2nd hand biocube rebuild.

[Jake_the_reefer]

The bad.....can't remove the media basket with out removing the light bracket

Yeahh I notice that as a future pain in the butt. I didnt use a hacksaw. Surprisingly it was easy enough to cut with a pair of scissors for me. (It was not easy..

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Ammonia has shown up finally. I measured 5ppm if ammonia but still 0 nitrites. I'll be testing every 2 or 3 days to see a change. Time for everyone's least favorite part.. the waiting game.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Since the cycle is happening I dont have really anything to report besides my total that I spent on this build. In total I have hit only about just under 200$ for everything I have (the tank was basically free from a trade I did) I only have an ato to buy now so i think this build will only cost me around 300$

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I also am considering if I want a protein skimmer or not. If I do it will probably be a small air pump powered skimmer instead of needle impeller.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I decided to order my ato today, I went with the Tunze USA 3152.000 Automatic Top off Nano Osmolator becauae I know I can trust it. It should be here in a few days! I made the mistake of not getting on from the get go and while I was sitting on my couch the pump decided to run dry because I neglected topping it off with fresh water.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Odd. The cycle has been going on for about a week now and I notice the ammonia has dropped to 0 nitrite is at 2ppm and nitrate 20ppm. I'm thinking the cycle may already be close to finished. I did add established media and live rock so I am thinking this may be a nice fast cycle!
Note: I'm assuming that the .25 for ammonia is a false reading because it reads .25 in fresh rodi and in both of my established tanks.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Disappointment time. I went to a frag swap today and a vendor had an amazing pair of clowns that I had to have! However I passed up on them because my tank is still cycling. I just got home and tested my parameters to see how the cycle is going... 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and some value of nitrate I didnt bother to read it. The tank finished cycling today and I could have gotten them.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Tank is fully cycled. I currently have a bonded pair of clowns acclimating and I will be adding them in, in a few minutes! The tank is going through its ugly phase so hopefully it will go away soon

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Forgot the picture

 

[reef r madness]

So were they the ones you were wanting from the swap..or different ones

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

So were they the ones you were wanting from the swap..or different ones

They were from my lfs I love supporting my store but these arent them... I wanted orange storms.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

The cinnamon clowns have finally settled in and are very agressive eaters. I was worried at first because the female was limp not moving right against the overflow. I assumed she died. After a few days of feeding she is swimming in open water and acting perfectly fine.
This was just a quick update because not much it happening at the moment with this tank. I plan on getting a clean up crew later this week.
My plans for the cuc are as follows:
5 Astrea snails
1 emerald crab
5 blue or red leg hermit crabs
5 nassarius snails
1 cleaner shrimp (will have to wait to find one I'm not paying 35$ at my lfs hah:
And possibly 1 scooter blenny or lawnmower blenny (this is not set in stone)

Finally to end this update I have come down to two themes for this tank. Mushroom dominant or zoa dominant. I'm going through a phase where I cant decide which of the two I love more haha.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Return pump just blew out so now the tank is constantly filled with micro bubbles. I am currently trying to find a new return for it so I can stop the bubbles. This is a pain in the butt and hopefully I can find a nice one to overnight ship to my place.

 

[reef r madness]

I just had the same problem on my nano cube. I had to add a gallon of water to compensate for the right side pump not filling the tank up quick enough...

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I just had the same problem on my nano cube. I had to add a gallon of water to compensate for the right side pump not filling the tank up quick enough...

It's a pain in the butt haha

 

[reef r madness]

Yup..I'm waiting on my mightyjet to get here..

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Added 5 blue leg hermits and 5 Astrea snails today. Discovered I have a healthy population of pods as well.
My lfs gave me the crabs for free which is amazing and I do plan on adding a larger clean up crew soon.
I am also deciding if I want a carnivorous blenny or an algae eater blenny. What do you guys think I should go for?
I was thinking of adding a pin urchin because my local fish store has some amazing pink and purple ones for $9.99 but I'm not sure if they can be called reef safe. I've heard they nip corals accidentally.

 

[btmedic04]

Go for the algae control blenny (tailspots are my favorite!) A good crew of utility fish makes owning a reef tank super easy

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Go for the algae control blenny (tailspots are my favorite!) A good crew of utility fish makes owning a reef tank super easy

My lfs has bicolor blennies I can get ahold of are they good at algae cleanup?

 

[btmedic04]

My lfs has bicolor blennies I can get ahold of are they good at algae cleanup?

Ive never owned one, but from what Ive read, they seem pretty good at it. Maybe someone who has owned one before can chime in though