Darkstar0123 Posted May 14, 2016 Share Posted May 14, 2016 Starting a 14g biocube tank excited for this tank done research for over three years on saltwater tanks. But nothing compares to getting hands on experience I think. I have had many freshwater tanks as well as I have multiple reptile tanks. This one is for the my kids mostly. Bought my tank I'm using used. It came with extra bulbs two powerheads, protein skimmer, a heater a glass cleaner. Extra filter for the skimmer (wood piece) not sure if I'm going to use all the powerheads but definitely debating on what order to put the equipment in the back. Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 First of all welcome to the forum! I'm new on here also I also just started a 14 gallon coralife biocube which just finished cycling about a week ago and so far all I have is a clean up crew.I'm fairly new to the hobby but I have a 10 gallon that I've had up for about 8 months with a lot of trial and error.I know I'm not full of total knowledge,but if you ever have a question feel free to ask me.I have a freshwater tank that's a 46 gallon bow front which unfortunately I'm trying to sell.too many tanks,lol anyway,welcome good luck and happy reefing!!! Link to comment
xAyanex Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 Starting a 14g biocube tank excited for this tank done research for over three years on saltwater tanks. But nothing compares to getting hands on experience I think. I have had many freshwater tanks as well as I have multiple reptile tanks. This one is for the my kids mostly. Bought my tank I'm using used. It came with extra bulbs two powerheads, protein skimmer, a heater a glass cleaner. Extra filter for the skimmer (wood piece) not sure if I'm going to use all the powerheads but definitely debating on what order to put the equipment in the back. Welcome to Nano Reef! I'm new as well. I've started a Biocube29, it is still cycling. Doing the research and reading about other people's adventures is half the fun! And this is such a helpful community of people, so feel free to ask questions. Link to comment
Clown79 Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 Welcome:) This is a great hobby full of never ending learning, research, challenges, and achievement. Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 15, 2016 Author Share Posted May 15, 2016 I have a few Facebook groups that are very helpful. Right now I'm in the process of deciding what color sand and what media to put in my basket which I'll be making out of eggcrates to save some money. Edit Wanting a Caribbean theme but I like black sand so idk lol. For media I think I'm doing a nitrate or nitrite pad (can never remember what's bad or good) a bag of activated carbon and a bag of purigen. Also thought about making a small shelffor some chaeto algae and having a small light next to the clear light Link to comment
Clown79 Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 I'm not sure what the nitrate/nitrite pad is. You want to stay away from filter sponges because they lead to high nitrates whixh will lead to issues. Try filter floss and a good carbon. The purigen add as needed. Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 Hey Darkstar tell me how the eggcrate media basket works out,I aS thinking of doing the same thing,but not sure how I want to approach the project?are you still going to cut that tab of the tank like they suggest on the ones they sell?any info on this would be of great help,good luck to ya!! Link to comment
Pocket_Tamales Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 Hey Darkstar tell me how the eggcrate media basket works out,I aS thinking of doing the same thing,but not sure how I want to approach the project?are you still going to cut that tab of the tank like they suggest on the ones they sell?any info on this would be of great help,good luck to ya!! I recall seeing a step-by-step tutorial on setting up an eggcrate media basket. I'll see if I can find it for you! Right now I'm running a BC14 with purigen and chemipure. I've only had those two things for about three days now, but I'm seeing a noticeable difference in water clarity and smell. Everything was starting to smell like the sea, but the carbon has really made a big difference. I currently have the chemipure just in a bag in chamber one, filter floss on the tray (haven't cut the tab... planning on i though) and Purigen under the floss on the little false bottom that comes with the tank. I tried putting the Chemipure in that little compartment where the sponge goes in the stock biocube, but it messed with my flow a little too much, so I relegated it to chamber one. From personal experience, the main reason to cut that tab is to increase the surface area of your mechanical filtration if you're using filter floss on top of that little platform. Without the tab cut, mine seems to be utilizing only the "left" side of the floss. I'll try to take a picture when I get home and post it along with that media rack tutorial. Good luck! Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Hey pocket,,thanks for replying,it's very helpful.I was wondering today if I could do exactly what your doing!if you think about it in a call days let me know how your setup is going,I'm going Friday to buy the media,I'm not sure if ill cut the tab as my tank is wedged in and its up higher so leverage will be difficult,I'm running the Biocube 14 also. Link to comment
