Rookie with 14G Biocube

[Aliu]

Hi everyone,

It's been 2 months since I've posted anything on R2R. But, I've been slowly researching and taking the time to learn about this fascinating hobby. As of this morning, I've finally gotten my aquarium, live sand, live rock, hydrometer, master test kit, heater, thermometer, etc.

A lot of people were telling me to go for a bigger tank because it is a lot more forgiving with water parameters. But, my apartment is quite small, so I went for the 14G biocube.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I will post pictures tonight!!

Cheer.

Alex

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R!!! My best advice is research, take your time, ask a lot of questions and most important have fun. Best of luck with the new tank!

 

[Shep]

Welcome to the community!

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Aliu]

So I put the live rock and live sand into the tank and filled it up already. Today is the 2nd day and I'm so excited to share these pictures with you guys. One pic is the tank with the rocks and sand but without the water. The second one is the tank filled with water and the cloudiness already cleared.

I also tested the tank. Water parameters are:
SG: 1.024
Temp: 78.5F
PH: 8.0
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0.25ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm

My question now is, how often do I need to test the waters? I heard from some people that you can test once a week. But I also heard from some people that new tanks need to be tested daily. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Dtackett]

biggest suggestion.. throw that hydrometer in the trash and get a refractometer.

welcome. a 14 gallon isn't difficult but I do suggest buying an auto top off. jbj makes a good one and I like the hydor smart level ato.

 

[steelheader.262]

Welcome!!!

 

[luxauterna]

I agree with getting rid of the hydrometer and getting a refractometer if you have the money. As for testing during the initial cycling phase, I recommend testing usually twice a week, just to see how the nitrogen cycle is progressing. If you are planning on just using live rock and sand as your catalyst for the cycle, then it will be much more gradual IMO. Also there is a ton of information on this forum including cycling and anything else your mind may wonder. Just search it Here is a great write up on the entire set up of a new tank including the cycle: http://www.reefedition.com/291/

Hope it helps! Best of luck and welcome to R2R!

 

[Aliu]

biggest suggestion.. throw that hydrometer in the trash and get a refractometer.

welcome. a 14 gallon isn't difficult but I do suggest buying an auto top off. jbj makes a good one and I like the hydor smart level ato.

Thanks Dtackett. A lot of people suggested the refractometer over the hydrometer. I just bought one on Amazon and it'll be here by tomorrow.

I agree with getting rid of the hydrometer and getting a refractometer if you have the money. As for testing during the initial cycling phase, I recommend testing usually twice a week, just to see how the nitrogen cycle is progressing. If you are planning on just using live rock and sand as your catalyst for the cycle, then it will be much more gradual IMO. Also there is a ton of information on this forum including cycling and anything else your mind may wonder. Just search it Here is a great write up on the entire set up of a new tank including the cycle: http://www.reefedition.com/291/

Hope it helps! Best of luck and welcome to R2R!

Thanks very much for the info on cycling! I've been reading a lot and already dreamt twice about algae and fish.

 

[Dtackett]

Thanks Dtackett. A lot of people suggested the refractometer over the hydrometer. I just bought one on Amazon and it'll be here by tomorrow.

Thanks very much for the info on cycling! I've been reading a lot and already dreamt twice about algae and fish.

wow someone actually took advice....

you have a bright future in this hobby if youre open to advice. just remember, even the oldest guys in the hobby don't know everything. when you have a question don't be afraid to ask.

 

[SifuMemphis]

biggest suggestion.. throw that hydrometer in the trash and get a refractometer.

welcome. a 14 gallon isn't difficult but I do suggest buying an auto top off. jbj makes a good one and I like the hydor smart level ato.

ATO is one of the most important thing to get in my opinion.

 

[Mike628]

@Aliu welcome to the hobby. Your gonna love the algae scraping on that 14 gallon Biocube lol. I have the 29 gallon and I was scraping every other day until I learned how to run my lights.

 

[kireek]

*Welcome to Reef2Reef @Aliu !* My second saltwater aquarium was a cube similar to yours.I remember It fondly and wish that I took more photos before I upgraded.The main issue I had with these tanks was overheating in the summer.Those enclosed hoods capture a lot of heat.A easy cheap fix I found was a frozen water bottle added to the one of the back compartments.

 

[p.pep85]

welcome. this is a great site! good luck

 

[Jmcdaniel0]

Hey welcome to reef2reef. Im glad to see another 14g biocube owner. I love mine. If you have any questions just ask! Getting a refractometer is a great tning...