2nd hand biocube rebuild.

Jake_the_reefer

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So I am going to be starting my 3rd nano tank which will be done in a 16g biocube. I will be using most of the equipment that came with the tank from the the trade.
The equipment
Light : current usa orbit 24 inch light (needs remote)
Return pump: uniclife 320
Powerhead: current USA eflux 460
Protein skimmer: undecided
Heater: undecided maybe fluval

I will most likely be going bare bottom with this tank as sand has been a horrible pain in the butt.

My stocking:
2 percula clownfish (probably Wyoming white)
1 cleaner shrimp
1 scooter blenny or flametail blenny

I will be doing a mixed reef with plenty of euphilia, zoanthids and I may try to get into sps because of the bare bottom.

I will be starting the actual build probably Wednesday. I'll be doing a fish less cycle using cured live rock and shrimp. The tank has dead coraline algae on the back that I have found impossible to remove so I will let it stay.

Overall I am happy with what I paid for this tank and the equipment (including the biocube 16 stand) I traded this setup for a dime sized sunkist bounce mushroom.

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Jake_the_reefer

Jake_the_reefer

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First update. I am currently trying to get the dead coraline algae and calcium buildup off of the tank. It will soak in vinegar for 24-48 hours and I will see how that goes. I let the wavemaker soak for 3 hours and it came out as good as new. Unfortunately I cant just fill the tank with vinegar to clean it the only method I can do is let we paper towel do the work for me and see if that breaks through the calcium

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Jake_the_reefer

Jake_the_reefer

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Filling the tank with fresh rodi water. I couldnt get all of the calcium off but I got a good portion off. Today I am going equipment and rock shopping hopefully going to start the cycle today as well.

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Jake_the_reefer

Jake_the_reefer

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The bio cube now has a thin layer of sand and some live rock in it. The water is a bit too salty so I am going to have to dilute it. I have my controller set up as well I am going with the simple current usa loop controller. After i get the water to the right temp and salinity I'm going to add a bottle of quick start to get the bacteria started!

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Jake_the_reefer

Jake_the_reefer

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Water is finally starting to clear. Going to work on the aquascape. I have an aquaknight light coming in the mail for tomorrow. Beneficial bacteria supplement has been added into the water along with some live rock from my lfs.
I am thinking I will do a pure ammonia cycle to speed up the process and get going with live stock. I would like a clownfish pair and a blenny of sorts.
I also need an ato and I will probably have all of the equipment I need. I am thinking of getting a tunze ato. I have one on my 10g reef and I have been happy with it

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Jake_the_reefer

Jake_the_reefer

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The water has cleared and I am now playing with scapes. I'm not 100% sold on this scape it does have nice levels for different types of growth but I am going to see what else I can come up with. I am going to test for ammonia and nitrites starting today and track my cycle and hopefully have some livestock in a month.

Landlords are doing their 45 day walkthrough today as well. Place just got new management, the old landlord and I had a verbal agreement my aquariums wont count toward the no pet policym hopefully the new land lord have the same views...

Edit. Light is out for delivery, will make a post about that when it shows up!

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Jake_the_reefer

Jake_the_reefer

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Got my light in the mail.... it did not fit at all I am kind of worried. I had to file down the rim to allow it to fit on there. The light does apply torque on the rim, should I be worried? The rim flexes ever so slightly but I notice it. There isnt any flex on the glass so I am going to wait for input.

Anyway the light is beautiful and I am excited to get coral under it. To reinforce the rim I am adding a layer of silicone to hopefully prevent more flex.

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Jake_the_reefer

Jake_the_reefer

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I don’t believe that’s an issue really.

As long as it’s not hitting the glass or moving the glass it’s ok
Yeah it's just the actual rim of the tank. There is no torque on the actual glass from what I can tell. If there is torque then it is less than what it would be if the light was connected directly to the glass of a rimless tank. I was just getting a second opinion! Dont be afraid to follow along on this build as well ;P (shameless build promotion)
 

reef r madness

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I took a hacksaw to mine to get the ai prime bracket to sit flush on the glass...First I set the bracket where I wanted it and marked it on each side..Then I cut the inside ...Then the outside part ..the the top part....Being careful not to cut or scratch the glass

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A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

  • I currently have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 64 36.8%
  • Not currently, but I have had feather dusters in my tank in the past.

    Votes: 59 33.9%
  • I have not had feather dusters, but I hope to in the future.

    Votes: 25 14.4%
  • I have no plans to have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 26 14.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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