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uwwmatt

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Gromit1710

Gromit's Bio-Cube 8 Stock Fan Replacement Guide For Beginners

 

I looked around and didn't see a simple guide for replacing the stock fans.

 

As the Bio Cubes are notorious for having fan issues, I thought that the first thing a newcomer to owning a BC will have to do involving a screwdriver would be replacing the fans.

So this is a basic guide on how to replace the stock fans in a BC8 and 14 (presumably)

 

 

So, you've had your bio-cube going for a while now and suddenly you hear the most god awful noise coming from the hood when the fans kick on. That's the sound of your tank's fans going out on you. If you look through the vents on the top with a flashlight, you will see that one or both are barely turning.

First of all... Don't panic!

 

You can get your fan working again by flicking the power switch on the top of the hood that controls the fans off and then back on again. Wait to see if it starts squealing again. If it does... Repeat. Do this as needed until the fan shuts up and starts working again.

 

The fan or fans that are going out will eventually stop squealing on their own if left alone, but that may or may not take along time. During this time, your tanks temp will climb from the lack of cooling. Maybe bad... maybe not so bad. Every tank is different. Regardless.. You need to start thinking about replacing them.

 

The first thing you need to do is fill out this Form.

 

Put in all your info and in the suggestions and comments box, tell them that your fans have begun making noises and won't turn.

 

A Customer service rep will contact you by Email and tell you that they are aware of the fan problem and will send you two replacement fans FREE!! They will also tell you that it's because there is a seal around the splash guard ( the plastic cover over the lights ) and if it's not perfect, it will draw moist air in from the tank and ruin the fan. I think that's BS. My seal is right where it should be and looks perfect. ANYWAYS... Your new fans should arrive in the mail in about a week.

 

Caution! Before starting, be sure to disconnect all power to your tank! Electricity and Water do not mix. :haha:

 

You also may want to find something to lay over your tank to prevent screws and such from falling in the water.... You'll see a prime example later...

 

Step 1: Getting your stuff together.

 

Here's what you'll get in the mail:

IMG_0684.jpg

 

I asked for a replacement seal. That's the spaghetti looking thing in the picture. Didn't use it. Forget it's there.

 

and here's what you'll need to do it: A phillips screwdriver and a pair of needlenose pliers ( maybe )

IMG_0685.jpg

 

 

Step 2: Doing it.

 

Start by removing the splash guard. If you're like me.. it's got some salt creep on it anyways and could use a scrub. Remove the 4 screws in each corner with the phillips screwdriver.

IMG_0688.jpg

 

 

With the splash guard off you'll now have access to the reflector shrouds and bulbs. Remove the single center screw on the lower shroud between the fans and then remove the bulbs by removing the rubber bands on one end of the bulb, and gently wiggling them while pulling them to the right. They will pop out.

IMG_0689.jpg

IMG_0690.jpg

IMG_0694.jpg

 

Now remove the upper shroud by taking the 4 screws out. Two of the screws go through the retainer clips for the bulbs. The Upper shroud will come right off. I've already been into my hood a couple times, so your wires will look alot nicer. There will even be neat little zip ties holding everything together.... You'll need to cut those

 

IMG_0695.jpg

 

See this little wire with a loop on it???? You will hate this wire later.

IMG_0705.jpg

 

Now that everything is out of the way, Locate the pair of wires coming from each fan. They will be Black and Red.

IMG_0692.jpg

IMG_0691.jpg

 

Follow them up to this tiny circuit board. Wiggle them gently while pulling. They will pop right out of their socket.

IMG_0710.jpg

IMG_0709.jpg

 

Don't worry about not getting the new fan's plugged into the right spot. They labeled the plugs on the board.

IMG_0699.jpg

 

Remove the 4 screws that hold the fans to the hood. The first set of fans I took out had a rubber sleeve that fit very tightly over the screw inside the fan. I turned and turned and turned but nothing seemed to happen. Just keep twisting and eventually it will back out. This may or may not happen to you. Notice how one fan has the sticker showing and the other doesn't? You need to put the new fans in the same way. One opposite the other so one is sucking... and the other is blowing. Doesn't matter what side is what, so long as they are opposite.

IMG_0703.jpg

IMG_0702.jpg

 

Pull the old fan wires free of the tangle and replace them with the new fans. When you install the fan with the sticker facing you, it can be a bit tricky. There isn't a recess for the screw to seat in the fan's housing like the other side. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS! Just snug them tight. If you tighten them too much, you could strip out the thread in the plastic hood behind it.

IMG_0707.jpg

 

Plug the new fans into the board and then start putting your hood back together.

 

There is one tricky snag here.. THAT DAMN WIRE WITH THE LOOP ON IT! This is a ground cable and is kind of important. Don't skip it if it gives you trouble.

