Biocube 32 Frag Tank?

[Ober_Reef]

I’m sure folks have done this before, just looking for experienced thoughts, input, and advice. I have a biocube from years ago just laying around and I have been think about using it for a frag/grow out tank. Also any input on lighting recommendations would be greatly appreciated !

 

[Spare time]

The stock LED works if you don't want to spend the extra money, but the increased pH that you might get without the lid may be nice if you are wanting to accelerate the growth.

There are definitely some frag racks you can throw in there.

 

[Ober_Reef]

The stock LED works if you don't want to spend the extra money, but the increased pH that you might get without the lid may be nice if you are wanting to accelerate the growth.

There are definitely some frag racks you can throw in there.

Really ? I heard the stock lights were not very good so upgraded them to some sort of LED strips. I don’t even know what I upgraded them to back then as it was like 8 years ago maybe more. I’m thinking I would run the tank without the stock hood so I’m looking for a light powerful enough to grow out all types of coral that has a goose neck.

 

[IKD]

Stock lights were ok for lower light corals like zoas, leathers, Xenia, etc. if you want to grow out SPS, upgrading is needed. I removed my top and put an Radion XR15 over it. You may also need an additionl pump for circulation for SPS grow out.

 

[Ober_Reef]

Stock lights were ok for lower light corals like zoas, leathers, Xenia, etc. if you want to grow out SPS, upgrading is needed. I removed my top and put an Radion XR15 over it. You may also need an additionl pump for circulation for SPS grow out.

Yes I was thinking an MP10 or Nero. I will check out the Radion as well.

 

[hllb]

I considered this as well since I’ll be putting up a new tank and my bio cube will be empty. I decided that 1) it was too deep for an effective frag tank and 2) it was bigger than I wanted as a second tank. I picked up an IM Fusion 10g instead

 

[Ober_Reef]

I considered this as well since I’ll be putting up a new tank and my bio cube will be empty. I decided that 1) it was too deep for an effective frag tank and 2) it was bigger than I wanted as a second tank. I picked up an IM Fusion 10g instead

Wow great price for that sleek all in one little tank. I also have seen some really affordable frag tanks recently, I was just hoping to use this tank laying around in my basement.

 

[IKD]

Yes I was thinking an MP10 or Nero. I will check out the Radion as well.

Radion was probably overkill but I didn’t know that at the time. I have an mp10 also but run it pretty low

 

[Ocean’s Piece]

Depends on what kind of Biocube you have. If on the light panel, it says Biocube v3, then those lights are fine. If not, then they need to be upgraded. That’s a misunderstanding most make. Steve’s LEDs is always a good choice if you want to upgrade, but it can get a little pricey. There are several Biocube owners who have done their own modifications and even put kessils or AIs inside of the Biocube hood. But if you don’t care about keeping the hood, then you can put something like a Kessil A80 or an AI prime HD on it. Good luck

 

[hllb]

Wow great price for that sleek all in one little tank. I also have seen some really affordable frag tanks recently, I was just hoping to use this tank laying around in my basement.

Yup, totally get that. I have an AI Hydra 26 HD in the hood of my cube which is plenty of light for the tank. I also run an Icecap 1K gyre and have a mighty jet 538gph return pump.

 

[Ef4life]

Money no object an orphek v4 compact would be killer on a biocube.

 

[Ober_Reef]

Money no object an orphek v4 compact would be killer on a biocube.

Lol my CFO would not approve of that purchase

 

[Spare time]

Really ? I heard the stock lights were not very good so upgraded them to some sort of LED strips. I don’t even know what I upgraded them to back then as it was like 8 years ago maybe more. I’m thinking I would run the tank without the stock hood so I’m looking for a light powerful enough to grow out all types of coral that has a goose neck.

Yeah the stock leds are fine.

Do you have a preference for budget?

I was gonna say a kessil a160we would be a solid choice

 

[Ober_Reef]

Yeah the stock leds are fine.

Do you have a preference for budget?

I was gonna say a kessil a160we would be a solid choice

Well not really but I can say I was looking at the a160we.

 

[Ober_Reef]

Is there a difference between the a80 and 160 ?

 

[Spare time]

Is there a difference between the a80 and 160 ?

Yes the a80 does not cover enough space. Kessil has a choose your kessil guide that describes them. There are also other lights that are cheaper that could work too, but that is up to you. I'm pretty sure the goose neck can fit on the biocube as I know someone who put a 360x on the 32 cube (not sure which arm they used)