First time reefer. 29g biocube

[mrniceguy]

So new to the hobby. And I absolutely love it from the good to the bad. It's been a fun challenge. I'm running a 29 gallon biocube. Stock pc lighting 35lbs live sand about 30lbs of dryrock. Running a in tank media basket with filter floss purigen and chemipure on the bottom. I haven't made my mind up over refugium or skimmer maybe yall can give some advise. I was having issues with water due to using distilled water but recently was able to upgrade to a rodi system so 2 water changes later its turning around finally. I had a bad bubble algea problem and cleared up a lot. Here's some stats 1.023 salinity ammonia is at 0 nitrates are 0 nitrites at 0. Phosphate are at 0. And having issues with reading calcium so will update yall later on that. But anyways I'm here to learn and join the community and have a good time reef keeping

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Welcome to R2R and to the hobby!!! Thanks for introducing yourself!

The 29 Biocube is a nice unit and it looks like your off to a good start! I noticed in your pic you are using the API test kit and a hydrometer, just a suggestion but you might consider down the road to upgrading to a refractometer they are much more accurate and not to costly. API is ok during cycling, but Red Sea and Salifert are a couple of test kits that will probably give you more accurate readings.

#welcometoR2R

 

[NoWaiAma]

Welcome ! As mentioned above. I had really bad false ammonia readings with api kit. Especially during instances I needed to use prime ( I’m aware it doesn’t remove ammonia and only detoxifies it. )

Have had nice experience with Red Sea.

Love the scape !

 

[cgdcinc]

Welcome! Nice tank. Corals look happy!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Welcome @mrniceguy to R2R.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Welcome to R2R! The Biocubes make a great starter tank.. For what it’s worth most distilled water is as good or better than any RO/DI water, algae is something your most likely going to get in a new system no matter what water you are using.. the bubble algae more than likely came into your system on one of your frags.

 

[Jason mack]

Welcome to R2R, happy Reefing!!

 

[Fudsey]

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

 

[BestMomEver]

Welcome! Your tank looks awesome! Slow and steady is the way to go. I know this because I am the most impatient and impulsive person I know and I have paid for it through the years. I recently ordered a calcium test kit made by Nyos. I have a real hard time seeing color changes in the others but the Nyos kit works well for me. I also have a Hanna checker. It requires just as many steps but gives you a number, which I like. If I had to give advice I would suggest two things.... test often and do lots of water changes. I prefer about 10% weekly. My tanks size makes that quantity easy and quick! Also, get a refractometer. It’ll make life easier. Good luck!

 

[hwntunda]

Looking good so far aaaannndd.....

glad to have you here!

 

[Dennis McGrath]

Welcome .Nice looking rock formation there. That will make the clown happy for sure. Enjoy !!!

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R, this forum is definitely were you want to be for great information. People on this forum are great and will help you a great deal, they have for me. Again, Welcome to R2R.

 

[mrniceguy]

Thanks everyone for the welcomeing. I forgot to mention what was all in my tank 1 clown 1 purple firefish and spotted goby 2 Mexican turbos and 10 champagne snails and about 8 small hermits.. I want to only add 1 maybe to more fish something that will bring life to the tank considering the goby and firefish stay out of sight most of the day. Should I get another clown or I was thinking some kind of wrasse. I'm mainly going for a reef tank so need everything to be reef safe.