 

That loop needs to be behind the big upper shroud between the plastic and the metal with a screw going though the bulb retainer clip, the shroud, the loop and then into the plastic threads. It can be kinda tricky

 

This is the clip resting on the bottom of my tank.. for the 2nd time.

IMG_0711.jpg

 

Once you get the upper shroud and the bulbs back in place, it should look like this again

IMG_0690.jpg

 

Now is a perfect time to cut the fins in the lower shroud to help airflow. You'll notice mine doesn't have them..

IMG_0715.jpg

 

That's because it's exceedingly simple to remove them with a pair of needlenose pliers. Just pinch one end of each fin and wiggle. 2 or 3 wiggles and it will snap off. Repeat until all sides are broken and then pull the fins out.

IMG_0716.jpg

 

Replace the lower shroud so the bend is going like so...

IMG_0717.jpg

 

Put the splash guard back on and THATS IT!

 

Turn the tank back on and you're done!

 

IMG_0718.jpg

Edited by Gromit1710
  • Like 1
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I think the seal between the back chamber and display is leaking. When I did a water change, I drained chamber 2 and 3, and after a few minutes it filled about halfway back up and stopped. This was confirmed by slowly pumping new water into the display and the back chambers almost being full by the time the waterfall was about to start.

 

Should I be concerned? Most of the water seems to be flowing properly by looking at my filter floss in chamber 2 and the ability of chamber 1's grates to catch debris.

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floridian reefer

im new to nano-reef, and just found this forum, i love it!!! you guys have posted a lot of very useful information! i haven't been able to read everything yet. i have a 29g currently with no mods except removed bioballs and placed live rock chunks at setup so never had problems. my question is the light upgrade from tuners, what types of lights are they? and is it really worth it. another thing i am curious about is if the stock pump produces enough flow? and last but not least, has anyone had problem with theirs running hot stock?? thanks guys and keep up the good work!!!

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bhskicker18
The first thing you need to do is fill out this Form.

 

Put in all your info and in the suggestions and comments box, tell them that your fans have begun making noises and won't turn.

 

A Customer service rep will contact you by Email and tell you that they are aware of the fan problem and will send you two replacement fans FREE!!

 

 

I wonder what would happen if you told them your Mini UV cracked lol.

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I think the seal between the back chamber and display is leaking. When I did a water change, I drained chamber 2 and 3, and after a few minutes it filled about halfway back up and stopped. This was confirmed by slowly pumping new water into the display and the back chambers almost being full by the time the waterfall was about to start.

 

Should I be concerned? Most of the water seems to be flowing properly by looking at my filter floss in chamber 2 and the ability of chamber 1's grates to catch debris.

 

 

No, there isn't a leak between the display and 2 and 3. What is happening is water is traveling backwards through your pump from your display back into chamber 3.

 

Water seeks it's own level. When you pump the water down and out of chamber 2 and 3 into the display and then shut the pump off, gravity is going to pull that water back to equalize chambers 2 and 3. Next time you do a water change, take off whatever you have in the display directing water from the pump and plug it with your finger after you pump the water out of chamber 2 and 3. You see no evidence of a leak then. ;)

 

I wonder what would happen if you told them your Mini UV cracked lol.

I dare ya!

Edited by Gromit1710
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No, there isn't a leak between the display and 2 and 3. What is happening is water is traveling backwards through your pump from your display back into chamber 3.

 

Water seeks it's own level. When you pump the water down and out of chamber 2 and 3 into the display and then shut the pump off, gravity is going to pull that water back to equalize chambers 2 and 3. Next time you do a water change, take off whatever you have in the display directing water from the pump and plug it with your finger after you pump the water out of chamber 2 and 3. You see no evidence of a leak then. ;)

 

I dare ya!

 

Yeah, I moved my tank to a new house the other day and realized this. The back chambers remained basically empty until I had the water overflowing from chamber 1. I have a chiller hooked up, so I guess the water change last week made a back siphon through the chiller back up to the circulation pump. I've gotten better about not letting air into the chiller line during water changes, because it's a pain in a butt to get the air out, so I have been making back siphons that didn't exist during my first few messy water changes, ha!

 

This didn't happen during the move, because the chiller line was filled with air. Yay, physics!

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floridian reefer

im new to nano-reef, and just found this forum, i love it!!! you guys have posted a lot of very useful information! i haven't been able to read everything yet. i have a 29g currently with no mods except removed bioballs and placed live rock chunks at setup so never had problems. my question is the light upgrade from tuners, what types of lights are they? and is it really worth it. another thing i am curious about is if the stock pump produces enough flow? and last but not least, has anyone had problem with theirs running hot stock?? thanks guys and keep up the good work!!!

