BioCube 29 Questions

[Snarlax]

I'm considering buying the BC29 and stand and I have a few questions before I decide whether or not to pick it up:

1.) Aside from the little crappy oceanic airstone skimmer, can any other skimmers like CPR or the Tunze nano fit in any of the compartments? I see NanoTuners makes a recirc skimmer but I wonder how it performs.

2.) What type of pump comes with the BC29? Should I replace it with a maxijet or eheim?

3.) Do these systems tend to run hot like other all-in-one packages? Can the included fans be replaced with better ones?

4.) Are the provided CF bulbs any good or should I replace them with something better?

Thanks.

[jkrentz2515]

Originally posted by Snarlax
I'm considering buying the BC29 and stand and I have a few questions before I decide whether or not to pick it up:

1.) Aside from the little crappy oceanic airstone skimmer, can any other skimmers like CPR or the Tunze nano fit in any of the compartments? I see NanoTuners makes a recirc skimmer but I wonder how it performs.

2.) What type of pump comes with the BC29? Should I replace it with a maxijet or eheim?

3.) Do these systems tend to run hot like other all-in-one packages? Can the included fans be replaced with better ones?

4.) Are the provided CF bulbs any good or should I replace them with something better?

Thanks.

1. CPR SR3, Tunze nano, and the Sapphire recirculating skimmer all will fit in the second chamber. There are probably lots more but those are the main 3 I hear about most.

2. I have seen some people upgrade there pump, but it is not really needed.

3. My system stays within +/- 1 degree all day and night long. But i'm sure there is someone who makes stronger fans.

4. The bulbs are pretty good for an all in one, but it all depends on what you want to keep in it. Nanotuners makes a couple upgrades for the lighting.

[Snarlax]

Thanks!

Anyone else know what skimmers may fit in one of the chambers?

[Biocubist]

1.) Aside from the little crappy oceanic airstone skimmer, can any other skimmers like CPR or the Tunze nano fit in any of the compartments? I see NanoTuners makes a recirc skimmer but I wonder how it performs.

I use a skimmer called AquaC Remora, it is awsome. I hang mine from the side, but this also means that you have to go topless. They do sell skimmers that work inside the 2nd chamber, but the ones that I used seem to do a poor job - the one that I used before was made by CPR. Aqua C Remora simply kicks butt when it comes to foam fractionation.

2.) What type of pump comes with the BC29? Should I replace it with a maxijet or eheim?

I keep mine stock. I just use powerheads in the display tank to get the water moving. I also went barebottom, so there is no sandstorms - I think sand is over rated and the killer of small reef tanks.

3.) Do these systems tend to run hot like other all-in-one packages? Can the included fans be replaced with better ones?

If you keep the hood and tank stock and your room temp around 76, then the tank should have a stable temp of around 80. I would just get a heater and set it to 80 and there you go, the temperature wont budge from 80.

4.) Are the provided CF bulbs any good or should I replace them with something better?

The CF bulbs are good, it is the ballast that you have to watch out for. They tend to go out fast, the BC comes with a 2 year warrenty so you will be covered for 2 years. There is a number that you can call and they will send you new ones if they fail. Or you can buy new ones from nanotuners.com.

[Justinandkrista]

jkrentz2515 hit the nail on the head. I think the Bc 29 is a cool cube to mod and easy

[Snarlax]

Thanks everyone.