Upgrade.

Indo Nano · Feb 21, 2017

A few months ago I setup a 29G biocube. I was out of the hobby, but I figured why not? I got the tank for free and I was able to actually relax and enjoy it. Until.... the biocube decided to start leaking on me. I tried everything but I knew I had to quickly setup a new tank. Luckily I acquired a new tank and came with a sump at a very reasonable price! Here was what I was working with.

The new tank is a custom build and so I had to build a custom stand... and if there is a will there is a way.

Not bad for a first build lol. Besides showing off this build that I'm very proud of this tank lacks a few things... But enough of me, here is what I came up with so far.

This being my second build, I really need some advise. I have a lot of questions and I'm sure you guys can provide them.

1. Algae scrubber vs Chaeto?

2. ATO system... is one really required?

3. Other than kalkwasser and Fuel what else should I dose to promote coral growth?

4. Add more sand or none at all?

5. I've read great things about carbon reactors, are they worth it?

6. Lastly, would it be better if I were to hard plumb this tank and why?

I appreciate all the help, any feedback I will take. Happy reefing!

bobman · Feb 21, 2017

1. Judging by the amount of room in the sump I would go algae scrubber.
2. No an ato is not required as long as you check it and fill it yourself. Even with a ATO you still need to refill the ATO so I dont use one as I have seen to many fail. But they are handy.
3. At this point you dont need Kalk. Check your calcium and alk and mag to keep those in check. With the bioload in the tank you should have plenty of food for your corals. Kalk is good to keep cal and alk in check but not needed if you dont have a problem keeping your levels in check.
4. Up to you
5. No they are not worth it. Carbon should not be tumbled in a reactor as it will grind down releasing particles into the water column. Also you dont really need to run carbon 24/7 just to polish the water. I drop a bag of carbon in a baffle in the sump. Relatively low flow but also get 100% of the water going through the sump.
6. What you have looks good if your happy with it then let it rip. Other than that its really up to you. Pros and cons on either way you go. Only thing I would have done differently is I would have used black tubing. The light in the sump/algae scrubber can cause algae to grow in the tubing.

Indo Nano · Feb 22, 2017

bobman said:
1. Judging by the amount of room in the sump I would go algae scrubber.
2. No an ato is not required as long as you check it and fill it yourself. Even with a ATO you still need to refill the ATO so I dont use one as I have seen to many fail. But they are handy.
3. At this point you dont need Kalk. Check your calcium and alk and mag to keep those in check. With the bioload in the tank you should have plenty of food for your corals. Kalk is good to keep cal and alk in check but not needed if you dont have a problem keeping your levels in check.
4. Up to you
5. No they are not worth it. Carbon should not be tumbled in a reactor as it will grind down releasing particles into the water column. Also you dont really need to run carbon 24/7 just to polish the water. I drop a bag of carbon in a baffle in the sump. Relatively low flow but also get 100% of the water going through the sump.
6. What you have looks good if your happy with it then let it rip. Other than that its really up to you. Pros and cons on either way you go. Only thing I would have done differently is I would have used black tubing. The light in the sump/algae scrubber can cause algae to grow in the tubing.

Thanks Bob for taking the time to answer all my questions! I'll definitely will take and use your advice. Black tubing is next on the to do list.