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It has been a while since I have updated the Biocube Owners List. I tried to go back and find the ones I missed. Here is the list I have now. If your name is not on there and you want it to be just let me know.

 

  • 8s
nanonan's 8G Biocube
Hlander's BC8 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=221323
Gromit's BC8 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...=238519&hl=
 
14s
UWWMatt's 14G Biocube
Plainrt's 14G Biocube
Deli's 14G Biocube
splitskater's 14G biocube
girlgoneaqua's14G Biocube
nanoreef11's 14G Biocube
Hairoid's 14G Biocube
Ishane's 14G Biocube
Cali-girl's 14G Biocube
Patrick19's 14G Biocube
Phoebe's 14G Biocube
Firefish CR's 14G Biocube
Vegas Chad's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...p;#entry2604700
Bio-reef's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=217683
fmfa0801's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=217252
CJ's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=219870
TheMac86's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=231546
Hawaii_Bio_Cube's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...213851&st=0
MadDevil's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=195166
Crazy Tiki's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=204141
CalBear91's 14BC http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...=0#entry2294455
Teezy's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...=0#entry2865857
UX Designer's BC14 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=233690
 
29s
nckwrn's 29G Biocube
dahliaheartsyou's 29G Biocube
ando's 29G Biocube
beeker's 29G Biocube
dooderino's 29G Biocube
Colgan10's 29G Biocube
Reeferboy's 29G Biocube
Spanko's 29G Biocube
FSU1Dolfan's 29G Biocube
Cmador's 29G biocube
myatt's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=211134
Saltine's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=221853
Degener8's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=224640
Tapout's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...p;#entry2541600
TheStar's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=184879
Crazy Tarzan's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=205367
James411's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=202594
Streetsong's BC29 http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...203663&st=0

 

updated 6/3/10

 

Add me please :)

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...p;#entry2775552

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im new to nano-reef, and just found this forum, i love it!!! you guys have posted a lot of very useful information! i haven't been able to read everything yet. i have a 29g currently with no mods except removed bioballs and placed live rock chunks at setup so never had problems. my question is the light upgrade from tuners, what types of lights are they? and is it really worth it. another thing i am curious about is if the stock pump produces enough flow? and last but not least, has anyone had problem with theirs running hot stock?? thanks guys and keep up the good work!!!

Hi floridian reefer,

 

The bulbs they use are pc bulbs like the stock lights, you just adding another bulb. Is the upgrade worth it mostly depends on what you want to keep. If you want to keep softies, then probably not but more light would be good for them. If you want lps then the upgrade would be worth it. If you want to keep sps then you need to look at either T5, MH or LED upgrades. The stock pump is ok. Many folks upgrade them for more flow. Again, it depends what you want to keep. If you want lps or sps then increased flow is good. You can increase flow by adding a power head to the tank as well. The Bcs do run a bit on the warm side but you can reduce the heat by adding a chiller or by replacing the stock fans with better, higher volume fans, or by proping open the hood or doors.

 

IMHO, you may want to pull the rock rubble out of chamber 2 for the same reason you want to pull the bioballs. The both colleproppingct debris and can become a nitrate factory. HTH

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floridian reefer

what would you put in chamber too then? make it a refuge i guess? i guess that would be the best huh? where can i get the better fans, i think i rather get them than prop the lid, the tanks look awesome and dont want to make it look dumb propped. thanks for your time.

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Done

 

what would you put in chamber too then? make it a refuge i guess? i guess that would be the best huh? where can i get the better fans, i think i rather get them than prop the lid, the tanks look awesome and dont want to make it look dumb propped. thanks for your time.

People sometimes put cheato back there. I suggest putting filter floss over the second chamber. You can also look into media baskets. http://shop.mediabaskets.com/ or DIY

 

As for upgrading the fans you can check out

http://nanotuners.com or Search the forums for DIYs.

Edited by uwwmatt
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what would you put in chamber too then? make it a refuge i guess? i guess that would be the best huh? where can i get the better fans, i think i rather get them than prop the lid, the tanks look awesome and dont want to make it look dumb propped. thanks for your time.

