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Banasophia’s Biocube 16 & IM Nuvo 10 ☀️


banasophia

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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

FEE5B3A8-80C0-429C-BF94-95D1B98BEE67.thumb.jpeg.e1934a4b6bbbc1a4c01f0a3c3d717cb0.jpeg

 

Beauty Lights

BF8883B4-20B1-4897-84A8-701900DD47B8.thumb.jpeg.ca83ee4b6ece475e897dbeaed4de80df.jpeg

 

Blues

98644E99-30C0-4D8A-81D4-5D05E828D826.thumb.jpeg.213141798612be536f6ad57b62f9e9d0.jpeg

 

 

Nuvo 10 (AI Prime)

 

499C9827-643A-425A-9BE7-3EC8207024BC.thumb.jpeg.1f37ab2037de5335b84b7ecc29d085b6.jpeg

 

Favorite Pics:

 

Biocube 16, Taken 4/23/19

C838FBA3-E789-4176-A6B0-083819402324.thumb.jpeg.ee02c1c7d92797d17d013b58328f7bfa.jpeg

 

Biocube 16, Taken 5/17/19

D3A375F9-1096-4FCE-BCC3-1CAE673D2A44.thumb.jpeg.92c1f39e885a98abee2ab32ab5ff9529.jpeg

 

6B480E4B-6EAD-4E7E-83B9-97CA24902F58.thumb.jpeg.671608e604e83e9d824b71409deb9114.jpeg

 

 

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:

 

01B1DD78-1648-4A63-B6D5-339C6B144280.jpeg

 

467DF54F-571E-48C4-8772-CE6D47028CB7.jpeg

 

DBDA5465-D3DB-48F7-ABA1-D8F4172A7D43.jpeg

 

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://amzn.to/3HqIf7O

 

Nano-Reef Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Reef Systems Under 15 Gallons 

https://amzn.to/3X53gKQ

 

Python Pro-Clean Aquarium Gravel Washer and Siphon Kit, Small https://amzn.to/3xwYRq3

 

Python Squeeze Siphon Starter Aquarium Adapter

https://amzn.to/3EjdpNy

 

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

https://amzn.to/3kbfZhU

 

Coral feeder SPS HPS feeder, short version for marine fish and reef coral aquarium CFT-1

https://amzn.to/3Iy8WJA

 

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… the brand I use is out of stock, these look similar, and the set includes a straight and curved instrument.**

https://amzn.to/41bDXKr

 

 

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

** I use these almost every day... they are currently out of stock, these look similar.**

https://amzn.to/3EincDH

 

Transfer Pipette, 3.0ml Graduated, 5.0ml Capacity, Large Bulb, 155mm, Karter Scientific 206H3 (Pack of 100)

https://amzn.to/3xApOci

 

Instant Ocean BIO-Spira Water Treatment for Aquariums

https://amzn.to/3kdptZZ

 

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://amzn.to/3SaKeC1

 

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

** I use the 50W**

https://amzn.to/3XG9fX6

 

Jebao OW-10 Wavemaker 132-1057 GPH with Controller and Magnet Mount https://amzn.to/3ICgVVK


hygger Mini Wave Maker Magnetic DC Powerhead with LED Display Controller for Saltwater Tank, 1600 GPH Aquarium Water Circulation Pump 5 to 30 Gallon https://amzn.to/3ICgVVK

 

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://amzn.to/3EjBPXw

 

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://amzn.to/3KkF7gW

 

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

https://amzn.to/3XG9Nw8

 

Seachem Purigen Ultimate Filtration 100 ml. Bag Aquarium Fish Tank Filter Media https://amzn.to/3IxUKQK

 

Boyd Enterprises ABE16742 Chemipure Elite for Aquarium, 6.5-Ounce https://amzn.to/3KikQZe

 

Seachem Matrix Bio Media 1 Liter

https://amzn.to/3XEtK6l

 

