. I feel like the media and fuge basket with chemipure elite, puri gen, filter floss and chateo gave me the opportunity to even have a thriving tank without weekly water changes of more than 20% at the time. If I had a biocube that would be first on my list to get. Stevie/the site I pm'd even has a little refuge pen light that grew my chateo like crazy.just had to buy bulbs and keep a few on hand which are super cheap. If u paid shipping I'd even give you the pen light I have laying around you'd just need to get a bulb. And when I say cheap I mean a few bucks per bulb.

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You can get a refractometer for about $25 on Amazon. Just bring it to your LFS and ask them to calibrate it.

 

You can also use a regular 5g bucket from your local big box hardware store with a lid for $5 or you can use the bucket that comes with your salt.

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I don' know if dave still does it, but for the lighting, he used to do retrofits for biocubes I think for $335 and you send the hood to him and he'll send it back with everything installed. Cheaper than what you are considering and much, much better.

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jedimasterben

Well, you'd definitely be far ahead of what most people plan (get the tank, toss in expensive ugly rock and sand from Petco, add fish the same day, and worry about everything else later lol). :)

 

But there are a few things I would do differently. For now, get the tank/stand, RO/Di system, salt mix (go ahead and get the bucket, you'll need more salt for water changes, etc, you pay more over time by buying smaller), heater, and refractometer (or floating glass hydrometer). Then get uncured rock and sand from KP Aquatics. Not sure where your 'reef ready live rock' would be from, but unless it's coming straight from the ocean, there won't be anything 'live' about it. Live rock/sand aren't only about the bacteria needed for establishing the tank, but it's the algaes, inverts, etc that come with the rock that truly make it 'live' and make it actually look nice instead of just brown or white rock. You'll be much happier overall, and honestly 20lbs of rock (which is more than enough, more than that and your tank will just be a box full of rocks) and then the sand should actually be cheaper by ordering from KPA.

 

Run with that setup for the first month or two, let the tank start getting into and start working through 'the uglies' (when diatoms and algaes grow faster than can be consumed by your cleanup crew) so it can start the road to balance.

 

When you begin stocking with corals, then start to look at test kits. Don't bother with test kits for anything other than calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate. Use quality test kits - Salifert, Red Sea, Elos, and the new Nyos test kits are supposed to be good, as well, stay far away from API. Unless you're stocking a lot of stony corals and need to figure out if you should dose, measure nitrate and phosphate once per week and test cal, alk, and mag monthly, there is no point in testing more often.

 

You don't need an MP10 right off the bat (though a great investment), nor do you need upgraded lighting. When it comes time for better lighting, look at Nano Box Reef (sponsor to N-R), they sell the easiest and by far best looking LED retrofits and the price should come out the same or close to the Steve's 99% kit.

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I'll put it this way having that setup with and without it. Before it was in I just dropped in a bag of chemipure and swapped every 3 months. Was getting green hair algae due to overfeeding be it my bad habit, and more detritus on the sand bed, rocks, etc. I then added the media basket/ fuge and within a month my tank was free of algae and began to show real growth and I can say the refugium saved my butt. I work a lot so tank maintenance takes a Backseat sometimes. I feel like the media and fuge basket with chemipure elite, puri gen, filter floss and chateo gave me the opportunity to even have a thriving tank without weekly water changes of more than 20% at the time. If I had a biocube that would be first on my list to get. Stevie/the site I pm'd even has a little refuge pen light that grew my chateo like crazy.just had to buy bulbs and keep a few on hand which are super cheap. If u paid shipping I'd even give you the pen light I have laying around you'd just need to get a bulb. And when I say cheap I mean a few bucks per bulb.

That's excellent info. Thanks a ton. I'm going to scrap putting the sponges into chamber two and go with the media basket and fuge basket instead as you suggested. I'll definitely take you up on the pen light too if the offer still stands. Quick question: You along with a another person mentioned that the Aquatic Life 115 skimmer wasn't very good. The reason I picked it was due to the fact that it could sit in chamber 1 with the hood closed. Is there a better skimmer that can squeeze into chamber 1 allowing the tank hood to close?

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