Starting up New BioCube 29 Gallon Any Input Will Be Helpful

[Pisces28]

Hello everyone!

I am starting up my BioCube 29G this week. I plan on cycling the tank for 4-6 weeks, or however long it takes to reach the proper water levels before putting any animals in there. Eventually, I would like to house a sailfin tang, a damsel, a clownfish or two, maybe some other fish, and some soft corals. And of course a nice cleaner crew!

Below, I am writing the items I have purchased, and if I am missing anything, any help would be appreciated!

-BioCube 29G Tank
-BioCube 29G Tank Stand
-25 Gallons Nutri-Seawater
-Coralife Protein Skimmer
-Coralife UV Sterilizer
-API Saltwater test kit
-50lbs or so Live Rock (used two years ago in my old tank but been stored ever since)

I am going to be purchasing live sand today, and I am looking to get the Bio-Active Aragonite Natural White #0. I was told this sand causes problems, but wondering if that is true, or if any other sand is recommended. Any opinions on live sand would help!

Also, as far as the circulation in the tank, I have read that many people change the stock return pump to the MaxiJet1200. Would it be worth to do that or to leave the stock pump and add a Hydor Koralia Nano 450gph water pump?

And last question for the moment - When can I put in my cleaner crew, and should they go before or after adding a damsel? I have heard of people cycling their tanks in many different ways, and wondering what to do!

Thank you in advance!

[jaybfresh]

Welcome to the hobby! It takes a lot of patience and work, but the payoff is great.

Some pointers on your fish selections... you will get crucified here for even suggesting you'll put a sailfin tang in a 29 gallon tank There are really no tangs that will be healthy in a tank that size, and a sailfin tang gets BIG! Also, damsels are popular starter fish because they are hardy and will survive through the initial ups and downs (everybody has ups and downs to start), but 99 out of 100 people regret getting one since they become bullies to other fish.

Clownfish are great, also consider firefish or gobies as great additions to nano tanks

[fearyaks]

Some thoughts -
1. I'm not sure if you're trolling about the sailfin tang.. the biocube is far too small for any type of tang.
2. If you get clowns, get some ocellaris or perculas. The others tend to grow larger and get aggressive.
3. You'll need a heater.
4. Not sure about the live sand. A lot of people here say it's a waste. I put in about 40 lbs of it in my Biocube and that left me with quite a deep sandbed. I think 30lbs would be better.
5. I kept the default pump and just bought a small powerhead to supplement.
6. Is it the coralife or oceanic biocube? This site has some cool addons if you want. -
7. Lots of folks recommend ditching the bioballs, taking out the false bottom and using a media basket in the 2nd chamber (see above link).
8. You'll need a thermometer
9. You'll need a testing kit
10. You'll need a way to test salinity in your water. I strongly suggest a refractometer. They're a little pricier but less room for error.
11. There's a nano-subforum here... there are lots of Biocube owners there.
12. Good luck!
Oh, also Damsels can be pretty aggressive so I don't know much about them. Research the damsels you get first though as some of them can get quite big.

[Pisces28]

Thanks for the reply!
The actual reason why I am doing this is because I currently have a 15 gallon salt tank with a sailfin tang and a damsel living in it for almost three years. Contrary to popular belief, they do not necessarily need a huge amount of space. My tang seems happy and is doing great, but I do want to upgrade him to a better home and environment, so he will be moving to the 29 gallon. I know many people say that tangs need bigger tanks, but mine seems to be doing alright! Maybe he is just special

[jaybfresh]

Your tang is alive, but that's probably all he has going for him. Nobody can stop you, but watch out for the tang police.