Biocube 29 build

[jk_s124]

Such a great tank, I really like the monti/acro levels, I hope to pull off something similar.

Thanks! The monti and acro placement was something I really did think a lot about.

 

[jk_s124]

Just finished installing the new 5 stage BRS drinking water RO system with DI for my tank. I have the filters in our laundry room and running drinking water upstairs to my kitchen. The DI water then runs to my utility room, where I have my mixing station. The family is happy to have the tasty drinking water, and I’m happy for the upgrade.

 

[Lazydayz]

Super clean, looks really good!!

 

[thatsruff]

A few recent pics. Things seem to really be hitting a stride. Everything seems to be growing and maturing. I find I have to trim my montis about once a month. My green tort also has needed trimming in the back. I also put a pic of our new black ocellaris. I purchased him from a local petco in February. I quarantined him without meds for two and a half weeks before putting him in the display. He seems to be pairing up nicely with my female percula. He’s definitely grown a bit too.

Here is something I have been wondering: how do you actually go about your trimming? Are you able to pull the montis?

 

[jk_s124]

I have a pair of bone cutters from BRS. I take my canopy off and either break off piece with my fingers or use the bone cutters to snip a piece. I’ve never had to take my rocks out. I’m sure I would never be able to get them back in the right way.

Here is something I have been wondering: how do you actually go about your trimming? Are you able to pull the montis?

 

[thatsruff]

I have a pair of bone cutters from BRS. I take my canopy off and either break off piece with my fingers or use the bone cutters to snip a piece. I’ve never had to take my rocks out. I’m sure I would never be able to get them back in the right way.

Awesome, thanks. I have assumed that is what most people actually do when trimming is needed but most posts/videos you find are of people making frags with the coral pulled out.

 

[jk_s124]

Awesome, thanks. I have assumed that is what most people actually do when trimming is needed but most posts/videos you find are of people making frags with the coral pulled out.

That’s what i have done with my sps. If I wanted to frag my hammer, trumpets, blastos or any of my zoas or palys, i would pull them out. The lps usually needs a dremel to saw through the skeleton properly. The good thing though with the lps is that they are not glued or attached to a large rock. Just sitting in there. So very easily to pull out.

 

[jk_s124]

Some pics I took tonight while getting ready to feed the tank. Things are going well. Still gathering more things for my 40 breeder upgrade. Picked up a mightyjet 538 dc return pump. I have my dry rock in a long cycle. Just started seeding with micro after 7 and ghost feeding.. going to do this for a few months with out lights. Then set up the tank and continue cycling with lights for another 4 to 5 months.

 

[Lazydayz]

Man the tank is looking great! You may have said it already but are you going to switch everything over to the 40 or are you going to run both?

 

[jk_s124]

Man the tank is looking great! You may have said it already but are you going to switch everything over to the 40 or are you going to run both?

Thanks Lazy! I’m going to switch everything over....slowly. My plan is to move my current system to a different wall in the same room and set up the 40 where the cube currently is. Then after a long cycle to slowly move fish and corals over. I would reuse my current rock, but I have a colonial hydroid problem. So I’m going to remove my colonies from the base rock, dip, and move them into the new system. So long cycle. I’m also going to run a 25 watt emperor aquatics UV with a very slow turn over to hopefully aid in eliminating any hydroid larvae that hitchhike over.

 

[Lazydayz]

Thanks Lazy! I’m going to switch everything over....slowly. My plan is to move my current system to a different wall in the same room and set up the 40 where the cube currently is. Then after a long cycle to slowly move fish and corals over. I would reuse my current rock, but I have a colonial hydroid problem. So I’m going to remove my colonies from the base rock, dip, and move them into the new system. So long cycle. I’m also going to run a 25 watt emperor aquatics UV with a very slow turn over to hopefully aid in eliminating any hydroid larvae that hitchhike over.

Man that will be a lot of work! Just curious how long are you going to cycle before moving your SPS over?

 

[jk_s124]

Well I’m dark cycling my rock in a spare tank right now and seeding with bacteria and ghost feedings. I plan on setting up the new tank in October or November. Then cycling with the lights on and sump running until after the holidays. So I’ll start to slowly move fish over in February or March. Then I’ll wait until I see a good amount of coralline algae on my new rocks. Once I see that I think I will be good to go to start moving corals. I figure if I have both systems up and running I can’t take my time. I’ll have to use mechanical timers and for a bit, but shouldn’t be too bad. So Im guessing it will be almost a year from the time I first put the rock into the water until I start adding SPS.

 

[Lazydayz]

Nice, thank you! Eventually I want to upgrade as well and still being new to the coral keeping I guess I've been nervous haha

 

[jk_s124]

Me too!

 

[thatsruff]

Thanks Lazy! I’m going to switch everything over....slowly. My plan is to move my current system to a different wall in the same room and set up the 40 where the cube currently is. Then after a long cycle to slowly move fish and corals over. I would reuse my current rock, but I have a colonial hydroid problem. So I’m going to remove my colonies from the base rock, dip, and move them into the new system. So long cycle. I’m also going to run a 25 watt emperor aquatics UV with a very slow turn over to hopefully aid in eliminating any hydroid larvae that hitchhike over.

Love the patient measured approach. Everyone seems to preach it but not everyone necessarily follows through.

 

[jk_s124]

A few more pics. Haven’t added or changed anything for awhile now. I need to start a thread yet for the 40 breeder I’m working on. Need to start working on the stand for that as well. Maybe next weekend.

 

[Lazydayz]

Tank is looking really good! In the last picture what type of paly is that?

 

[jk_s124]

From what I can gather, they are parazoanthus gracilis yellow colonial polyps. Closely related to zoanthids and palythoas. Usually considered a pest coral, but mine have stayed right on their part of their rock. They add a lot of movement, but their color isn’t the the greatest. Kinda muddy yellow brown color. At night when the lighting is more blue they look a little nicer.

 

[thatsruff]

A few more pics. Haven’t added or changed anything for awhile now. I need to start a thread yet for the 40 breeder I’m working on. Need to start working on the stand for that as well. Maybe next weekend.

Tank continues to look great!

 

[Lazydayz]

From what I can gather, they are parazoanthus gracilis yellow colonial polyps. Closely related to zoanthids and palythoas. Usually considered a pest coral, but mine have stayed right on their part of their rock. They add a lot of movement, but their color isn’t the the greatest. Kinda muddy yellow brown color. At night when the lighting is more blue they look a little nicer.

I think they look nice, I like the really long lashes on them its pretty cool looking!