Biocube question

Lovge · Sep 20, 2012

So ive decided on getting a 29g biocube. However there is the oceanic and the coralife versions. Which one is the better purchase for reefing?

iggiebee · Sep 20, 2012

Coralife is the newer model (some improvements over Oceanic's)

lsaint88 · Sep 20, 2012

iggiebee said:
Coralife is the newer model (some improvements over Oceanic's)

+1 to that

Lovge · Sep 22, 2012

So thats all i get ??? Thnx for the input guys n gals but nobody has more to say?

Reloadeddevil · Sep 22, 2012

I have oceanic and its very very reliable . Also go with HQI you will love it.

Lovge · Sep 22, 2012

I guess im asking because of the hdi difference vs pc/led. Also because the HDI comes stock with a protien skimmer and refugium. I like the lighting options with led but if i go that route would i need to purchase a protien skimmer and mod the coralife system?? Does the oceanic protien skimmer fit in the coralife overflow or would i have to pick up a completly aftermarket skimmer?? So many questions lol

Steven R · Sep 22, 2012

I have the oceanic also and love it to death had to do some moding for it to be able to support sps though. but over all nice system.. and good luck and keep us posted on progress.

SloppyJ · Sep 22, 2012

I have an aquapod. I know you're not asking about them but make sure you go with the HQI at least.

SWAGuru · Sep 22, 2012

The Oceanic and the Coralife are the same system. The Coralife is the new model, they no longer make the Oceanic. I found that out after I bought one. Still very happy with it, even though I'm fairly new to this wonderful obsession

The HQI would be the choice for lighting, especially since the standard lights on my Oceanic cause a heating/cooling issue. The Protein Skimmer they make is not the best, so don't pin your decision on that as you will likely replace it anyway. Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

SloppyJ · Sep 22, 2012

Look into the new innovative marine skimmers. They look to be promising.

peter505 · Sep 22, 2012

aquatic life 115 fits into chamber 1. thats one of the go to skimmers for cubes. I use it with a modded air intake

NanaReefer · Sep 22, 2012

Check out the dimensions on the Hydor Nano slim skim. 3 1/8 x 3 1/8. I run one on my 26g. Great lil skimmer once tweaked in. Pic is 2 days worth of nog.

Lovge · Sep 22, 2012

Ok thats good stuff thanku. Now lighting question

. After the stock led set up what added led strips should be purcased to keep a bunch of palys/zoas an anenomie and a couple clowns happy?? Also maybe some sps??

peter505 · Sep 22, 2012

If you want to keep sps and anemones, I would just get the biocube hqi, an InTank filter set up, and an aquaticlife 115 (or similar) skimmer. I did this and I can keep any sps or anemone.

Lovge · Sep 22, 2012

But do u get moonlight and other color popping highlights with the metal halide?

peter505 · Sep 22, 2012

color looks great with the halides. my orange cap and my purple valida pop under it. The hqi doesnt come with moonlights, but you could easily buy and mount a strip onto the mh light. The light has a flat part on the front and back of the fixture that are perfect for mounting.