Biocube 16 tank build

[Reefing_addiction]

Ok so here it goes.

I had a, rather my father, 175 gal tank when I was younger and I always wanted one. Now I have a mini me! It started it in May. Here are some pics

I dont have the hermits any more. They are one of my fish. I got rid of them and replaced my fish.

I also don’t have the anemone, as I realized wrong type and I’m not ready yet!

I have two clowns, one black and one designer(?), and a little mandarin goby. I also bought two cleaner shrimp for my entertainment.

I have an ATO system. I also added an inkbird dual heat/cooling (which consist of a fan and a heater) control unit. I have the stock return pump. Stock lighting.

I have added a few corals and will get picks up when I can.

I have had an issue with diatoms but from what I read this may just be a new tank issue

I’m trying to figure out if I want to and how to add a refugium to back of tank but think for now I’ll just add my Chaeto to my main tank so Mr. Gobsters has a abundant food supply (and yes I seeded my tank for the little guy)

 

[SPR1968]

Looks good so far, and keep the pictures coming!

 

[Reefing_addiction]

My fish finally came out of there clown shells and they greet me every time they see me. They realize i am the one who brings food. I redid my rock scape.
Any opinions?
I’m going to shove the Chaeto underneath that rock in the front corner.

I recently purchased those three corals. I’m not sure where to stick them yet.

 

[jk_s124]

Nice cube fellow biocuber! Are you plannng a reef tank or fish only?

 

[Reefing_addiction]

@jk_s124 I want a reef tank! I’m planning on getting a bubble tip for my clownies. I’m going to take my time with the corals I wanna do it right!

 

[Reefing_addiction]

So I think I’m finally happy with my landscaping !

I added an arch in the

center and the fish including my Ever elusive mandarin goby seems to like it.

 

[jk_s124]

Looks great! More space for corals! It also really ties your aquascape together.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Looks great! More space for corals! It also really ties your aquascape together.

I wanna cover that front rock in zoas

 

[jk_s124]

That would make an excellent zoa spot!

 

[BlazinNano]

Looking good. I use the same Inkbird controller on my 12 gallon with the heater and fan. Cant wait to see it fill in.

 

[jk_s124]

Also look into pod hotels and a baby brine shrimp feeder for your mandarin. Paul b has a really good babybrine shrimp feeder that looks pretty easy to make.

Auto brine shrimp hatchery and feeder

Lets see a tutorial for the r2r DIY forum

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Reefing_addiction]

UPDATE
Got a little Rbta yesterday! BF got him for me for my birthday!
Where I stuck him

Where he was this morning x is where he started and after talking to my BF a few moments ago mr nem seems to have walked towards the back of the rocks!

 

[Reefing_addiction]

So my nem has moved to a dark secluded spot but he anchored himself upside down. My chaeto ball was in the same corner. It was also full of snail poop ( as my snails were liking sleeping there). I took out my chaeto and stuck it in a bit of fresh salt water to shake it out. And to my surprise I had TONS of pods! So I let the poop settle and pourd the bit of salt water into my tank. Happy to know my mandarin dragonet has plenty of food!

Miss. Dragonet

Mr. Nemster

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Ok so I found another LFS that is a little farther away but the people there seem a bit more knowledgeable and well they are definitely nicer!

The picture below is what they say my water tested at. After talking with the guy who did the test he said if you fish and corals are happy then don’t stress. They like stability and if they are happy don’t go making drastic changes just to hit numbers

I am slightly concerned about my nitrates though and think tomorrow I’ll do a 10-15 % water change.

My Salinity has been between 1.022 - 1.023

Any opinions?

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Updated pics

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Ok so my nem had hid himself at the back of the tank. I gave him a few days there than flipped the rock around so he was facing the front more so I could keep an eye on him. That’s when my clowns decided they liked him. Well let’s be honest I bought him so I could see him and my clowns could enjoy him. So I decided I could flip the rock and face him up. And it’s been a few days. He hasn’t move and his tips got their bubbles back but now my clowns don’t seem interested. Maybe they think he is a new one. I’m sure they will come around. I watch my female pick on little dude and he does his side ways spasms.
Where we are now

Where we were

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Oh I ordered this today
So from 185 to 251

 

[Reefing_addiction]

So I hung a black mesh bag in the back of my dt and placed a ball of chaeto in it. The last time I added pods I dumped them into this. My hope being they will use it to breed and live. I randomly shake it to knock some out so my little Miss Dragonet can eat to her hearts content. I also notice my clowns munch on them.

If my front glass is any sort of sign I think my idea is working. From a viewing distance the black mesh back is not that noticeable

Maybe you can see all the little specs?

I noticed in these pictures my Zoa looks almost photoshopped in!

 

[jk_s124]

Clever idea with the the chaeto mesh bag pod breeder/feeder! Love the Rasta zoas! Love all zoas but since I have Rasta zoas my self I’m a bit biased.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Clever idea with the the chaeto mesh bag pod breeder/feeder! Love the Rasta zoas! Love all zoas but since I have Rasta zoas my self I’m a bit biased.

Your awesome by the way! Love the fact you actual check my thread when I post!

I’m in love with zoas now. I love how the colors pop! I can’t wait till they take over that rock! Sometime I hate the hurry up and wait!

But seriously thanks for your feed back. It’s almost like I have someone to talk to about this. No one likes talking shop with me when shop is my fish tank!