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The Biocube Resource Guide


uwwmatt

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So they cool the whole thing with just those fans in the stock locations with the MH?

 

That is my understanding. I believe the fans the provide are stronger.

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So they cool the whole thing with just those fans in the stock locations with the MH?

 

You can also install two additional fans if you want to mod the hood slightly. Evilc66 has some pics in the lighting forum as how he added two fans. I would buy some 50x10mm CPU fans with the highest CFM you can find and replace the stock ones. Then if temps climb too high, add the other two.

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i'm kinda jumping in on the 70w mh upgrade but you don't need to add a new splash guard, I have the 150w mh upgrade from nanotuners and i didn't have to get a new splash gaurd.....and my plastic didn't melt. They install better fans so that air moves through the guard better, i haven't had any problems with heating either. I stay right at 80 and everything is doing great. Nanotuners is pretty much the best thing i have done for my tank and i'm so happy i did it. I'll put some pictures off what the upgrade looks later.

 

they add two fans where the stock fans are one blowing in and the other out and there are two fans blowing across the halide bulb. You can also upgrade the upgraded fans if you want to, but i didn't because thos are supposed to be pretty loud and my tank is in my living room

Edited by colgan10
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Ok, so I am in the process of putting together a biocube contest that will include several prizes. Right now I am thinking there will be 3 categories, and each category will have its own winner.

 

The tentative categories right now are:

 

Biocubes Under 1 year

Biocubes Over 1 year

Biocubes w/stock lighting

 

Each member will be able to submit his/her biocube into one of these three sections. Eventually there will be guidelines and submitting instructions posted. Then we will have open voting by Nano-Reef members.

 

I will have more information sometime next week. Just keep checking back to this thread for updates.

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So I bought the Brinks light fixture today from wal-mart ($10.75) and played around with my lid taken apart.

 

Looks like everything will fit how I planned with the MH and still able to keep the actintic bulb over the top of the fans.

 

I still need to do a bit more research on the fans I will need to make it work and run cool but I think I might be ordering the 70W ballast from ballastwise.com soon which is only $30.

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So I bought the Brinks light fixture today from wal-mart ($10.75) and played around with my lid taken apart.

 

Looks like everything will fit how I planned with the MH and still able to keep the actintic bulb over the top of the fans.

 

I still need to do a bit more research on the fans I will need to make it work and run cool but I think I might be ordering the 70W ballast from ballastwise.com soon which is only $30.

 

Take some pictures

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CHEAP FAN MOD

 

this summer my BC 14 temps raise to 83 Fº

so i just install a 50mm fan using this post as references

 

Looking for a DIY fan mod for BC14, Tank is too hot

 

electrical fan installation

 

tools and equipment

*scissors

*electrical tape

*razor

* 50 *25 mm fan )

hpim3493vd1.th.jpg

 

*old sony-ericcson phone charger (5.1 v)

hpim3495re7.th.jpg hpim3494ni0.th.jpg

 

*3 pin to 4 pin fan adapter (old one too)

hpim3491ob4.th.jpg

 

Steps

* cut 3 pin adapter cable

* cut phone conector from phone charger

* peel the ends of the wires with the razor

* join the ends of the wires, red with red, black with black

* tape all

 

you will get something like this

hpim3498qv0.th.jpg hpim3480800x600as4.th.jpg

 

Fan installation

 

tools

*pen

*drill, bits and hole saws ( i use a 47mm hole saw )

 

steps (sorry i don't take pictures when i did the mod)

* disconect all cables from the hood ( lights and lunar leds)

* take out pin Hinges and hood

* use as reference center rib on the hood, place fan to one side of the rib and mark with the pencil

fan vent hole and screws holes

* drill vent hole, check position again and drill screws holes

* install fan and put everything back

 

you will get something like this

hpim3466xh9.th.jpg hpim3467ui1.th.jpg

 

 

Notes

* my temps dropped from 81-83 Fº to 78-79 ºF

* i am using stock light

* 60mm fan produces less noise and better cooling

* the old phone chager use just 5.1v, this low voltage low fan RPM and nosise

you can use any AC adapter 12 v

* you can buy al fan stuff here :lol::lol::lol:

Nanotuner DIY air cooling

* you can try different orientation of the fan ( hot air out - fresh air in)

* adding a fan will increase evaporation

 

this is all :P:P

Edited by firefish CR
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Thanks to this guide I purchased a BioCube 29 this weekend. I've already ordered StevieT's media and Fuge baskets. I've also made a fuge light based on uwwmatt and nanoreef11's design. Thanks to everyone's help here, I hope to have a beautiful reef tank soon. I do have a question, though. Will the Maxi-jet 900 fit in the third chanber of the tank?

 

Thanks!

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One of my favorite filter mods if you are looking to keep your drip tray... very simple and effective.

 

My only variation is that i add some carbon back into the new filter pad (in the middle i separate a hole carefully with knife and add)...Then every few weeks i change it out. Cut the zip tie and remove and replace! Also place filter floss on top on drip tray for additional waste removal.

 

Drip Tray Mod

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I have a mp 20 and the whole point of the pump is so that motor is outside the tank. you also can't get the motor side wet so there is no mod that would work.

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Just wondering, I know on here somewhere there is the mod to block off the bottom intake strainer. What does everyone think about that or has anyone done this and can comment on their experience?

 

Thanks

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Just wondering, I know on here somewhere there is the mod to block off the bottom intake strainer. What does everyone think about that or has anyone done this and can comment on their experience?

 

Thanks

 

 

It helps i think.I just blocked mine with piece of lexan.It helps bring in more garbage from surface into the filter etc.

Edited by plainrt
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Just wondering, I know on here somewhere there is the mod to block off the bottom intake strainer. What does everyone think about that or has anyone done this and can comment on their experience?

 

Thanks

 

I've been playing around with it. I definately reccomend blocking off about four of the grates on the top intake (this increases the velocity and hence "suction" of the intake). I'm playing with how many to do on the bottom. I ran it for a few months completely blocked off, but thought a little bit might aide is pulling out junk in the lower part of the tank. I definately think you want most of your water flowing through the top grate, so lately I have been running it with all but 2 grates covered on the lower grate. I actually observe junk being sucked into it.

Just get a piece of plastic for the top and bottom grates and play with it until you get good results.

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how do you attach the plastic?

 

Suction. As long as the pump is running it will hold it in place. FOr the lower intake I did however make the plastic long enough that I stick it in the sand to hold in place

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Thanks to this guide I purchased a BioCube 29 this weekend. I've already ordered StevieT's media and Fuge baskets. I've also made a fuge light based on uwwmatt and nanoreef11's design. Thanks to everyone's help here, I hope to have a beautiful reef tank soon. I do have a question, though. Will the Maxi-jet 900 fit in the third chanber of the tank?

 

Thanks!

 

Do you mean the first, or 3rd chamber, because if your talking about the 3rd chamber ( the one on the left side, if im standing there looking at it from the front) then thats where the stock pump goes, and the mj 900 is almost the same as the stock pump. If I were you, I would go with the mj1200!

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