Seachem The Bag Filter Media Bag

** For the matrix media.**

https://amzn.to/3YIRyYe

 

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://amzn.to/3lLWygb

 

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://amzn.to/3xxvinY

 

 

HOTOOLME Aquarium Scraper, 25.6” Stainless Steel Scraper Cleaning Razor with 10 Blades for Glass Aquarium Fish Tank

** 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://amzn.to/3KfYp72

 

Tripp Lite 7 Outlet (6 Individually Controlled) Surge Protector Power Strip, 6ft Cord, Black, Lifetime Limited Warranty & $25K Insurance (TLP76MSGB) https://amzn.to/3I5tRC4

 

Tower Manufacturing 30440003 Auto-Reset 15 AMP Grounded 3-Prong GFCI 5-Outlet Adapter, White

https://amzn.to/3lLDkau

 

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://amzn.to/3XGaQMA

 

Polyp Lab Coral View Lens (Original Version)

** I prefer the original version.**

https://amzn.to/418iVMH

 

 

  • Like 13
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Welcome!   Wow, for being new to the hobby and your tanks being very young they look great.  Looks like you may have a natural talent for aquarium husbandry.  When you love something it shows and these tanks look great.  Looking forward to reading more details about each.  

  • Like 2
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4 hours ago, Duane Clark said:

Welcome!   Wow, for being new to the hobby and your tanks being very young they look great.  Looks like you may have a natural talent for aquarium husbandry.  When you love something it shows and these tanks look great.  Looking forward to reading more details about each.  

Thanks so much, @Duane Clark, that’s a really nice compliment. I’m really enjoying the initial planning and stocking. It’s fun to read up on all the different corals, fish, and inverts, figuring out how to get them all to work together in a nano tank and anticipating how they will all grow together. My coral and fish choices haven’t made it easy because I have chosen things for my Biocube that need very heavy feedings, but my approach has meant that I’ve had to keep a very close eye on it to keep it stable, and thus it takes my mind off work. I’ll try to post more history and details on each tank when I have a bit more time. 

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2 hours ago, Aurortpa said:

Those torches tho! 😍

Thanks so much, @Aurortpa I think torches are my favorite corals... but they sure are fierce sometimes! 

 

1 hour ago, Daniel91 said:

Nice!

Thank you, @Daniel91!!!

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1 hour ago, Mark L. said:

Love the Dendro colony.  Just curious how many did you start with and how long have you had them?

Thanks,  @Mark L., they are actually sun corals. There are two colonies: the orange one is from an LFS and I’ve had it since 4/18, the yellow one is from a guy that sells corals from his home business and I’ve had it since 5/7. For the yellow one, I had him frag it into 3 pieces so I could position it under that overhang. They haven’t spawned in my tank yet, we’ll see what happens when they do. 

1 hour ago, specore said:

I've got to get some dendros.  Tanks look great.  And totally understand what you mean about perusing the LFS being therapeutic.  

Thanks very much @specore! I love my suns and I’m happy I have them, but because they are nonphotosynthetic, they do require heavy feeding which definitely changes husbandry requirements for the tank. 

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5 minutes ago, Daniel91 said:

Send me a couple of frags of the torch. Thanks!

 

I have something like this coming in tomorrow; 

CC6DC7A7-5CAA-4565-9243-DC0A12617B6F.jpeg.008c0c93e3dd5652a5bbb0ebcc4be6ef.jpeg

Ah wow that is gorgeous! Where did you order it from? A gal on one of my Facebook groups has some beauties and said she gets them all from Coral Savers Live Sale... haven’t had a chance to check it out yet.

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AquaSD - got it during their 40% sale.

 

I’ll have to check above. I’m gonna hold off on buying anything for a few weeks atleast - need to make sure the shipment tomorrow thrives in the tank first.

  • Like 1
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Nice banasophia, I also started my tank in March.

