Morangus Biocube 29 build

[inetjnky]

This is my first tank!

Equipment:

- Biocube 29 with stock lighting.
- InTank media basket and fuge basket
- stock return pump but modified the return line to ditch the 90 degree elbow
- tune osmolator nano for ATO. Haven't figured out what I'm going to use yet for an ATO container.
- MP10WQD
- Eheim 100w heater
- chemipure for after cycle
- pyrogens for after cycle
- filter floss
- API test kit to get me started
- BRS 6 stage 150g RO/DI unit for making saltwater
- instant ocean reef crystals salt mix.
- 20lbs pink Fiji sand
- Aquamaxx Dry Reef Rock

I was originally purchasing equipment for a 120 gallon tank that I have here but I decided to start off smaller to get my feet wet so to speak. The only thing I'd like to get yet is an Apex and an Aquamaxx HOB-1 but that can come later after I cycle.

I'm leaving for the beach in two weeks so I'm not putting water in until after we return but started on the aquascape tonight... Here's what I've come up with.

And the back...

 

[Bones]

Welcome to the BC club and the beginning of an addiction...lol...Looks like your off to a good start. What are your stocking plans? Do you plan on upgrading the lighting or return pump? I have a BC29 as well and the same ATO. Depending on how many gallons you want your ATO container to be plastic dog/cat food containers work great and the price is even better. Tagging along.

 

[inetjnky]

Thanks! Haven't figured out my stocking plans yet to be honest. Plan to go slow and learn along the way. My daughter wants a pair of clowns ... I want to start with some inverts and coral.., I really dig the hammers and frogspawn to start. For the fuge I'm planning on just running cheato. Not sure if I'll have a need for Copepoda yet though. Anyone put a long spiny urchin in their BC29? They remind me of when I SCUBA in Hawaii and I'd love to have one, just not sure they'd be friendly to the coral.

At some point during my house remodel I want to put in a 300 gallon peninsula that will split the family room and master bedroom... My dream tank! But back to this tank! Lol

I've been tossing around with the lighting to be honest. I have two Taotronics LED units I bought for my 120 gallon so I'm going to start with the stock lighting and see how it performs. If I'm not happy I'll remove the hood and go rimless and just hang a LED unit over it. I'm hoping I don't have to upgrade the return pump. I wasn't sure which one to get if I did upgrade anyway. I'll worry about it at that time I guess.

Thanks for the tip on the container. I may just look into a 5 gallon bucked from Home Depot for now with a lid. That's cheap enough too.

 

[RareEarthCorals]

Great start, love my 29Bio just starting to get into the sweet spot, on my fourth month. Stay away from an urchin they are not coral friendly for such a small tank.

Steve's hood mounted LEDs have had great reviews. You can google the info on him. You get to keep the stock hood and can manage almost any SPS out there.

If you go tankless the AI Prime or Kessil 160we is just about perfect. Right now the stock lighting is doing great so no plans to change just yet.

ATO Tunze is the best for the price you can route it to one gallon water jug in the bottom part of your cabinet. It is more than enough for a week or so of refills.

Return Pump Rio 1400 is a great pump but not need. I have it saved to my favorites.

Finally for a wave/circulation Jebao RW4 is a great wavemaker Im very happy with it.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out. I have research just about everything, at nauseum, for my cube. It may help. All the best!!!

 

[inetjnky]

Too much rock? Tryouts big to leave enough space to get a small mag float on the glass on the sides ... Just worried this much rock will hinder flow from the MP10 and / or when oral grows in then won't have much room for fish to swim. Thoughts?

 

[inetjnky]

Freaking autocorrect... Should have said trying to leave enough space to get a small mag float on the glass on the sides...

 

[RareEarthCorals]

Thats what I did, leave enough room to get the mag float around the glass. The only regret is not enough sand space for frags or for the substrate dwellers.

 

[inetjnky]

Hrmm may take the piece out in front.., was just thinking of having an island to contain something

 

[RareEarthCorals]

A bit of Inspiration...

 

[inetjnky]

Looks really good REC! I've been thinking a lot today and I think I'm going to redo my scape. I want a little more sand room and room for the fish to swim about. I'm going to to around with the rock work a bit. I still have 3 boxes of unopened rock yet so I'm going to open them all and see what all I have and see about breaking a few larger pieces into smaller ones to accomplish what I'm after.

 

[inetjnky]

I don't currently have a stand for my BC.., was wondering if I might get away with putting it on something like this? I'm thinking no because it's pine wood...

 

[RareEarthCorals]

Shouldnt be an issue the tank doesnt sweat so unless your really worried about water stains it looks like it should hold it up just fine. The stand that comes with it is particle board and handles the weight just fine. The tank with everything in it should be less than 300-350lbs.

8lb a gallon x 20 gal=160
40lb tank
30-40lbs rock
30-40 sand
50-75lbs other (pumps, skimmer, corals, etc)

 

[inetjnky]

I located a better stand that I feel more comfortable with although it doesn't sit up as high... It's good when you are sitting on the couch and plenty of space underneath with doors to hide stuff...

 

[RareEarthCorals]

Looks great, liking the rock work as you gave yourself plenty of floor space to work with. I am planning to
follow along to see how you develop. All the best!!

 

[RareEarthCorals]

Dont forget to do a leak test before you spend the money on salt and such. I poured in RO water and let it sit for a few days, checked all the seals and then added in salt. Followed by rock and then sand to secure the foundation of the rock.

 

[inetjnky]

Thanks! I'm actually going to leak test with RO and then drain. I want to mix my water with salt before I put it in the tank... Just something I want to do first. Want to figure out my measuring for the salinity based on my mixing setup.

 

[tureefik87]

Look forward to the progression of this cube. I like the rock work.

I have been wanting a cube really bad. I've watched a lot of YouTube videos on the mods that were made to these cubes. Would suggest to watch a couple to get some ideas.

The equipment that you have for this tank is a great selection.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Nice build so far!

 

[inetjnky]

Thanks! I picked up a raw shrimp at the grocery store last night. Asked for one shrimp. The lady gave me a weird puzzled look. *laugh*.

 

[inetjnky]

I've been watching a ton of YouTube videos on the BC29s... Although part of me wishes I'd have gone within IM40 at times.