Upgrade biocube 32 to external filter.

[Greatdane]

Is it worth the effort to upgrade biocube 32 to external filter and if so, any recommendations. We consider going with larger tank in the future so might try to over size the equipment. Thanks in advance.

 

[Greatdane]

I consider the biocube 32 as my bankruptcy starter kit.

 

[Greatdane]

I have heard of fluval and one other that I can’t remember

 

[Biokabe]

What do you mean by an "external filter"? As in, a canister filter?

Canisters can work with saltwater, but they're not really well-suited for it. Better would be to add in either a sump underneath the tank or some kind of HOB skimmer or refugium, but either would require you to make some major modifications to your setup, such as ditching the hood.

 

[Greatdane]

What do you mean by an "external filter"? As in, a canister filter?

Canisters can work with saltwater, but they're not really well-suited for it. Better would be to add in either a sump underneath the tank or some kind of HOB skimmer or refugium, but either would require you to make some major modifications to your setup, such as ditching the hood.

Thanks, so a Separate sump is the better approach? We have a suitable location for a 25-40 gallon sump. We just started 4 months ago so not sure if we even have the right questions. Trying to improve the filtration and after market skimmer. Any improvements to the biocube are considering upgrading to larger tank in the future.

 

[MERKEY]

I added a fluval 307 and a hydor nano skimmer to mine in the first chamber, filled the second chamber with cheato.

Works well for me. Dont think of the canister filter as a filter but more of an area to house more biological media or if you need it a chemipure or other carbon sock.

I just filled mine with all bio rings (of your favorite choice) and remember to rinse weekly (or monthly depend im ng on your tank) so nitrates dont build up. Use to water if you can. And NO rinsing in fresh RO water wont kill the bacteria. Brandon429 has many threads on that here on this site

Look at updating light as well...that's when I noticed the biggest change to my biocube 32...when I added proper lighting!

 

[Greatdane]

I added a fluval 307 and a hydor nano skimmer to mine in the first chamber, filled the second chamber with cheato.

Works well for me. Dont think of the canister filter as a filter but more of an area to house more biological media or if you need it a chemipure or other carbon sock.

I just filled mine with all bio rings (of your favorite choice) and remember to rinse weekly (or monthly depend im ng on your tank) so nitrates dont build up. Use to water if you can. And NO rinsing in fresh RO water wont kill the bacteria. Brandon429 has many threads on that here on this site

Look at updating light as well...that's when I noticed the biggest change to my biocube 32...when I added proper lighting!

Thank you for the feedback. Will check Brandon429 for more information

 

[Greatdane]

I added a fluval 307 and a hydor nano skimmer to mine in the first chamber, filled the second chamber with cheato.

Works well for me. Dont think of the canister filter as a filter but more of an area to house more biological media or if you need it a chemipure or other carbon sock.

I just filled mine with all bio rings (of your favorite choice) and remember to rinse weekly (or monthly depend im ng on your tank) so nitrates dont build up. Use to water if you can. And NO rinsing in fresh RO water wont kill the bacteria. Brandon429 has many threads on that here on this site

Look at updating light as well...that's when I noticed the biggest change to my biocube 32...when I added proper lighting!

In need of improvement it’s a good tank but we listened to your advice and got the 407fluval and the hydro skimmer hope it works as well as yours. We got the 407 because in the future we are planning on getting a bigger tank and we will use for the biocube until we get that

 

[MERKEY]

In need of improvement it’s a good tank but we listened to your advice and got the 407fluval and the hydro skimmer hope it works as well as yours. We got the 407 because in the future we are planning on getting a bigger tank and we will use for the biocube until we get that

I think you will be happy with the 407. The only thing I would watch for is when the canister is turned on it bubbles a bit so be careful it doesnt splash over the back.