 

One overlooked aspect of an aquarium (at least for some people), is how it works with a room as a whole, not to turn the room into a "tank room"


Good job in making the tanks part of the room. One reason I prefer AIO tanks is that the pumps, wires, and components are mostly hidden. Your setup is a well executed example of "why" that is important, and how tanks could be a centerpiece for a room.

 

I am sure you have friends come over and say: "How do I get started with one of these" ?

 

Nice Job!

 

 

  • Like 1
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22 hours ago, Daniel91 said:

AquaSD - got it during their 40% sale.

 

I’ll have to check above. I’m gonna hold off on buying anything for a few weeks atleast - need to make sure the shipment tomorrow thrives in the tank first.

Looking forward to seeing a pic. 

 

22 hours ago, MSunkin23 said:

Nice banasophia, I also started my tank in March.

 

One overlooked aspect of an aquarium (at least for some people), is how it works with a room as a whole, not to turn the room into a "tank room"


Good job in making the tanks part of the room. One reason I prefer AIO tanks is that the pumps, wires, and components are mostly hidden. Your setup is a well executed example of "why" that is important, and how tanks could be a centerpiece for a room.

 

I am sure you have friends come over and say: "How do I get started with one of these" ?

 

Nice Job!

 

 

Thank you so much. It’s definitely easier to get a tank to fit in with the rest of the room when it’s a nano, at least in my house anyway. And it’s fun having a variable like existing cabinet dimensions to try to work with when choosing a setup. TBH I’d turn it into a tank room haha, but the hubby reins me in! 

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  • 1 month later...

Here are some updated pics of the Biocube from today. I’ve made several changes in the past couple months after losing my green torch, which was really my centerpiece and favorite coral. I decided not to replace it with another torch since the sweepers seriously limited the addition of other corals. 

 

As you can see, I no longer have any SPS in the tank. I feed heavily in this tank due to my mandarin, suns, and an NPS gorgonian, so it’s really not a good setup for SPS. And I’m now really going for it and adding some of the more invasive corals that I enjoy including Xenia, blue cloves, Kenya tree, and GSP since I’m already pretty well stocked and things don’t seem to grow too quickly in my system. I was really considering upgrading my lights since things are growing pretty slowly under the stock lights (especially compared to how they do when I move them over to my Nuvo 10 with the AI Prime), but instead I decided to embrace the situation and see what happens while keeping it stock. 

 

So I just got the GSP on Saturday and glued it to the back wall; it opened up today. I had originally intended to do an encrusting monti or cyphastrea there, but I think those are probably a no go in my system. Trying to decide if I should keep the green GSP, or possibly trade it for a purple variety to create more of a neutral backdrop... leaning toward the purple and would love input on this.

 

972D45EF-177F-4452-91C6-3FA7A86136D8.thumb.jpeg.a0b3c52f68873921555d66301414e03b.jpeg

 

161EDB9E-2F1A-49BE-8D91-91C6CD60D18E.thumb.jpeg.e5181b3edfac7f920bd9e270247af69a.jpeg

 

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  • Like 7
  • Wow 3
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7 minutes ago, banasophia said:

Here are some updated pics of the Biocube from today. I’ve made several changes in the past couple months after losing my green torch, which was really my centerpiece and favorite coral. I decided not to replace it with another torch since the sweepers seriously limited the addition of other corals. 

 

As you can see, I no longer have any SPS in the tank. I feed heavily in this tank due to my mandarin, suns, and an NPS gorgonian, so it’s really not a good setup for SPS. And I’m now really going for it and adding some of the more invasive corals that I enjoy including Xenia, blue cloves, Kenya tree, and GSP since I’m already pretty well stocked and things don’t seem to grow too quickly in my system. I was really considering upgrading my lights since things are growing pretty slowly under the stock lights (especially compared to how they do when I move them over to my Nuvo 10 with the AI Prime), but instead I decided to embrace the situation and see what happens while keeping it stock. 

