Biocube 16 LED - Intro & Questions

[Blackber]

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I received a Biocube LED 16 back in November as a birthday gift. I've been enjoying reading about salt water tanks and seeing all the beautiful tanks you guys have on this website .

I've had the tank cycled for a few weeks now and recently introduced a CUC I purchased from reefcleaners.com and a pair of clowns a week later from my LFS.

Things seem to be going ok - my clowns seem very happy but I think I'm currently battling some GHA. When my tank started to cycle I noticed some yellowish algae build up on the rocks and a little bit on the sand. After I got my clowns I think I was feeding them a little too much and noticed green "hairy" algae. I've increased my water changes and used some API Algaefix which seems to have slowed the problem down but I just wanted to get your opinions since I'm new at this.

When I started the tank I used dry rock with bacteria - I read that starting with dry rock makes you more susceptible to GHA.

Anyways, let me know what you think and I'm excited to learn and contribute to the community.

P.S. I just added the smaller rock in front of my arch the other night in case you notice that it's not the same color as the existing arch rockscape in the background.

[Scurvy Dawg]

Originally Posted by Blackber

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I received a Biocube LED 16 back in November as a birthday gift. I've been enjoying reading about salt water tanks and seeing all the beautiful tanks you guys have on this website .

I've had the tank cycled for a few weeks now and recently introduced a CUC I purchased from reefcleaners.com and a pair of clowns a week later from my LFS.

Things seem to be going ok - my clowns seem very happy but I think I'm currently battling some GHA. When my tank started to cycle I noticed some yellowish algae build up on the rocks and a little bit on the sand. After I got my clowns I think I was feeding them a little too much and noticed green "hairy" algae. I've increased my water changes and used some API Algaefix which seems to have slowed the problem down but I just wanted to get your opinions since I'm new at this.

When I started the tank I used dry rock with bacteria - I read that starting with dry rock makes you more susceptible to GHA.

Anyways, let me know what you think and I'm excited to learn and contribute to the community.

P.S. I just added the smaller rock in front of my arch the other night in case you notice that it's not the same color as the existing arch rockscape in the background.

Honestly, It looks like your tank is in pretty good shape algae wise. I would keep up the regular water changes and keep being careful about how much you feed.

Being a new tank, you are going to go through some really ugly times with algae. Just part of being a new tank. Just don't panic and things will settle down.

What are you using for filtration?
You might want to think about getting a small powerhead to increase water circulation also.

[Blackber]

Originally Posted by Scurvy Dawg

Honestly, It looks like your tank is in pretty good shape algae wise. I would keep up the regular water changes and keep being careful about how much you feed.

Being a new tank, you are going to go through some really ugly times with algae. Just part of being a new tank. Just don't panic and things will settle down.

What are you using for filtration?
You might want to think about getting a small powerhead to increase water circulation also.

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll continue to monitor it.

I was actually hoping to get some advice from fellow nano reef guys. I'd like to introduce some hardy corals into the tank at some point and was wondering what equipment upgrades/additions you guys would recommend. From my research it seems that a lot of people don't recommend a skimmer on these smaller tanks as long as you do consistent water changes which I do.

Seems like you recommend a power head, any in specific that work well with the Biocube?

as far as filtration all I have is the stock Biocube filter and my live rock (not sure the LR counts).

What would you recommend for me in general moving forward. Keep in mind I plan to use this tank to learn on and eventually upgrade to a bigger tank.

Thanks again!

[Scurvy Dawg]

Originally Posted by Blackber

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll continue to monitor it.

I was actually hoping to get some advice from fellow nano reef guys. I'd like to introduce some hardy corals into the tank at some point and was wondering what equipment upgrades/additions you guys would recommend. From my research it seems that a lot of people don't recommend a skimmer on these smaller tanks as long as you do consistent water changes which I do.

Seems like you recommend a power head, any in specific that work well with the Biocube?

as far as filtration all I have is the stock Biocube filter and my live rock (not sure the LR counts).


What would you recommend for me in general moving forward. Keep in mind I plan to use this tank to learn on and eventually upgrade to a bigger tank.

Thanks again!

The Hydor Koralia Nano 240 is a good pump for your size. Usually run around 25 bucks.
Your live rock is probably the most important filtration. I think the stock Biocube filter is adequate. Maybe someone else who has a 16 can chime in on that.

If you are consistant with your water changes and should be able to get by without a skimmer.

The LED Biocubes stock lights are good enough for Soft Corals and LPS corals.

Moving forward, the best advice I can give you is patience patience patience research research research.