Bio Cube Owner's Thread

[jmadison]

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by jmadison
I am currently running a 50/50 of crushed coral and livesand(unsure as to size but it's fairly fine) Do you Think I could run straight sugarfine with a koralia 3 and stock return pump without having a sandstorm all the time? I have a Koralia nano but not currently using. I just want a better sand bed for my yellow watchman to munch on rather than the CC that has seemed to settle to the top of my sandbed over time. I guess what are the grades of sand, and when do you start approaching the too small end of the spectrum?

[Wooly]

You will know when you reach the too small area, when it starts blowing all around. If you can keep the powerhead aimed anywhere but the sand bed, or on a wall that will deflect it to the sand, that would be good. You may need to place a few rocks in the way to block the flow from disturbing the sandbed. I went to a "Benefits of Deep Sandbeds" By Dr. Shimek this last fall, and would say that anything deeper than 3-4 " will be good.

[jmadison]

wooly-
Is there any truth to the, "over time it settles down and gets 'stickier' when bacteria and whatnot forms in it?" Also will I have a bad cycle if I switch out my LS when I move in about a month? I have about 25-30lbs of LR.

[cjscott]

What do people dose their takes with?

[Draconic]

Do you guys leave your moonlight on 24/7?

[Justinandkrista]

Whats that look like with the 50/50 cush coral with sand. Id like to see cuz i might just try that.

[Justinandkrista]

Where do you all run your carbon. I have a sr3 skimmer and heater in the 1st and 2nd chambers. Can you put a corbon bag next to the heater in chamber one? I wouldnt think so becuase i have the nylon mesh filter bag and it would melt it wouldnt it if it touched. Where else can i put in.

[dxtr]

I leave my moonlights on 24/7, even the ones I modded intot he hood.

As for dosing: Phytoplankton 1x a week, Parts A & B 1x a week, and essential elements after each water change.

As for the heater and carbon bag, will it fit in the chamber with the skimmer? I also don't think it would be a good idea putting the mesh bag next to the heater.

Pic of my 14g Biocube showing moonlight mod.

[jkrentz2515]

Originally posted by Justinandkrista
Where do you all run your carbon. I have a sr3 skimmer and heater in the 1st and 2nd chambers. Can you put a corbon bag next to the heater in chamber one? I wouldnt think so becuase i have the nylon mesh filter bag and it would melt it wouldnt it if it touched. Where else can i put in.

How about the spot where the sponge in chamber 3 is? When I ever get around to getting some that is where it is going.

[jmadison]

Originally posted by jkrentz2515
How about the spot where the sponge in chamber 3 is? When I ever get around to getting some that is where it is going.

Thats exactly where I run carbon/phosloc. seems to work just fine

[Draconic]

I've just converted the second chamber into a refugium last night and now all three chambers have the same water level. So I'm going to buy Purigen(if I can find it) then put it in chamber 3.

Oh, Dxtr, thanks for answering my question about the moonlight.

[Justinandkrista]

Well how easy is it to take the sponge out. Is it glued in.

[Justinandkrista]

what moonlight mod is that.

[Draconic]

It's not glued in. According to the manual, you're supposed to take it out and clean it every once in a while. Which means it can be taken out.

[Justinandkrista]

perf im doing in now.

[Justinandkrista]

Any one replaced the stocker with a 1200 and how well does it hook up to the green pipe? Thinking of geting one from here.

[Justinandkrista]

Any one replaced the stock return pump with a MJ 1200? Will it fit and if so how well does it hook up to the green pipe? Will i have to cut it?

[jmadison]

I havent done the MJ 1200, but i heard its absolutely the largest MJ that will fit as it is EXTREMELY tight fitting, but it supposedly works. I have heard of 900s a lot i believe.

[Justinandkrista]

Do you think it would be a problem to just drop the bag of carbon into chamber 3. Its kinda layin on top of the pump would that be a problem. I also put the filter foam back in.

[jkrentz2515]

Originally posted by Justinandkrista
Do you think it would be a problem to just drop the bag of carbon into chamber 3. Its kinda layin on top of the pump would that be a problem. I also put the filter foam back in.

Just make sure the bag doesn't get caught in the pump or you will have a mess.

[jmadison]

x2 It will work just fine, but if you put it where the sponge was the water has to flow through the micro bag and thus its more effective.

[Justinandkrista]

True i didnt think so its got a thick tight mesh bag.

[Wooly]

jmadison, yes, Your sand will settle. I don't have the statistics, but in one cubic ft. of live sand there are said to be millions of living organisms that are beneficial to your tank. Hence the term "Live Sand". How large of a tank are you moving? I moved mine from work to home, and did not see any issues. Entire move from drain to set up was about 2 hours. I took all livestock out except the Anemone, and the rock he was stuck on. I drained all the water but what covered him, the rock, and the sand. I was quite worried when I did it, but I did save the water I took out as to not shock the tank too much. The sand will stir up during the ride, but if it's not down more than an hour or two, it shouldn't be to bad. Try to keep your temp as it would be if the tank is still set up. In the end, the anemone was stressed and he split. No noticeable cycle to speak of.

[Wooly]

FYI if you have heat issues:

Maxi Jet 1200
295 gph
20 Watts

Maxi Jet 900
230 gph
8.5 Watts

For only 65 gph more you are more than doubling your heat in watts.

Been there.

[Wooly]

Originally posted by dxtr
I also don't think it would be a good idea putting the mesh bag next to the heater.

Wouldn't the melting point be more than that of a heater set for 82 deg.?

Also, is anyone using a chiller?