28 JBJ Nano Cube!

[tureefik87]

I just purchase this used from a fellow reefer. I got a great deal on it. I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos on modifications done on these cubes. I'm very excited to get this thing going.

I'm not quite sure what equipment to buy. I have a couple things in mind but most importantly I want to keep cost down.

I would love to hear your guys/gals opinions or experiences with cubes.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Tahoe61]

I had a JBJ 28 gallon for 6 years, loved the tank.

Equipment really depends on what you want to keep. You can run this tank without a skimmer if you keep bio-load down and maintain routine water changes. I ran a pretty successful sps tank with the metal halide model and no skimmer.

Heat is an issue with this tank, I used a chiller.

What type of lighting does it have?

 

[tureefik87]

I had a JBJ 28 gallon for 6 years, loved the tank.

Equipment really depends on what you want to keep. You can run this tank without a skimmer if you keep bio-load down and maintain routine water changes. I ran a pretty successful sps tank with the metal halide model and no skimmer.

Heat is an issue with this tank, I used a chiller.

What type of lighting does it have?

My intention at this point of time is to have SPS, Zoas, and two or three fishes.

I wanted to stay away from metal halides to prevent heat issues with the tank. I have watched a lot of videos on YouTube videos stressing that exact issues. Might need to look into a chiller, but not sure at this point of time.

I watch an interesting mod of someone installing an AI sol into the hood. This is something I might consider.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[brady]

My first tank was a 29 biocube... totally agree on the heat issue... my tank was in the mid 80s' on summer days... well, if you're serious on keeping this tank for years, I think its a great investment to buy a small chiller... a used one would be around $150 so it's not bad at all..
Also, its nice to get an efficient skimmer, do whatever you can to avoid algae issues... have fun and please update us on your progresses!

 

[tureefik87]

My first tank was a 29 biocube... totally agree on the heat issue... my tank was in the mid 80s' on summer days... well, if you're serious on keeping this tank for years, I think its a great investment to buy a small chiller... a used one would be around $150 so it's not bad at all..
Also, its nice to get an efficient skimmer, do whatever you can to avoid algae issues... have fun and please update us on your progresses!

I have AC in my home and during summer days it stays a cool 70-75 degrees in my home. I would think this will help, but not suffice long term.

I really want to document the cost that I put into this tank. A lot of the equipment will be second hand.

As for the skimmer what model would you suggest for the HQI bio cube?

 

[Shep]

Those are great little tanks, this will be a good build

 

[namkiii]

Open the back plate get a clip on fan from Walmart 10$ put the fan on low! Set the heater to a temp and buy a auto top off and you are set for stock lighting

 

[tureefik87]

Open the back plate get a clip on fan from Walmart 10$ put the fan on low! Set the heater to a temp and buy a auto top off and you are set for stock lighting

Thanks for the suggestion, definitely a cheaper option haha.

For others, please share photos, I always enjoy those.

 

[brady]

As for the skimmer what model would you suggest for the HQI bio cube?

I used to have a Tunze 9002...with the upgraded collection cup, it fits perfectly in the back... I think they do have many other options now that you might want to check on the equipment forum.

 

[tureefik87]

Here's the list of equipment that I have so far.
Jebao WP-10
JBJ auto top off
EVO Quad Clip 3W Timer Ready LED Aquarium Light Nano Marine Coral Reef 20x 3W
Crystal Reef Salt
BRS 5 Stage PLUS RO/DI System - 75GPD
Fine sand substrate
Apex with lab grade pH probe

Plans to buy
Nano rock (BRS)
MP10WQD
Kessil A360 w/gooseneck or AI sol (modded into the hood)
Used chiller (not sure what model)
Skimmer - still researching

I might have more equipment laying around, this weekend I'm going to do some digging.

 

[tureefik87]

I used to have a Tunze 9002...with the upgraded collection cup, it fits perfectly in the back... I think they do have many other options now that you might want to check on the equipment forum.

I will definitely check that out or maybe post a WTB ad.

 

[Tahoe61]

This was my old JBJ 28. No skimmer, metal halide and no chiller at that time. I did add a fan as well.



I like the AI lights very much. I am using one on my new JBJ 30.

 

[brady]

That's quite a nice list of what you already have to start there! I'm sure it'll turn out really nice!

 

[tureefik87]

This was my old JBJ 28. No skimmer, metal halide and no chiller at that time. I did add a fan as well.



I like the AI lights very much. I am using one on my new JBJ 30.

What metal halide light did you run? The polyp extension on the corals look amazing! Beautiful colonies.

 

[tureefik87]

That's quite a nice list of what you already have to start there! I'm sure it'll turn out really nice!

Thanks Brady! Slow and steady!

 

[Tahoe61]

What metal halide light did you run? The polyp extension on the corals look amazing! Beautiful colonies.

Phoenix or Radium were my preferred MH bulbs of choice.

 

[tureefik87]

Phoenix or Radium were my preferred MH bulbs of choice.

Thank you, is there a specific fixture to get?

I saw your build thread on your nano, it is beautiful!

 

[Tahoe61]

Thanks.

Because of the heat associated with MH, I choose to go with LED, specifically AI Hydra. I am an old school reefer so it was a hard choice, but I am happy I made the conversion. The JBJ used to come in an HQI model/mh. I believe they discontinued that model though.

Look at the link below, it used to offer hoods and replacement parts.
http://www.jbjlighting.com/

 

[tureefik87]

What's everyone's thoughts on a IM Ghost Desktop Skimmer? I also was looking into an AquaMaxx HOB-1?

Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[Tahoe61]

Nope to the IM. I do not know if the Tunze 9001 will fit, it's a good nano skimmer though. Cadlight supposedly makes a nice nice skimmer that might fit and JBJ makes a skimmer for their Nano tanks. Hydor's nano version does not do the job.