Newbee Bio Cube set up

5881 · 08/05/2008, 05:40 AM

New to the forum, great site. About 25 years ago I had a salt set up for about 4 years with live feeders (lions and groupers), with pretty good success.Now I am going to set up a Bio Cube 29 (got a used but never filled one cheap) with my 16 year old and need info. Have searched this and other forums, but need clarity. Here goes.
My plan is to buy live rock and "live bagged sand" from my LFS, and buy 25 gal. of their water. Will put that in tank, and let set for ???
I assume I need a heater, compact 50w in filter box; what brand?
Bio ball; no balls but fibre, filter/carbon pad that was included; Oceanic skimmer made for Bio cube??? How best to use/mod the stock filter system.
Whose test kits, hydrometers?
I would like a low maintanace reef/fish tank, a clown, shrimp, feather duster, polyps. I would like not to be in the 20% water change a week business, will be willing to live with less in tank for more simplicity.
Thanks for your input.

crvz · 08/05/2008, 08:40 AM

I wouldnt waste the money on the livesand, just get the dry aragonite. Otherwise, once the rock is in the tank I'd let it cure for 6-8 weeks. I'd still do weekly or bi-weekly water changes, but in the 10% range should be fine.

Savas · 08/05/2008, 10:54 AM

I just change 5 gallons of water every 10 days. It is simple and you are making a 5 gallon bucket of salt water anyway...

08/05/2008, 05:40 AM	#1
5881 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 27	Newbee Bio Cube set up New to the forum, great site. About 25 years ago I had a salt set up for about 4 years with live feeders (lions and groupers), with pretty good success.Now I am going to set up a Bio Cube 29 (got a used but never filled one cheap) with my 16 year old and need info. Have searched this and other forums, but need clarity. Here goes. My plan is to buy live rock and "live bagged sand" from my LFS, and buy 25 gal. of their water. Will put that in tank, and let set for ??? I assume I need a heater, compact 50w in filter box; what brand? Bio ball; no balls but fibre, filter/carbon pad that was included; Oceanic skimmer made for Bio cube??? How best to use/mod the stock filter system. Whose test kits, hydrometers? I would like a low maintanace reef/fish tank, a clown, shrimp, feather duster, polyps. I would like not to be in the 20% water change a week business, will be willing to live with less in tank for more simplicity. Thanks for your input.

08/05/2008, 08:40 AM	#2
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	I wouldnt waste the money on the livesand, just get the dry aragonite. Otherwise, once the rock is in the tank I'd let it cure for 6-8 weeks. I'd still do weekly or bi-weekly water changes, but in the 10% range should be fine. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

08/05/2008, 10:54 AM	#3
Savas Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Maryland / St. Thomas once a month Posts: 764	I just change 5 gallons of water every 10 days. It is simple and you are making a 5 gallon bucket of salt water anyway... __________________ If you can get your wife hooked into reef keeping, you can spend all the money you want! Current Tank Info: 24 gallon Aquapod Nanotuners 4.32 T-5 lighting upgrade; 24 gallon Aquapod with stock power compacts and actinic lighting; 12 gallon Aquapod with stock power compacts and actinic lighting.