Coralife BioCube 29gal

[DarrylJ]

Hi I'm DarrylJ I have a 29gal tank for over 3 yrs now. I been trying to get this tank to look like a reef on land but I've only had problems after problems I gone throw everything to get it up and running. I seen so many youtube video's my head is swimming. First thing I'm looking for is filtration help so I can stock the tank with corals and few fishes. Oh by the way my tank has been running for about yr. now and I have Cyano and algee everywhere done chemiclean and just finished 2 water changes. I had 3 chromess, 2 yellow damsel, 1 blue damsel, had 1 hollywood chalices, 1 acan now I'm down to 1 yellow Damsel.......HELP!!!!

 

[EmdeReef]

Welcome!

Things in this hobby take time and patience.

Sounds like your fish are dying which may be due to an illness or something else.

My advice would be to keep things as is for now until you can figure out what’s going on and probably hold on adding any new fish or coral until the tank is stable - no major algae outbreaks etc.

What are your parameters?

Also Some useful threads:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/32-biocube-mixed.317216/#post-3913799

 

[kschweer]

Welcome! Great advice above.

 

[GoVols]

@DarrylJ

Welcome to the Reef 2 Reef family and hope you feel at home.

Those are some big time questions and it's going to take awhile to learn.

First off your need an RO/DI unit with a built in TDS meter, right out the gate.

Second) You need to know were your water parameters stand.

You got your Big - 3.
Calcuim
Alkalinity
Magnesium

Then your got Nitrates and Phosphates. (these two will help with algae and cyano)

These are some good and reliable test kits:
Cal = API or Sailfet
Alk = Hanna Alk Checker
Mag = Salifert mag kit
Nitrates = Salifert
Phosphates = Hanna Phos or ULR checker.

Also, Get something like the Bulk Reef Supply refractometer and I'd use the two little fishes .35 natural seawater solution to keep the meter calibrated.

Here's an water parameter guide to help you out. It's got the Big-3, nitrates and phosphates.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

Hope the above helps and welcome aboard.

Regards, GoVols

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing community. Although you've been at it a while, I would suggest browsing through the thread below.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R !!!
Great advice above

 

[John3]

Specific to a biocube 29 the return pump does not provide enough flow which leads to “dead” spots which are cyano havens. I added 2 addition powerheads but 1 should be enough. I haven’t seen cyano since the additional flow.

I ditched the stock filtration. I run a filter sock with filter floss on top in chamber 2. When I had high phosphate I could toss a back of phosgard into the filter bag as needed. I also have a skimmer in chamber 2. I removed the hood so I was able to put in a aquamaxx ws-1 skimmer which does a great job. Not sure if it will fit with the hood and the back flap open.

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing community. Although you've been at it a while, I would suggest browsing through the thread below.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Great advice so far, but this would be my go-to thread!

 

[MaddyP]

 

[DarrylJ]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I will put this info to work this weekend. I'll post a picture up soon

 

[cameronh]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I will put this info to work this weekend. I'll post a picture up soon

Welcome to reef2reef.
We will get you going man.

 

[DarrylJ]

@DarrylJ

Welcome to the Reef 2 Reef family and hope you feel at home.

Those are some big time questions and it's going to take awhile to learn.

First off your need an RO/DI unit with a built in TDS meter, right out the gate.

Second) You need to know were your water parameters stand.

You got your Big - 3.
Calcuim
Alkalinity
Magnesium

Then your got Nitrates and Phosphates. (these two will help with algae and cyano)

These are some good and reliable test kits:
Cal = API or Sailfet
Alk = Hanna Alk Checker
Mag = Salifert mag kit
Nitrates = Salifert
Phosphates = Hanna Phos or ULR checker.

Also, Get something like the Bulk Reef Supply refractometer and I'd use the two little fishes .35 natural seawater solution to keep the meter calibrated.

Here's an water parameter guide to help you out. It's got the Big-3, nitrates and phosphates.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

Hope the above helps and welcome aboard.

Regards, GoVols

I want to get a RO/DI but I'm in an apartment for now gonna move maybe soon, I've been buy RO/DI water for a local fish store
I gonna do some water testing this weekend also just got a TDS meter
I will post up Sunday

 

[GoVols]

I want to get a RO/DI but I'm in an apartment for now gonna move maybe soon, I've been buy RO/DI water for a local fish store
I gonna do some water testing this weekend also just got a TDS meter
I will post up Sunday

Sounds good

I'd do your test, take some shots and start a new thread on the the right forum.

Maybe:
New to Saltwater, Reef Discussion or Algae.

 

[DSC reef]

Welcome to R2R Darryl. Excellent advice from the friendliest reefing family around.

 

[Ranjib]

Welcome to reef2reef.
I too own a biocube, they are pretty awesome aio tanks. Take it slow and kee is informed, you ‘ll get lots of good tips here

 

[kireek]

*Nice to meet you @DarrylJ !* Sure glad you found us.Definitely familiarize yourself with water testing.You will need the numbers to get the nitrates and phosphates within reason.Afterwards, research and select your animals carefully.Be sure to purchase from a reputable company and quarantine.Best of luck with the reboot!

 

[Lisa Cain]

Hi I'm DarrylJ I have a 29gal tank for over 3 yrs now. I been trying to get this tank to look like a reef on land but I've only had problems after problems I gone throw everything to get it up and running. I seen so many youtube video's my head is swimming. First thing I'm looking for is filtration help so I can stock the tank with corals and few fishes. Oh by the way my tank has been running for about yr. now and I have Cyano and algee everywhere done chemiclean and just finished 2 water changes. I had 3 chromess, 2 yellow damsel, 1 blue damsel, had 1 hollywood chalices, 1 acan now I'm down to 1 yellow Damsel.......HELP!!!!

I will be happly to provide whatever advice I can as a new comer with a 32 gallon biocube. I posted a picture of my tank below. Please ask me any questions that you may have.

 

[Butitor]

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

 

[Lisa Cain]

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

Thanks!

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r! All Good advice above!