There is a couple of things you can do with the 2nd chamber. You can get some egg crate and cut out a piece to sit on the top ledge then put some filter floss on top to catch debris as it flows over from chamber 1. You can also get a media rack from StevieT and run a fuge in it. For the fans, you can get them just about any electronics store like Radio Shack, or you can find them on line at places like nanotuners http://www.nanotuners.com/index.php?cPath=...mnqrh015igfh387

 

HTH :)

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floridian reefer

my biggest concern is the temp right now, i think I'll go to radio shack for new fans. looking at that nanotunners site, the look just like computer cooling fans with the same power hook up too. now as far as getting rid of the live rock because it'll be a nitrate factory, that's not going to be for a while right, i means it take a long long time for that to happen right? i have a couple plants in my tank like two shaving brushes and a halimedia, that's not enough to control it? and the lighting upgrades adds another light but what about another fan? and does that total sky rocket the temp too? i just hate to prop it open and make it look dumb

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bhskicker18

Can somebody please explain to me how you get the Maxi Jet 1200 into chamber 3 and use it as a pump? I'm getting my BioCube in the mail tomorrow and I want to get a general idea how to do it before I try. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

Thanks,

Will

Edited by bhskicker18
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The Maxi-1200 is to big to drop in Chamber 3. I don't know how you'll use that with a BC. Most people buy a mini-jet 404 or 606 and replace the stock one that comes in chamber 3 and if the 156gph of the 606 isn't enough and more water flow is needed, then a Koralia nano works nice.

 

I've never seen a Maxi-jet 1200 in a BC. But that doesn't mean it can't be done.

Edited by Gromit1710
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my biggest concern is the temp right now, i think I'll go to radio shack for new fans. looking at that nanotunners site, the look just like computer cooling fans with the same power hook up too. now as far as getting rid of the live rock because it'll be a nitrate factory, that's not going to be for a while right, i means it take a long long time for that to happen right? i have a couple plants in my tank like two shaving brushes and a halimedia, that's not enough to control it? and the lighting upgrades adds another light but what about another fan? and does that total sky rocket the temp too? i just hate to prop it open and make it look dumb

They are all computer fans. Some spin faster than others and some are made better than others. The fans that come with the BC are the cheaply made ones. Up grading them to another manufacture would be a step up. As for the live rubble, I'd pull them now. It doesn't take long (3 days maybe) before they trap detritus and convert them into nitrates. Remember how quickly it happened when you cycled your tank? If you have 1-1 1/2 lbs of live rock per gallon in the tank you won't need rubble in chamber 2. I'm not familiar with shaving brushes or halimedia. Are they macro algaes? Water changes are your best friend when it comes to reducing nitrates unless you have a fuge with macro algae. The % of nitrate reduction is directly proportional to the % of water change. 50% water change equals 50% reduction in nitrates. Oh, Skimmers will also help reduce nitrates. They don't pull nitrates out of the water but they do pull some of the stuff out that will turn into nitrates if left in the tank. I haven't upgraded my lights yet but all the postings I have read from folks who have used the nanotuner light up grades (up graded fans included) have actually seen their temps drop by about 2 deg. I'm sure some of them with jump in and let you know what their experiences have been. HTH

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The Maxijet 1200 fits perfectly into the BC29. It will not fit in the smaller 8 and 14 BC's. In that case the Minijet 606 can be used. But truthfully the stock pump works just fine and you are better off investing the money in a powerhead for more circulation.

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bhskicker18
The Maxijet 1200 fits perfectly into the BC29. It will not fit in the smaller 8 and 14 BC's. In that case the Minijet 606 can be used. But truthfully the stock pump works just fine and you are better off investing the money in a powerhead for more circulation.

 

 

I'm going to be using one a Hydor Rotating Water Deflector, and I heard it decreases the flow by 30%, thats why I thought about switching to the Maxijet 1200. I'm buying a Hydor Koralia NANO Pumpand I'm going to use it as a powerhead.

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You might want to look into the hydor pico evolution. It has less power consumption=less heat in tank and I believe it has the same if not better gph rating.

 

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/prod...fm?pcatid=21414

 

 

I have a BC14. Replaced the stock pump with the maxijet 900 soon after I got the tank. Replaced that pump with the Hydor Pico Evolution 1200 last week because it has more flow at less power consumption. My tank temps are averaging about 2 degrees higher. I don't understand how but it is what it is. Haven't changed any other variables that would contribute to increased temps. Before the pump swap I was running 77 at night 78.7 daytime. After the swap; 79 night, 82 daytime. I am going to swap back to confirm that it is directly related to the pump.

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I havent tried it yet but from what it shows on paper it looks better. Update us and let us know what you find out. I know I have seen my temps jump a little in the last month to maybe 1-2 degrees. The summer is here and I am in texas so that is the culprit. The tank is in a room with some sun and the temp on the a/c has stayed the same.

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The Maxi-1200 is to big to drop in Chamber 3. I don't know how you'll use that with a BC. Most people buy a mini-jet 404 or 606 and replace the stock one that comes in chamber 3 and if the 156gph of the 606 isn't enough and more water flow is needed, then a Koralia nano works nice.

 

I've never seen a Maxi-jet 1200 in a BC. But that doesn't mean it can't be done.

 

 

Most people use the Maxijet 1200 because it fits perfectly with no mods. Yes it is a powerhead.

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