BioCube 32 build thread

Barry_Cuda · Oct 2, 2018

Finally was able to get ny cube and start preparations for setup. The tank arrived last week but I've been super busy and haven't had much time to devote, but I'm making progress here and there. Here it is in the middle of the leak test. I'm doing this in the bathroom so I can just siphon the water directly into the shower drain when done

ndrwater · Oct 2, 2018

Good for you!! Keep the updates coming!!

Katrina71 · Oct 2, 2018

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Barry_Cuda · Oct 6, 2018

Guys, I'm so close! I'm just waiting on a connector for the RO unit from BRS, and then I'll be ready to order live rock and get this thing started up! WOOOOOOOOO

Barry_Cuda · Oct 6, 2018

It looks kinda forlorn just sitting here waiting for salt water & live rock

Barry_Cuda · Oct 17, 2018

RO unit is up and running, live rock is ordered (bought from KP Aquatics)!

Retro Reefer · Oct 17, 2018

Looks good.. you will like KP rock

Barry_Cuda · Oct 17, 2018

Retro Reefer said:
Looks good.. you will like KP rock

I caught them *right* before they go on vacation for a month, too. The rock is being shipped out on the last shipping day before they leave.

Barry_Cuda · Oct 24, 2018

Live rock is here! Looks like some nice pieces...it's completely covered with a few different colors of coralline. Also has some various macroalgae (I cleaned this off as best I could) and various other encrusting things I can't identify.

Barry_Cuda · Oct 24, 2018

I had to modify this first rockscape plan because I'd overestimated the tank width. Can't tell how the new version looks because the water is all silted up from filling the tank. I expect to do some rearranging once the water clears and I can see what I'm doing.

cromag27 · Oct 24, 2018

i have one too and i love it!

Barry_Cuda · Oct 24, 2018

Rock is in place, tank is full. Let the cycling begin!

Barry_Cuda · Oct 26, 2018

Decided to add another 8 pounds of artificial rock just to give the bacteria some more habitat to grow on. Day and a half in, ammonia is at 8ppm and I'm concerned about the prospects for survival of anything holed up in the rock. I'm planning a 30% water change as soon as the salt is done mixing here, which should help.

Barry_Cuda · Nov 3, 2018

Cycle is on day 10 now. Ammonia is still high, but I'm seeing measurable nitrites and nitrates now, so I can see that the bacteria are populating and starting to do their work. Testing every few days just to keep an eye on where things are at, but I'm starting to think about CUC and first fish! QT is not set up yet but will be ready quickly as the filter media are cycling in the DT.

Barry_Cuda · Nov 5, 2018

Any mods reading this thread? I'm realizing I created it in the wrong forum. Would like to ask if maybe it can be moved to Members' Tanks where it belongs.

Barry_Cuda · Nov 9, 2018

Tank is cycled! I dosed ammonium chloride to 2ppm yesterday afternoon, and when I went to bed 7-1/2 hours later, ammonia was down to .25 ppm. Tested this morning before work and got 0.

Next step is to set up the QT (filter media for the QT has been cycling with the main tank, so my plan is to just transfer the media when I fill the QT and dose with Stability for good measure), and then when I get paid on Thursday I'll go pick up the first members of the CUC for the display tank and the first couple fish to go into quarantine. Planning to start with a pair of tank raised Banggai cardinals from my excellent LFS.

Barry_Cuda · Nov 15, 2018

Let there be light! Rockscape needs some work and that blue filter cartridge is going into the QT tomorrow. Adding some CUC on Friday if my last ammonium chloride test looks satisfactory.