biocube 29 starting out

PepperDeath · Feb 14, 2012

hey i have a biocube 29 and just got it on the stand,i have a powerhead,heater,thermometer,saltwater master test kit,and one timer, not sure if i will need another timer or 2...i`m not really sure what chemicals or any other testing supplies i will need...any help would be greatly appreciated...thank you!

revhtree · Feb 14, 2012

I may be missing something but if you have a light all I see now is that you need a refractometer or hydrometer. The hydrometer will do the job to start off with but if you can swing the refractometer then go that route. As you progress you will need a few other test kits.

Have you got water in it yet?

Welcome to R2R!

dsmhero · Feb 14, 2012

Do you have any live rock yet? You will need some way of testing the salt content of your water, I really recommend a refractometer but a hydrometer will do for now.

PepperDeath · Feb 16, 2012

i dont have any water,rock, or sand yet..that will be soon i hope..i got buffer and chemi pure today..i have to get another timer i think...i plan on getting a hydrometer for now anyways...do you think i should take the bioballs out and put another filter system in before i start cycling? or after the cycle is done? i was told to leave them in till its done cycling... also i was told to not run any lights during the cycling..is this correct? thank you so much for your input and sorry if these questions are dumb lol just trying to learn as much as i can

PepperDeath · Feb 16, 2012

i have also heard that i need a skimmer for my tank and other people telling me i dont need one?

Poolman · Feb 16, 2012

I had 4 tanks over 4 years before I bought my first skimmer. You can get away without one but they are really great to have. I would recommend getting one.

fjpod · Feb 16, 2012

The answers to a lot of your questions depend on how you plan to stock your tank, whether fish only, or strictly reef. I would get some live rock in there as soon as possible with one or two small fish like chromis. You don't really need lights or a second timer at this point...but you do need a hydrometer. IMHO it takes twice as long to cycle a tank as you think it does. Keep up on weekly water changes using RODI or DI water...in fact start with it or you will regret it later.