Banasophia’s Biocube 16 & IM Nuvo 10 ☀️

[Coolbreeze]

On 11/30/2020 at 10:57 AM, banasophia said:

No, I ran an AI Prime on the Nuvo 10 and I wasn’t a big fan of it, mainly because I had a lot of trouble connecting it to my WiFi so I couldn’t adjust the settings. 
 

I don’t have the controller for this kessil, so I have to turn it on and off and adjust it manually. If I was going to use it long term, I would invest in the controller. 

I think the Bluefish controller will work with this. I have one if you would like it pm me and I can send it to you. Maybe you can have better luck getting it connected to your wifi than I did.

[banasophia]

5 hours ago, Coolbreeze said:

I think the Bluefish controller will work with this. I have one if you would like it pm me and I can send it to you. Maybe you can have better luck getting it connected to your wifi than I did.

Ah thanks so much for this nice offer, but I don’t think I’ll be needing it for now cuz I’ll be putting my new stock lid on tomorrow. Thank you though!!! 🤗

[MountainNoob]

On 12/26/2017 at 7:42 AM, OPtasia said:

Your LFS is correct, you won't need the chemi-pure until the tank is cycled. Your floss & carbon tray at the top is upside down. The plastic slots are supposed to be facing downward with the floss on top. Otherwise, the floss won't filter anything out. You'll probably want to do fishless cycling for your tank, so pick up a bottle of Dr. Tim's ammonia and a bottle of beneficial bacteria (one and done from Dr. Tims, Bio-spira, etc.). Add 2 drops per gallon ammonia and then put the bottle away. That should be enough to get you +1 ppm of ammonia and then dump in the bottle of beneficial bacteria. The cycle should take 2-3 weeks (sometimes more, sometimes less) and you can monitor it with test kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. 

 

Look up articles on the nitrogen cycle for aquariums. Until your tank cycles completely, it won't be safe for corals and inverts. Patience is the key as you don't want to kill your very expensive pets while you learn. Good luck! Do your research. Learn everything that you can.

 

 

 

On 8/16/2018 at 1:29 AM, banasophia said:

Hi everyone, thanks for visiting my journal. 🙂

 

I got started in the hobby to take my mind off of work stress back in February 2018, and set up my Biocube 16 on 3/3.  I was immediately hooked and started my second tank, my IM Nuvo 10, on 6/16. 

 

I really appreciate all of the knowledge and support I’ve found here. This hobby, and the community, got me through a tough time in my life, so thank you for that! I’ve learned so much in the past few months, and I’ve enjoyed the beauty and wonder in everyone’s tanks. 💛

 

Recent full tank shots:

 

Biocube 16 (stock LED lights), February 28, 2019

 

Daylights

 

Beauty Lights

 

Blues

 

 

Nuvo 10 (AI Prime)

 

 

Favorite Pics:

 

Biocube 16, Taken 4/23/19

 

Biocube 16, Taken 5/17/19

 

 

 

Current Biocube 16 Setup, as of 1/26/2019:

 

Light Schedule, Stock LED Lights:

LC1     11 am - 9:00 pm

LC2     10 am - 9:30 pm

LC3      6 am - 12:30 am 

 

Chamber 1:  Coralife skimmer, temp probe, false floor still intact, tab between chamber1 & 2 still intact (I recommend keeping the tab intact as it supports the Coralife skimmer if you ever want to use one) 

Chamber 2:  Stock media rack, filter floss, Chemipure Elite (for up to 25 gallon), 2 sacks of matrix media

Chamber 3:  Cobalt Neotherm 50W heater, Chill Solutions chiller pump and hoses, Purigen (for up to 100 gallon) which is sitting in the spot where the small black sponge filter was (if you take out the sponge, save it in case you want it in the future)

 

 

Original Journal Pics, from August 2018:

 

 

 

 

Equipment Ideas for Beginners:

When I first set up my tank, it was difficult to figure out what I really needed to run my tank, so I thought I would post my suggestions here to give people a nice starting point and maybe help you avoid the trial and error process I went through. 

