Biocube 32 advice

smokey667 · Oct 3, 2020

So I just picked up a Biocube 32 earlier today, it was fully set up with a CUC
I don't know anything about these tanks and I didn't think to ask about water levels for the back chamber
How is it supposed to look?
I haven't changed or moved any of the media they had in the tank already. I'm gonna try to attach a video of what it's currently looking like

TvanB1 · Oct 3, 2020

The video doesn’t work for me, perhaps because I am on mobile.
The water level should be slightly below all of the center baffles. On my old biocube I would control the water level through the last chamber, where the return pump sits. Im pretty sure there is a small window on the side of this chamber labeling ‘high’ and ‘low’ water levels.

smokey667 · Oct 3, 2020

TvanB1 said:
The video doesn’t work for me, perhaps because I am on mobile.
The water level should be slightly below all of the center baffles. On my old biocube I would control the water level through the last chamber, where the return pump sits. Im pretty sure there is a small window on the side of this chamber labeling ‘high’ and ‘low’ water levels

Sorry about the video, I can post a picture if that would work? I have sort of a waterfall effect in chamber 2

Alchameth · Oct 3, 2020

Chamber 1 should be level with the display side. Typically reserved for a heater. The mid section is your biological filtration and the last chamber is where the return pump is. You will see the water level in 2 and 3 change and that is where you need to top off with fresh water.

TvanB1 · Oct 3, 2020

Nano Build - 16g Biocube filtration

Attached i have an image to help interpret what I am saying. Left side we have titanium heater with skimmer. (If skimmer can fit) The middle section have half filter floss half marine pure balls. Would keep the sponge between return pump and tank.

www.reef2reef.com

Ignore the labels but this is how I had mine set up, with the water level about twice as high in the final chamber. The second chamber should have a waterfall.

Alchameth · Oct 3, 2020

The waterfall in 2 is normalish. The flow goes from the front, level to the 1st chamber, half way and down to the bottom into the 2nd part and then over to the 3rd. Chamber 2 and 3 should be about the same, which is visable from the side of chamber 3.

smokey667 · Oct 3, 2020

TvanB1 said:
Nano Build - 16g Biocube filtration

Attached i have an image to help interpret what I am saying. Left side we have titanium heater with skimmer. (If skimmer can fit) The middle section have half filter floss half marine pure balls. Would keep the sponge between return pump and tank.

www.reef2reef.com

Ignore the labels but this is how I had mine set up, with the water level about twice as high in the final chamber. The second chamber should have a waterfall.

Here's a current pic of it, so the level should be even with the lowest shelf?

TvanB1 · Oct 3, 2020

smokey667 said:
Here's a current pic of it, so the level should be even with the lowest shelf?

Its mostly up to personal preference. I would raise it up though. Buys you more time in case you forget to top off. It also adds a tiny bit more to the total water volume.

Alchameth · Oct 3, 2020

No, should be higher. Look at the side view port on the LEFT side. That is chamber 3, the water should be at or above the glass on the left. At least that is where I kept it

smokey667 · Oct 3, 2020

Alchameth said:
No, should be higher. Look at the side view port on the LEFT side. That is chamber 3, the water should be at or above the glass on the left. At least that is where I kept it

This part?
I'm sorry, I feel like I'm bugging ya'll to death lol

TvanB1 · Oct 3, 2020

smokey667 said:
This part?
I'm sorry, I feel like I'm bugging ya'll to death lol

Yep!
I would fill it to about 3/4 to the top.
Not at all! Ask away.

smokey667 · Oct 3, 2020

TvanB1 said:
Yep!
I would fill it to about 3/4 to the top.
Not at all! Ask away.

Tysm!
So I just need to add some ro and I'm good

It's been a PITA getting it put back together after the trip home so I'm glad I didn't mess it up lol

TvanB1 · Oct 3, 2020

smokey667 said:
Tysm!
So I just need to add some ro and I'm good
It's been a PITA getting it put back together after the trip home so I'm glad I didn't mess it up lol

Add saltwater to bring the level up, replace evaporated water with RO.

TvanB1 · Oct 3, 2020

Adding RO to raise the water level will bring your salinity way down. Inverts can be very sensitive to sudden fluctuations in salinity and other parameters. Did you buy this tank fully cycled?

smokey667 · Oct 3, 2020

TvanB1 said:
Add saltwater to bring the level up, replace evaporated water with RO.

Gotcha
Btw!
Does anyone know how to tell if an urchin is alive? The lady gave me two, one is hiding and the other I've never seen move?

smokey667 · Oct 3, 2020

TvanB1 said:
Adding RO to raise the water level will bring your salinity way down. Inverts can be very sensitive to sudden fluctuations in salinity and other parameters. Did you buy this tank fully cycled?

Yeah I did, I'm sorry I know better than to do the ro like that
I've been working on this for 6 hours now and I'm brain dead at this point lol

Alchameth · Oct 3, 2020

it happens, as far as the urchins they move, a lot. so if one has been in the same spot that is suspect. The closest I've seen mine site in one place had to do with a seaweed feeder and it cleaning it out. That too a little over a day but it still moved around some. Is it sitting on the sand? I'd try to move it some, but not moving for 6 hours for a urchin seems weird.