Formula462 Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Twas the tank I started with. Had many in between, it's the only one I still have setup. Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 17, 2016 Author Share Posted May 17, 2016 I would upload pics of everything bit I use my phone most of the time and apparently it take too high quality of pictures to upload Link to comment
SaltwaterShoup Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 As I learned when I started my saltwater cube (and I'm sure you've heard), patience is key. I only mention this because you said the tank is mostly for your kids and I'm sure they'll want to see some beautiful saltwater fish in there as soon as you start the tank up, but being patient with the cycling process and adding to the bioload slowly will help you out in the long run. Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 18, 2016 Author Share Posted May 18, 2016 Luckily my oldest is 2 and yeah I don't plan on putting any livestock in the tank till it finishes cycling. Which I should be able two start cycling in a couple weeks. Waiting on all my internet buys to get here should of went to LFS lol Link to comment
Pocket_Tamales Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 Here is the link to the DIY media basket walk through: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/221185-13-diy-biocube-media-rack/ I haven't tried it myself, but the instructions are very detailed and should tell you what you need to know. I understand that the flow in this design won't be as directed as the InTank basket, but with such a small volume of water I can't imagine that would make or break you. Someone with more experience may have more to say about that, though. I keep forgetting to take a picture of my half-dirty filter floss... Hope this helps! Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 19, 2016 Author Share Posted May 19, 2016 As of right now my tank sits waiting to be built. But I did get an email saying my order shipped and will be here next week Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 Hmmmm,looks pretty easy!ill be giving this a try!thanks for getting me the info pocket!!! Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 19, 2016 Author Share Posted May 19, 2016 Here is the link to the DIY media basket walk through: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/221185-13-diy-biocube-media-rack/ I haven't tried it myself, but the instructions are very detailed and should tell you what you need to know. I understand that the flow in this design won't be as directed as the InTank basket, but with such a small volume of water I can't imagine that would make or break you. Someone with more experience may have more to say about that, though. I keep forgetting to take a picture of my half-dirty filter floss... Hope this helps! That's where I got the idea from lol but yeah be getting all the supplies to make it Friday hopefully if work doesn't keep me late Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 21, 2016 Author Share Posted May 21, 2016 Couldn't get my supplies but I did get pics finally of my tank Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 Looks good,ill bet you'll have that up and running too Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 22, 2016 Author Share Posted May 22, 2016 Looks good,ill bet you'll have that up and running too My fiance wants me to hold off just a bit on starting it up but I'm still getting all the supplies besides live rock and sand(don't want the live rock to die on me while waiting) and maybe water was going to buy premixed to start out. Hopefully the old coralline will help cycle the tank. Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 Well I know it's hard to wait but you have something to look forward to.like you said,just start adding things slowly ,and before you know it.it'll be time to start,just for some info.I added some chemipure elite to both my tanks,and WOW! It's so clear it's like there's no water.I put it in chamber 2with the bioballs which I'm still not sure yet if I'm keeping them.if I do keep them ill do a freshwater rinse every col weeks. Link to comment
Darkstar0123 Posted May 23, 2016 Author Share Posted May 23, 2016 Still deciding on media going back and forth constantly Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 Yeah me too,my 14 gallon brioche has just finished cycling a week ago,and I wasn't even aware of what people were saying about the bioballs.but I guess ill give them a shot ill just keep them clean,to help I put some filter pad on top of the top shelf of the second chamber to keep solids from getting washed down into the balls,keeping my fingers crossed,lol Link to comment
Clown79 Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 Keep an eye on the bioballs. Ppl who clean them frequently have no issues but from what I have read for 8yrs is that when not cleaned, they just add to the nitrate issues. Link to comment
ReeferBrian Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Yeah I've heard about this,ill be rinsing them about every other week Link to comment
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