Question on Biocube16 Filtration Media

[kolokele]

When I started my Biocube 16 in Jan 2021, I used all the compartments with bioballs, carbon, etc. But after a disastrous power outage last year, since I had to move thigs about, I decided to remove the chambers and bioballs. Instead, I have been putting carbon and purigen sometimes as well as a poly filter in the chambers. I had read a long time ago, that bio balls should not be needed in a nano reef. What is the current thinking around filtration media in a reef tank?

My setup is fairly simple - do not have protein skimmers or carbon scrubbers. I am just using the tank as is, with an upgraded Steve's Leds light setup. And an air stone. Someone told me I might need more flow but there is not a ton of room in biocubes - I'm using the powerhead that comes with it and the air stone for added oxygen. I often put the airstone in the filter area - not sure if it matters if it is in the main tank or the filter. This is a pic of my nano biocube 16. I have posted other struggles but right now, the readings are pretty consistent. Salinity 35, pH 7.9-8.1, Alk, 9, MG 1450, CA 440, phosphates .1 or less, Nitrates 5-10 (I have to dose to keep this higher than 0).

Inhabitants are mostly soft coral, invertebrates, and one clownfish. Going to add a Blenny or someone else soon. Thanks for the advice. I would love to know what others are doing with similar tank setups. Feel free to share pics too

 

[Spare time]

All you really need is quality carbon and possibly a phosphate remover.

 

[Katrina71]

I prefer chemipure blue (nano for that size tank)

 

[Katrina71]

Can you get a pic from the front?

 

[kevgib67]

I have a Biocube 32g that has been set up for over two years. I based the filtration on the YouTube video “ Coralife BioCube basics: Simple Filter Modification.” Your parameters look great. If in the future your going to add some lps I would look at Hygger 1600 wave maker. Perfect for your size tank and affordable. Here’s a picture of my recently acquired tail spot blenny, huge personality in a small fish. Just ask @Katrina71 !

 

[kolokele]

I have a Biocube 32g that has been set up for over two years. I based the filtration on the YouTube video “ Coralife BioCube basics: Simple Filter Modification.” Your parameters look great. If in the future your going to add some lps I would look at Hygger 1600 wave maker. Perfect for your size tank and affordable. Here’s a picture of my recently acquired tail spot blenny, huge personality in a small fish. Just ask @Katrina71 !

That looks amazing!

 

[kolokele]

Can you get a pic from the front?

I will post in a moment...

 

[Katrina71]

If you go to the InTank site, you can search products already tried and true for your specific biocube.

 

[Katrina71]

I will post in a moment...

Just wanna see what you are doing for flow. You can also get a random flow generator for that tank at Bulk Reef Supply.

 

[kevgib67]

That looks amazing!

Thank you.

 

[kolokele]

Just wanna see what you are doing for flow. You can also get a random flow generator for that tank at Bulk Reef Supply.

Ok, I am having trouble uploading. In another person, someone told me it looked too flat at the top of the water so I tried to angle the flow up a bit and then the extra airstone.

 

[Katrina71]

Ok, I am having trouble uploading. In another person, someone told me it looked too flat at the top of the water so I tried to angle the flow up a bit and then the extra airstone.

Are you only using the outlet on the back wall? Where the water comes from your filter?

 

[Katrina71]

Hydor Koralia Nano 240 Circulation Powerhead - 240 GPH

he Koralia Nano 240 gph is one of Hydor's new and innovative circulation pumps for small reef aquariums

intankaquatics.com

Try placing one of these (or similar) on the left side glass about 1/3 way down from the top. You shouldn't need an air stone. It will give you enough flow to overturn your surface to oxygenate your tank.

 

[kolokele]

Are you only using the outlet on the back wall? Where the water comes from your filter?

Yes that is all I am using at the moment.

 

[Katrina71]

Yes that is all I am using at the moment.

You definitely need more flow.

 

[kolokele]

Hydor Koralia Nano 240 Circulation Powerhead - 240 GPH

he Koralia Nano 240 gph is one of Hydor's new and innovative circulation pumps for small reef aquariums

intankaquatics.com

Try placing one of these (or similar) on the left side glass about 1/3 way down from the top. You shouldn't need an air stone. It will give you enough flow to overturn your surface to oxygenate your tank.

Ok will check that out! Will this help my coral health?

 

[Katrina71]

Ok will check that out! Will this help my coral health?

Very much. Also posting your water test results will help. Your fish store can test your water if you don't have a test kit yet.