 

The 101 Best Nano-Reef Species: How to Choose & Keep Hardy, Brilliant, Fascinating Species Perfect for Small Aquariums (Adventurous Aquarist Guide)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982026242/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_0dS9Cb30MXXTY

 

Nano-Reef Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Reef Systems Under 15 Gallons https://www.amazon.com/dp/0793807174/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ueS9CbNMZ92QM

 

Python Pro-Clean Aquarium Gravel Washer and Siphon Kit, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002APRVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_n.R9CbQ5NNTWK

 

Python Squeeze Siphon Starter Aquarium Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017JHPA6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_R.R9CbM9BJDGP

 

Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Refractometer with Automatic Temperature Compensation, Yellow LED, 0 to 50 PSU, +/-2 PSU Accuracy, 1 PSU Resolution

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Z4ITWU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_UaS9CbTGM555X

 

Coral feeder SPS HPS feeder, short version for marine fish and reef coral aquarium CFT-1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYNLLL2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_RbS9CbQ85W6AP

 

TAMSCO Hemostat Rochester Pean Forceps Curved 12-Inch, Extra Long Clamp Curved, Surgical Stainless Steel, 12-Inch, Curved Tip Style, Locking Ratchet

** Work great for removing Xenia and Kenya Tree babies if they are spreading where you don’t want them.**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HB4VKWU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_hES9Cb5PZDE63

 

BinaryABC Aquarium Tweezer 48cm Length Straight Type Stainless Steel Water Plant Tool

** I use these almost every day... I think they are currently out of stock, but I recommend finding something similar.**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0761PN8Q2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_xHS9CbD6DF5NV

 

Mandala Crafts Stainless Steel Aquarium Fish Tank Plant Aquascape Scissors Spatula Tweezers Tool Set (3 Tool Combo)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWH5NG5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_VIS9Cb1TDDZPK

 

Transfer Pipette, 3.0ml Graduated, 5.0ml Capacity, Large Bulb, 155mm, Karter Scientific 206H3 (Pack of 100) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z4QVZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_HcS9CbK4RSPD9

 

Instant Ocean BIO-Spira Water Treatment for Aquariums

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ODDS5E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_UfS9Cb34GQ731

 

Caribsea Life Rock , 20-Pound

** I was able to get individual pieces from my LFS at the time I started my tanks, but if I couldn’t I would order either regular or shapes. **

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSNHVLO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_1lS9CbG3NVKMC

 

Cobalt Aquatics Flat Neo-Therm Heater with Adjustable Thermostat (Fully-Submersible, Shatterproof Design) from 25W to 300W

** I use the 50W in both of my tanks.**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008AGWZCC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_PoS9CbS1N8XE4

 

Jebao OW-10 Wavemaker 132-1057 GPH with Controller and Magnet Mount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076FK8G1P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KpS9Cb9Y5SEBC

 

Rubbermaid FG296400ROYBL Roughneck Square Bucket, 12-Quart, Blue

** I use these two gallon buckets (two of them) for my waste water during water changes. (Five gallons a bit too heavy for me to carry/lift.)**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XMMN24/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.qS9CbTQHBF1S

 

2 Gallon Plastic F-Style Jugs With 63mm Caps, Pack of 4

** I use these two gallon jugs for getting premixed water from my LFS, or for transferring water from my mixing bucket to my tanks if I’m mixing at home. Clean with vinegar then water before first use! (Five gallons a bit too heavy for me to carry/lift.)**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7TCQGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KNS9CbXR2V7YK

 

Aquarium Filter Pad - Premium True Dual Density 12" by 72" by 3/4 to 1" Aquarium Filter Media Roll for Crystal Clear Water

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AHIOM8A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.sS9CbE5NB79T

 

Seachem Purigen Ultimate Filtration 100 ml. Bag Aquarium Fish Tank Filter Media https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SN6SDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ItS9CbACKG0D4

 

Boyd Enterprises ABE16742 Chemipure Elite for Aquarium, 6.5-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BS96U60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_OuS9CbP3T5ET1

 

Seachem Matrix Bio Media 1 Liter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002A5VIO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_bQ--CbV9FYGJ4

