Getting ready to start biocube complete newbie

[TKDScuba]

Hello, I’m new to the reef building community. I started scuba diving 14 years ago and love the the underwater reef world. I got certified as a Divemaster and began training others to dive.....and then my wife and I started our own family with two beautiful children. Now my time spent underwater on the reefs is limited. I thought if I can’t be on the reef diving maybe I can bring the reef home!! So I ordered a bio cube 16 gallon tank and will be ordering live rock package from Tampa Bay Salt water. Was looking for suggestions on best way to store salt water, heater to use, pump, etc. Also should I change pump on biocube? Also I know sometimes tinkering with things to much causes more problems. Open to any other suggestions. After looking at some tanks on this site I’m really excited about starting the reef building hobby. Thanks!!

 

[DSC reef]

#WelcometoR2R

 

[Fudsey]

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

One suggestion, get 2 heaters and a heater controller. Don't depend on the heater itself to regulate the heat. They fail all the time and usually it's in the on position = cooked fish. 2nd heater is backup for when the first on fails. Get in the habit of checking your temperature at least daily.

 

[Oscaror]

Hello, I’m new to the reef building community. I started scuba diving 14 years ago and love the the underwater reef world. I got certified as a Divemaster and began training others to dive.....and then my wife and I started our own family with two beautiful children. Now my time spent underwater on the reefs is limited. I thought if I can’t be on the reef diving maybe I can bring the reef home!! So I ordered a bio cube 16 gallon tank and will be ordering live rock package from Tampa Bay Salt water. Was looking for suggestions on best way to store salt water, heater to use, pump, etc. Also should I change pump on biocube? Also I know sometimes tinkering with things to much causes more problems. Open to any other suggestions. After looking at some tanks on this site I’m really excited about starting the reef building hobby. Thanks!!

#Welcome to R2R!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[GoVols]

We're happy... that your here, and Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!!

Please find an RO/DI water source for your new Bio 16.

If your looking for mods and upgrades down the line, In Tank Media carries some nice products.

https://intankaquatics.com/shop-by-tank/biocube/coralife-biocube-16/
https://intankaquatics.com/coralife-led-biocube-16-media-basket/

An Auto Water Top Off system is the way to go too.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[mta_morrow]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

We’re glad you are here with us!

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

 

[TKDScuba]

Thanks for the nice welcome!! I appreciate you taking the time on Thanksgiving to offer advice. Sometimes I’m long to reply to messages, but that’s only because Dad duties kick in. Will definitely take advice with heaters something never thought about and I’m sure I’ll mention that hundred times...lol. Any suggestion on temp controller? I’m looking forward to taking advantage of Black Friday deals tonight and tomorrow so I’ll be spending some cash!! Also would 5 gallon buckets be good to store water. I’ll get distilled water from local Wally World (Wal-Mart) to use for top off. I’m assuming I will need a pump and heater for water changes. I’ll have the time to do water changes so I plan on doing about 4 gallons a week unless that’s not recommended. Big ???? Whats recommend and when do I need to configure filter chambers in biocube.... filter floss etc.... once live rock is in place or after before fish. Also protein skimmer came free with tank purchase. I understand biocubes isn’t the best, but was free. When is a good time to start using the skimmer. Happy Turkey Day!!

 

[Fudsey]

I use the Finnex controller and have had good luck with it. Drs Foster & Smith sell it. There are others that use the Inkbird one from BRS. Or if you want to go more automation, you could get a Apex Jr but I know nothing about them as I have not gone that route yet.

You can use distilled water but RO/DI is better. Usually most LFS sell it by the gallon in your containers. You could also get a RO/DI unit and make your own. This is what most will do after lugging buckets or gallons around.

This is another reason for the 2nd heater and any $20-30 pump will work for mixing water. When mixing water it is a good idea to leave the cover off as to keep the O2 level high. This will keep your pH level up.

You will need a decent test kit to test the basics. I recommend RedSea or Salifert, I'd stay away from API. Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia & pH to start. Then if you want to go with some corals you'll need a few more. Calcium, Magnesium, Alkalinity & Phosphates.

You'll need a refractometer to test Salinity. Hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate.

You will also want a small circulation pump for inside the tank as well.

Most of us recommend you read a couple posts about setting up a tank.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cycling-an-aquarium.306554/

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r!!

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!! Agree with others, one of the biggest failures is the heaters as the t-stats on the heaters r cheap and fail all the time. I have 2 finnex 200 watt heaters and have just ordered 2 more for replacements. Regardless of whether they fail or not I will replace them every year. You will want to get into the habit of checking temps as they can, and usually fail on, cooking the tank. Some sort of temp alarm would be my suggestion. The Apex route is probably the best as you can also use it to turn your heaters on and off thus saving the t-stats on the heaters and using them as the back up t-stat and not the primary. The Apex controller is the more expensive route, though BF is the time to buy it if you are going to. Good Luck on the build!!!

 

[TKDScuba]

Overall opinion on best salt to use for starting?

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Hello, I’m new to the reef building community. I started scuba diving 14 years ago and love the the underwater reef world. I got certified as a Divemaster and began training others to dive.....and then my wife and I started our own family with two beautiful children. Now my time spent underwater on the reefs is limited. I thought if I can’t be on the reef diving maybe I can bring the reef home!! So I ordered a bio cube 16 gallon tank and will be ordering live rock package from Tampa Bay Salt water. Was looking for suggestions on best way to store salt water, heater to use, pump, etc. Also should I change pump on biocube? Also I know sometimes tinkering with things to much causes more problems. Open to any other suggestions. After looking at some tanks on this site I’m really excited about starting the reef building hobby. Thanks!!

Welcome

 

[Fudsey]

Overall opinion on best salt to use for starting?

That's a highly debated topic. I use instant ocean reef crystals.

 

[DSC reef]

That's a highly debated topic. I use instant ocean reef crystals.

Agreed. Many options that come down to personal opinion. Long time coral pro user here. IO, red sea, aqua forest, etc, many great choices.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Welcome to R2R! Make sure to start a build thread and post a lot of pictures as well.

 

[VSVP bet]

Welcome to R2R. Great wealth of knowledge on this site. As stated above, start a build thread. Great way to get input and showoff your project.

 

[cracker]

Welcome to R2R !

 

[Captain Quint]

Welcome aboard.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]