Brand New 8 gallon bio cube

Strawberry · Oct 8, 2019

Katrina71 said:
I am brand new to saltwater. My son got an 8 gallon bio cube. I know this is too small, but I promised I'd try. I have 1 piece of dead coral for decor and that's it. We hope to have 2 tiny fish and maybe 2 shrimp. We also like hermit crabs. What equipment, substrate would you guys suggest? I'd like to use easy (forgiving) live macro algae to help balance this tank. Please be kind with responses. I have been called names elsewhere and was referred here to learn.

I am also new to saltwater but it’s pretty easy to find good information here and on YouTube. I really like the channel by Bulk Reef Supply because they use really accurate tools to answer questions. The first step would be to dose your tank with any respectable saltwater nitrifying bacteria so that the bacteria is able to break down the ammonia produced by the fish. Ammonia can be very toxic to your tank. Until your bacteria is matured, I’d recommend doing weekly 1-2gallon water changes. If your coral is dead it should be removed from the tank so that the decomposition doesn’t overload your tank with ammonia that can kill your fish. There’s nothing wrong with a small tank, we all have to start somewhere! Welcome to R2R!!

Strawberry · Oct 8, 2019

Katrina71 said:
Another newbie question. Should I get a sterilizer? Will it kill macro algae?

I wouldn’t get a sterilizer, just keep up regular water changes for the best results.

Musovski · Oct 8, 2019

no offense to the people trying to help, but the thread is 1600 pages deep....

Strawberry · Oct 8, 2019

Musovski said:
no offense to the people trying to help, but the thread is 1600 pages deep....

This thread was on the home page, I just now saw the date. I didn’t realize it was from 2017?

Katrina71 · Oct 8, 2019

JoshH said:
I love out of all that, I'm left out as the innocent one causing no shenanigans ;Bookworm

Innocent? Lol. Canadians are guilty until proven innocent! We have seen no such evidence.

JoshH · Oct 8, 2019

Strawberry said:
This thread was on the home page, I just now saw the date. I didn’t realize it was from 2017?

Ohhh don't take offense to @Musovski seriously he's just Jelly of where I live right now cause we just got a nice powder dusting of the good stuff.

Katrina71 · Oct 8, 2019

Strawberry said:
This thread was on the home page, I just now saw the date. I didn’t realize it was from 2017?

Don't give in to any peer pressure here. These guys are total scallywags! Lol

JoshH · Oct 8, 2019

Katrina71 said:
Innocent? Lol. Canadians are guilty until proven innocent! We have seen no such evidence.

Probably should have waited to post my last comment, doesn't really help my case now;Facepalm

Katrina71 · Oct 8, 2019

And don't you wow me @JoshH

NY_Caveman · Oct 8, 2019

Strawberry said:
This thread was on the home page, I just now saw the date. I didn’t realize it was from 2017?

That is okay. All are welcome here.

Musovski · Oct 8, 2019

Strawberry said:
This thread was on the home page, I just now saw the date. I didn’t realize it was from 2017?

by all means im just being a pleb. Sorry if you took any offense.

Katrina71 · Oct 8, 2019

Absolutely welcome here!

Musovski · Oct 8, 2019

JoshH said:
Ohhh don't take offense to @Musovski seriously he's just Jelly of where I live right now cause we just got a nice powder dusting of the good stuff.

i actually really am, winter is my favorite season. I love snow and real cold weather.