 

Seachem The Bag Filter Media Bag

** For the matrix media.**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002X6F7AW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_7Q--CbVYRKJQR

 

Flipper Nano Magnet Cleaner, 1/4 Inch

** For the Biocube walls, I use the Flipper Nano. For the Biocube corners, I use the Two Little Fishes Nano-Mag.**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYHSD3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_8vS9CbFJDVK33

 

Two Little Fishies ATLNM1 Nanomag Window Clean Device

** For the Biocube walls, I use the Flipper Nano. For the Biocube corners, I use the Two Little Fishes Nano-Mag.**

** For the Nuvo 10, I use the Two Little Fishes Nano-Mag daily, and I use the Segarty long handled scraper to clean more thoroughly during weekly water changes (and use the handle to stir the sandbed).**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JSTHXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_

 

Segarty Fish Tank Scraper, 25.6'' Stainless Steel Algea Scraper Razor with 10 Blades Cleaner Tool Kit for Glass Aquarium Fish Tank Plant Grass

** For the Nuvo 10, I use the Two Little Fishes Nano-Mag daily, and I use the Segarty long handled scraper to clean more thoroughly during weekly water changes (and use the handle to stir the sandbed).**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KFZF7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wBS9CbPZ2WC6R

 

Tripp Lite 7 Outlet (6 Individually Controlled) Surge Protector Power Strip, 6ft Cord, Black, Lifetime Limited Warranty & $25K Insurance (TLP76MSGB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NZLYB7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_dI--CbXS25T67

 

Tower Manufacturing 30440003 Auto-Reset 15 AMP Grounded 3-Prong GFCI 5-Outlet Adapter, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YPBITXU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_EJ--CbR0607CA

 

AutoAqua Smart ATO Micro Automatic Top Off System (SATO-120P)

** For the Nuvo 10, I use this ATO. My Biocube doesn’t get any significant evaporation, so it doesn’t need one.**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0195D3LC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_cL--CbWB67FW5

 

Polyp Lab Coral View Lens (Original Version)

** I prefer the original version.**

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DVMFBNP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_N9S9Cb7BEC2R9

 

 

I just want to say thank you for all of this information! I'm an absolute beginner and I've been reading everything I can find, and still have so many questions. Thank you for being so friendly about sharing your experience and the knowledge you've gained thus far. I'm very excited! 

[banasophia]

17 hours ago, MountainNoob said:

 

I just want to say thank you for all of this information! I'm an absolute beginner and I've been reading everything I can find, and still have so many questions. Thank you for being so friendly about sharing your experience and the knowledge you've gained thus far. I'm very excited! 

Ah, sure, happy to try to help. 🤗 Part of the fun in this hobby is getting to know other hobbyists and helping each other. And welcome to the forum! Feel free to PM me or post any questions. 

 

 

[SugarWithcoffee&Cream]

I have just started a 16 bio cube. Thanks for sharing

[banasophia]

2 hours ago, SugarWithcoffee&Cream said:

I have just started a 16 bio cube. Thanks for sharing

Ah congrats and welcome! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!!

[banasophia]

Happy to have a lid with stock lights back on the tank again! And it looked extra pretty on Christmas Eve, so I got some nice pics... the sun corals stayed fairly open all day for some reason, which is unusual.  
 

Here are some pics from the evening, under the beauty lights, and once I choose my favorites I’ll do another post with some shots under the white lights. 
 

 

 

 

 

[banasophia]

[banasophia]

[Snow_Phoenix]

Hank is adorable! I miss my YCG. I used to have a very cute one in one of my older nanos that survived for years. Named him Cosmo. And he ate anything and everything I threw into the tank. 

 

Also, quick question - how long have you kept your mandarin so far? He looks very healthy and well-fed! 🙂 

[banasophia]

3 hours ago, Snow_Phoenix said:

Hank is adorable! I miss my YCG. I used to have a very cute one in one of my older nanos that survived for years. Named him Cosmo. And he ate anything and everything I threw into the tank. 

