Brand New 8 gallon bio cube

[DaltoniousMax]

Welcome! One fire shrimp I think is the best way to go, Ive only ever owned one at a time but I've heard they can get territorial towards other shrimp. IMO one is all you need, they are absolutely stunning and will steal the show when they come out from hiding!

 

[Katrina71]

Someone is moving and has a large tank they are breaking down. They offered live reef rock, sand, and water for our little tank. Any reason this would be bad? This tank is several years old.

 

[Katrina71]

It saves us about 70.00 to apply to an ato and other equipment.

 

[CarrieB]

Someone is moving and has a large tank they are breaking down. They offered live reef rock, sand, and water for our little tank. Any reason this would be bad? This tank is several years old.

Have a look at it and see if you see any of these: excessive hair algae, macro algae, bubble algae, aiptasia or majanos. None of these are the end of the world but would mean more work up front.

Personally, I think starting with established rock is great. You should get lots of hitchhikers.

 

[Katrina71]

If I see any algae growth, should I scrape it off gently?

 

[Efranco]

If I see any algae growth, should I scrape it off gently?

yes, you could brush off any algae you see on the live rock

 

[Katrina71]

Ok. Question 4006... If I use rock, sand, and water from an established tank, could I get a soft coral? Do I need to wait until after we add wildlife?

 

[Efranco]

Ok. Question 4006... If I use rock, sand, and water from an established tank, could I get a soft coral? Do I need to wait until after we add wildlife?

I would wait and test your water levels... in this hobby patience is key... this is the best way to try and avoid mistakes we've all done in the past when we started out

 

[Katrina71]

I know live coral is good, I wasn't sure if it would be better to have some before I add my cleaning crew. Thanks for the info.

 

[Efranco]

I know live coral is good, I wasn't sure if it would be better to have some before I add my cleaning crew. Thanks for the info.

i would put the CUC first

 

[Katrina71]

Day one trouble. Just set up and I don't think the motor is working. I don't hear anything. I have a pump and airstone ( freshwater type and saltwater power head) will either of these work until I can find a replacement? My bio one has the 3 compartments on the back. Please help! Only live sand and reef rock in the tank now.

 

[Blacktank]

The power head is the best to get water moving the airstone will help also, plus give oxygen in the water. Do both for now

 

[Blacktank]

Does the pump on the back need to be primed

 

[Katrina71]

This is the motor that connects to the power head in the left compartment. I guess this is called a sump submersible motor.

 

[Katrina71]

I'm not sure how to prime one like this. I have only done freshwater before.

 

[Blacktank]

If you don't have livestock in the tank yet, either of the two methods will work, though the power head is better. If you have livestock then use the air also.
Yes the pump is in the back. Is it underwater now?

 

[Katrina71]

It is underwater. Nothing. Not sure how to disconnect the old motor to move water. I'm trying...

 

[Blacktank]

You are doing great. It is OK

 

[Blacktank]

Did you get this from a lfs

 

[Katrina71]

I'm kinda stressed. If I can't get this off how do I move water?