Biocube 29 First Tank

DustanT · Feb 29, 2016

So I previously had a 65g getting started and after 3 months just ran out of steam and what to get and all the money required to get this one going. So I called my LFS and asked if I could trade what I had in for a biocube 29 and all the things needed. He said bring it in and we'll get you setup and get your feet wet. So I got the tank, sand, salt, heater, 28lb dry rock and 6 gallons of RO water for an even trade. He asked if I wanted the crap stand for it and I said I'd build my own again. So here is what I have done the last 3 days.

Built Frame From 2x3's

Wrapped the frame with 1/4" birch plywood.

Test fitting the door and checking overall look.

Checking how the tanks looks and how big the top will be.

Stain on

Top cut to mach outline of tank 1/2 wider and 1 inch deeper.

Looks good from top.

Checking fit and ready to lay the bead of glue to make it flat on the frame.

aquascaping done

Removed bio balls and ready to start filling.

4 hours latter.

So I have a few things on order.

eshopps foam filter
Blue & White Poly Filter Pad
Chemipure Elite
Matrix Carbon
Purigen

So it's been a long day see how it looks in the morning.

Reefloco760 · Feb 29, 2016

Nice little set up

DustanT · Feb 29, 2016

After running all night it cleared up nicely, tested salinity it looks like 1.0247

DustanT · Feb 29, 2016

So with so many ways and idea's I've seen and read what is your guys take on this setup

DustanT · Mar 2, 2016

Well I'm just going to follow this guys setup then. I added a dead minnow tonight to start my cycle and picked up a test kit. Tank seems stable at 79f

KSReefing · Mar 2, 2016

I really like the stand. I have biocube 29. What are your plans for stocking? Would recommend you ditch the hood unless you plan on putting LEDs into the hood. Heat is constant battle with the hood and PCs.

Will be following along !

Ferozkaamil · Mar 2, 2016

That's how I made diy fish stand

alxjrz · Mar 2, 2016

Nice setup! I really like the stand

I am linking my Cube for ideas.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/acrorgvs-29-gallon-biocube.216276/

DustanT · Mar 2, 2016

Thanks guys, I'm leaving the hood and PC's, heat is an issue for sure its -20f 7 month out of the year here

Stock will be minimal with 3 fish and a cleanup crew 2 or 3 softies and an anemone. Just ordered a Jebao RW-4 for my wavemaker, see how much water I can make go over the side

Johnny the fish. Yes he is dead!

Ferozkaamil · Mar 2, 2016

acrorgv said:
Nice setup! I really like the stand I am linking my Cube for ideas.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/acrorgvs-29-gallon-biocube.216276/

Thank you and sure I will your Cube now

DustanT · Mar 2, 2016

day 3, no lights
Temp 80
salinity 1.025
ammonia 0.50
nitrite 0
nitrate 0
PH 8.0

DustanT · Mar 2, 2016

So I was looking up cleaner crews today, what is your guys opinion on the kit packages and who do you use?

DustanT · Mar 4, 2016

How much dead is needed to start a cycle? It seems the minnow is mostly decayed and my ammonia is only at 0.50, everything else is 0, the PH dropped to 7.8. All the reading I've done says I should see the ammonia spike then start to see it drop with the increase in nitrite. Do I need more to get the tank started?

Breadman03 · Mar 4, 2016

I like Reefcleaners.org, and I just ghost fed for my cycle. Use a small pinch of food daily and watch your big 3 parameters until they are all in line.

pdt7361 · Mar 4, 2016

I would recommend that you look into the inTank media basket and fuge. I have them both in chamber 2, my skimmer in chamber 1, and my return pump plus heater in chamber 3.

DustanT · Mar 4, 2016

Day 5 got some spikes.
Ammonia 0.50
Nitrite 0.15
Nitrate 2.5
PH 8.0
Salinity was low? 1.024
Going to start the light cycles on timers.

FlyinBryan · Mar 4, 2016

Minno or shrimp will do just fine. At this point just walk away from it for 30 days. Your only concern right now is ammonia. Once that hits absolute 0 you're ready to start.

I wouldn't waste $ on testing anything until then. Honestly.

Once you hit zero, get all params up to spec. I try to keep my cycle at 1.0255 right around there. I use an ato for that.

Great stand! Good luck!

Also after many attempts I finally went with this setup!

I'll load pic later. Flight taking off!

DustanT · Mar 5, 2016

So today I got what I thought was a RW-4 but the package say's PP4, same controller and specs of the RW-4 so ok. Lowest setting really stirred up a cloud is that normal? I've been watching the sand and moving the head around so it would not move it or kick it up anymore.

Bunnee911 · Mar 5, 2016

The hood does hold heat. I use a muffin fan.

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1457235564.151591.jpg

DustanT · Mar 6, 2016

So today is the 7th day running, I just tested the tank and gave it a good look around. I have fixed the salinity and marked on the side of the return window the water level so I can fill to it and keep it the same till I can get an ATO. Looking at the AutoAqua Smart ATO Micro and use a 5 gallon bucket for the RO. I've added 2 Eshopps AEO19070 Square Foam side by side then added 100% polyester batting ultra fine on the top of the foam blocks. After 2 days I replaced the filter pad, the old one was dark tan. Water is crystal clear.

Ammonia 0.50
Nitrite 0.50
Nitrate 5.0
PH 8.0
Salinity 1.025
temp 78