MODS for a JBJ nanocube 6 gal

MartyF · Jul 27, 2015

I recently purchased a JBJ 6 gal nanocube. I was wondering what MODS adjustments have been made or recommended. There is a false back wall with a 3 compartment area that comes stock with chamber 1: intake with filter sponge, chamber 2: bag of bio balls in mesh bag on bottom with a bag of activated carbon on top, chamber 3: powerhead. I already added a great 50w Cobalt neo therm heater that fits in the 3rd chamber. I have 7lbs of cured live rock and about 2" sand bed. I have heard some negative things about sponges and bio balls on many forums, should I remove? The tank has been running for about 3 weeks with 0 ammon, 0 nitrite and under 5parts nitrate. Just had brown algae bloom which I heard is typical (CUC crew is doing a nice of job of cleaning it up)and I do about 2 gal water change every week.

saltyphish · Jul 27, 2015

Definitely get rid of the bio balls. Intank makes a media basket for that tank that helps direct flow through a filter media of your choice.

MartyF · Jul 27, 2015

saltyphish said:
Definitely get rid of the bio balls. Intank makes a media basket for that tank that helps direct flow through a filter media of your choice.

Thanks. Out of curiosity, what are the negatives of the bio balls? Any recommendations on filter media for media basket? Also, could I use one of the chambers as sort of a refuge and add some macro algae or would that not work since there is no lighting in that chamber?