 

So I just got the GSP on Saturday and glued it to the back wall; it opened up today. I had originally intended to do an encrusting monti or cyphastrea there, but I think those are probably a no go in my system. Trying to decide if I should keep the green GSP, or possibly trade it for a purple variety to create more of a neutral backdrop... leaning toward the purple and would love input on this.

 

972D45EF-177F-4452-91C6-3FA7A86136D8.thumb.jpeg.a0b3c52f68873921555d66301414e03b.jpeg

 

161EDB9E-2F1A-49BE-8D91-91C6CD60D18E.thumb.jpeg.e5181b3edfac7f920bd9e270247af69a.jpeg

 

71D1C918-F7D9-4652-BBCE-537FBA7629FA.thumb.jpeg.53c2e7afb4f57adb9fb87e819b558754.jpeg

I'm really clueless as to how I missed your post! My apologies! To be honest - this is one of the best BioCubes I have seen. You have an awesome collection of corals, and it looks stunning! It's just gorgeous @banasophia . . . 🙂 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
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5 minutes ago, Krish87 said:

I'm really clueless as to how I missed your post! My apologies! To be honest - this is one of the best BioCubes I have seen. You have an awesome collection of corals, and it looks stunning! It's just gorgeous @banasophia . . . 🙂 

Aww, thanks so much Krish!!!

 

I’ve always been a terrible journaler, and apparently keeping a tank journal is no exception, so I never add to it. 😬😂 But I feel bad posting my pics on everyone else’s threads all the time, so I really should try to do a better job of keeping it up.

 

Any thoughts on the GSP, whether I should stick with the green or trade for a more neutral purple? 

 

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7 hours ago, banasophia said:

Any thoughts on the GSP, whether I should stick with the green or trade for a more neutral purple? 

I can't seem to find too many pictures of the purple GSP.  The ones that pull up on Google look like they are taken under blues.  I wonder how they look under the white lights, whether they stay purple or are more pale like xenia. 

 

You also mentioned blue cloves which might also look nice on the back wall. 

  • Like 1
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15 hours ago, banasophia said:

Aww, thanks so much Krish!!!

 

I’ve always been a terrible journaler, and apparently keeping a tank journal is no exception, so I never add to it. 😬😂 But I feel bad posting my pics on everyone else’s threads all the time, so I really should try to do a better job of keeping it up.

 

Any thoughts on the GSP, whether I should stick with the green or trade for a more neutral purple? 

 

The ones you have now do look good. Perhaps, next time you go to the LFS, maybe click a picture of the purple ones. I can't find them online either.

 

 

  • Like 1
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14 hours ago, Daniel91 said:

Do both! Little purp and little green!

Yeah! You totally reminded me I was thinking of doing that months ago, maybe making a wave or swirl design with the two colors... definitely want to consider something like that.

 

7 hours ago, Krish87 said:

The ones you have now do look good. Perhaps, next time you go to the LFS, maybe click a picture of the purple ones. I can't find them online either.

 

 

Great idea! I’ll get right on it... you don’t need to tell me twice to pay a visit to the LFS haha. 

  • Haha 1
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1 hour ago, Christopher Marks said:

Your biocube is gorgeous 😲! What a great coral collection!

Thank you so much, @Christopher Marks!  

 

It’s fun to see what does well with my Biocube’s stock LEDs/high nutrients vs my Nuvo 10 with the AI Prime/less feeding/lots of macro in the display. Here’s the Nuvo right now, too:

 

F3F02633-29E2-4E18-967A-04AE9E12784A.thumb.jpeg.218ca61334f984bc57ba34e5fd419a31.jpeg

 

9FE05DEC-42D0-4E8C-BB75-7FDEAF46248E.thumb.jpeg.0daa1e7b0d55873051bcc726f4f7a848.jpeg

  • Like 5
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