 

Also, quick question - how long have you kept your mandarin so far? He looks very healthy and well-fed! 🙂 

Thanks! Yeah, I’ll be sad when the day comes that I lose Hank. Cosmo was a great name! It’s interesting because Hank my YCG, my diamond goby Falkor in my Biocube 32, and my blue neon goby Jack in my Evo 5 are my favorite fish... I guess I’m partial to gobies. 😊
 

Finnick, my mandarin, is now over 2 1/2 years old. He seems to be doing well. He eats pellets, and lots of them, every night... so even at times when the tank doesn’t seem to have tons of pods he’s still eating. And he also probably eats frozen, though I don’t feed that as often lately. He’s still pretty small, not super chunky like your target mandarin, and I don’t think he’ll ever get as big as the huge wild caught mandarins I’ve seen. 

[banasophia]

13 hours ago, Snow_Phoenix said:

Hank is adorable! I miss my YCG. I used to have a very cute one in one of my older nanos that survived for years. Named him Cosmo. And he ate anything and everything I threw into the tank. 

 

Also, quick question - how long have you kept your mandarin so far? He looks very healthy and well-fed! 🙂 

Oh yeah and I may have posted the video of Finnick, my mandarin, slurping pellets from the surface in my other tank thread because he was staying in the Evo 5 at the time, so I’ll post it here too:

 

 

 

[banasophia]

Finnick just now - peekaboo! 

[banasophia]

.

[banasophia]

[debbeach13]

That video is awesome.

[banasophia]

8 hours ago, debbeach13 said:

That video is awesome.

Thanks! Yeah, he does that every night, but it was easier to see and film him in the Evo. 🙂

[banasophia]

Feeding time last night:

[banasophia]

Just snapped this pic of my jack o lantern lepto and thought I’d post here too... I had added it near the very beginning and had thought it was dead so I removed it, but I must’ve left a tiny bit behind and it has slowly been growing on the back right side of my scape. I don’t usually see it from my normal viewing angle, so it’s always nice to catch a little glimpse of it. You can also catch a glimpse of my sun coral wonderland. 

 

[banasophia]

Oh man... the clump of pink palys broke loose from the rock due to the glue giving out I guess... debating whether to glue them back because they are a long standing part of my tank, or take the opportunity to remove them and free up some space for something new. There are three polyps that will be left behind if I get rid of them. 
 

 

 

 

[Ocean_dreamer89]

On 2/20/2021 at 12:52 PM, banasophia said:

Oh man... the clump of pink palys broke loose from the rock due to the glue giving out I guess... debating whether to glue them back because they are a long standing part of my tank, or take the opportunity to remove them and free up some space for something new. There are three polyps that will be left behind if I get rid of them. 
 

 

 

 

Not too often you get the chance to add something new!! 🤔 Would you move the palys to another tank or trade them in?

[banasophia]

41 minutes ago, Ocean_dreamer89 said:

Not too often you get the chance to add something new!! 🤔 Would you move the palys to another tank or trade them in?

Exactly! I took it to the LFS and picked up a coral banded shrimp, hoping it will take a liking to the bristleworms. 

[banasophia]

Check this out, friends... SaltFishTV posted PAR readings for his BioCube 32 with stock lights... the PAR readings may surprise you:

 

 

 

[MSunkin23]

9 hours ago, banasophia said:

Check this out, friends... SaltFishTV posted PAR readings for his BioCube 32 with stock lights... the PAR readings may surprise you:

 

 

 

That’s pretty amazing, and what I suspected although no one has tested. I’m curious of version 2 with LC1, LC2, and LC3 of course, along with maybe a BC16 PAR test.

 

That’s some great numbers from a great AIO tank. 

[banasophia]

31 minutes ago, MSunkin23 said:

That’s pretty amazing, and what I suspected although no one has tested. I’m curious of version 2 with LC1, LC2, and LC3 of course, along with maybe a BC16 PAR test.

 

That’s some great numbers from a great AIO tank. 

Right?! Yeah, I thought the same about wanting to see the different channels... I asked and he said it was much lower in the beauty lights and blue phases... and I agree, would also be cool to know about the 16.