Biocube 32 Build

firedad74 · Aug 15, 2023

Been out of reefing for 15 years or so and decided to give it a go again now the kids are gone-ish. Always wanted to try a Nano size tank so I went with a BioCube 32g set up. Picked up some "live" LifeRock from the LFS and cycle has been done for several weeks. My plan is low livestock (2-3 fish) and mostly inverts and corals. Here's the aquascape I was able to create. Lots of holes and crevices and multiple ledge areas for corals with a nice upper section for higher light requirement corals.

c4haskett · Aug 15, 2023

I think the scape looks awesome! I've always gravitated towards a more habitat based rock structure rather than any of the others. You've still got plenty of room for corals as well. I think it will fill in quite nicely. Enjoy!

themcnertney · Aug 15, 2023

Following.

Same setup and about same time start time for my BioCube. Ill be sharing some ideas and questions for you along the way.

Nice start.

firedad74 · Aug 22, 2023

Added a CuC 3 days ago. As soon as the hermits hit the sand they went after the cerith snails and killed 6 out of 9. They didn't take their shells though. Also, almost all the nassarius snails died overnight also. Unknown if the hermits got them or not. The rest of the snails are fine. Water parameters were within normal limits before adding them(Saturday) but today(Tuesday) I have a spike in ammonia and nitrite. Is it possible the dead snails could cause a large jump? Doing a 30% water change. Last water change was a 10% on Thursday.

kevgib67 · Aug 22, 2023

Following, I have a 32g Biocube exactly 22 months tomorrow.

7of9 · Aug 22, 2023

I have a biocube 32 as well! I just added rock last weekend. Following along!

I’m going for a CUC of just snails and shrimp for this reason. Crabs can be murder hobos.

kevgib67 · Aug 22, 2023

7of9 said:
I have a biocube 32 as well! I just added rock last weekend. Following along!

I’m going for a CUC of just snails and shrimp for this reason. Crabs can be murder hobos.

Dwarf red and blue legged hermits are fine. I have many with no problems. I look forward to following your build!

firedad74 · Aug 22, 2023

I’ve never had hermit go murderous like these guys did. I’m leaning more toward pinning the nassarius killings on them as well. All the shells are lying upside down in the sand.

Either way, 30% water change was done and I’ll recheck levels in the morning. Also added new filter floss. I’m thinking of adding a refugium in the back also.

7of9 · Aug 22, 2023

firedad74 said:
I’ve never had hermit go murderous like these guys did. I’m leaning more toward pinning the nassarius killings on them as well. All the shells are lying upside down in the sand.

Either way, 30% water change was done and I’ll recheck levels in the morning. Also added new filter floss. I’m thinking of adding a refugium in the back also.

I go back and forth between a refugium or protein skimmer for my back. I figure I have some time to think it over before I’ll need more nutrient export.

Gumbies R Us · Aug 23, 2023

Following along!

firedad74 · Aug 23, 2023

Levels were much closer to normal this morning with ammonia and nitrite almost back to 0 and Nitrates are up.

On a side note I have what I’m determining to be Nerite snail eggs* on my back wall.
*Not 100% certain so I also posted in the Critter ID forum

lubeck · Aug 24, 2023

Yea, Those are nerite eggs.

Welcome to the Biocube club! I did a fuge in the middle chamber with no skimmer. made a few other changes if you want to check out my build thread.

great tank to get back into the hobby

welcome back

firedad74 · Aug 25, 2023

lubeck said:
Yea, Those are nerite eggs.

Welcome to the Biocube club! I did a fuge in the middle chamber with no skimmer. made a few other changes if you want to check out my build thread.

great tank to get back into the hobby

welcome back

Your build is awesome! Way more involved than I can be at this point. I love the idea of all the automation. I've considered upgrading the lights but I'm likely going to stick mostly to softies and LPS's and think the stock light will be sufficient for now.