29g Biocube

[motorcity]

Does anyone get that splashing noise from water running into the middle chamber on their biocube? Is that normal, is there anything I can do to eliminate it?
Also, the stock pump was so quiet that you couldnt even tell when it was running. I replaced it with a RIO 6hf and that one makes some noise, not too loud but is there a way to quiet it down?

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by MotorCity
Does anyone get that splashing noise from water running into the middle chamber on their biocube? Is that normal, is there anything I can do to eliminate it?
Also, the stock pump was so quiet that you couldnt even tell when it was running. I replaced it with a RIO 6hf and that one makes some noise, not too loud but is there a way to quiet it down?
Originally I had the bio balls in the middle chamber of my cube and there was virtually no noise at all. Then I replaced them with LR and it has a waterfall sound to it. But its not super noisy you need to be next to the tank to hear it. I also upgraded my stock pump to a Rio 1100 but unlike you sorry to say I get no noise from it at all. Is it vibrating inside the chamber making the noise if so maybe you can put something between it and what ever its up against to stop the vibration.

 

[motorcity]

PerfectDark, thanks for the tips. I removed the filter cartidge from the 1st chamber which in turn brought the water level up higher in the 2nd chamber. This resulted in less waterfall noise. I dont want to leave that filter out permenant so I am thinking along the same lines as what you did, fill the second chamber up with live rock or something to help bring the wtaer level higher in that chamber - i'll give it a try. I might also consider creating a wider opening between the first and second chambers to increase the water flow to the second chamber.
As far as the pump goes, the noise is comming from the pump, not a result of it vibrating on the plastic or anything. Maybe I will try another pump (like the one you suggested) or switch back to the stock one.

 

[perfectdark]

Good deal, I acutally cut the slot from the first to the second chamber too. And I used filter floss on top of the LR to catch most of the solid particulates that the tank sucked in. That helped keep the waterfall noise down too.

 

[motorcity]

I should probably add that I am really happy with this tank. The things I am talking about in this thread are very minor and would probably not even bother most people (most people probably wouldnt even notice). I am just being very picky and trying to get the best performance combined with the quietest operation possible. Guess I'm a little geeky like that

If I were not able to make this noise go away, I would still be very happy with this tank. I would absolutley buy this tank again.

 

[sazarac]

Hi all, I hope someone can help.
I got my BC 29 about 4 months ago.
I'm very happy with it. I only had 2 real complaints, having the remove the lid to clean (no biggie) and the NOISY exhaust fans
I've replaced the fans and they are nearly silent now. However, the stock pump starter getting pretty noisy. So I replaced it with an Eheim Compact 1000. It was blessedly quiet the first day. But by that morning it was as noisy, now even noisier then the old one. I've read up on all sorts of ways to quiet a noisy pump, from changing the hose to some that is more flexible to putting a neoprene mousepad or filter media under it. However, I don't think it is a vibration problem. It's just a noisy pump. And yes, I've kept the original pump clean and it had no debris in the impeller. Everything with the exception of the new pump and fans is stock. My sandbed is 1 1/2 to 2 inches aragonite. I also do regular water changes even without fish in it. (liverock, 3 snails and many 'pods)
As the aquarium is in the bedroom, and I'm an extremely light sleeper, I'm looking at either the Hydor L25 which will fit were the stock pump was or the Eheim 1250, which at 7 inches, won't. So my question is two-fold. Can I mount the 1250 vertical, as opposed to horizontal? And has anyone had any experience with either of these pumps? Both have nearly identical ratings, and the price difference doesn't matter.
I just want peace and quite. And some SLEEP! (sigh)
Sazarac the sleepless...

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by sazarac
Hi all, I hope someone can help.
I got my BC 29 about 4 months ago.
I'm very happy with it. I only had 2 real complaints, having the remove the lid to clean (no biggie) and the NOISY exhaust fans
I've replaced the fans and they are nearly silent now. However, the stock pump starter getting pretty noisy. So I replaced it with an Eheim Compact 1000. It was blessedly quiet the first day. But by that morning it was as noisy, now even noisier then the old one. I've read up on all sorts of ways to quiet a noisy pump, from changing the hose to some that is more flexible to putting a neoprene mousepad or filter media under it. However, I don't think it is a vibration problem. It's just a noisy pump. And yes, I've kept the original pump clean and it had no debris in the impeller. Everything with the exception of the new pump and fans is stock. My sandbed is 1 1/2 to 2 inches aragonite. I also do regular water changes even without fish in it. (liverock, 3 snails and many 'pods)
As the aquarium is in the bedroom, and I'm an extremely light sleeper, I'm looking at either the Hydor L25 which will fit were the stock pump was or the Eheim 1250, which at 7 inches, won't. So my question is two-fold. Can I mount the 1250 vertical, as opposed to horizontal? And has anyone had any experience with either of these pumps? Both have nearly identical ratings, and the price difference doesn't matter.
I just want peace and quite. And some SLEEP! (sigh)
Sazarac the sleepless...
My upgraded pump is the RIO1100, 375 gph and no noise at all. I have no experience in those pumps you mention but just remember the more angles you put into the hose the more it reduces your flow.. Good luck

 

[motorcity]

I have no experience with those pumps either. The stock pump that came with my tank was very quiet, couldnt even tell when it was on. I replaced it with a RIO 6HF and this one is sort of noisy. I am thinking about changing to the RIO 1100 PerfectDark is using just to see if its any quieter- I'm getting pretty picky

 

[txchewy]

I upgraded my pump to a RIO 10HF it flows 660gph. I have had no noise problem. But I do keep the water level above the max. In the middle chamber I am using a protein skimmer from Sapphire Aquatics http://www.sapphireaquatics.com
Also I am runing the stock filter in the first chamber.
My Rio has hydro flo deflector inside the tank.
I also run a Maxi-Jet 1200 inside the tank.
As far as noise my only problem is the fans when the lights are on.
Hope this helps

 

[motorcity]

Originally Posted by TXChewy
I upgraded my pump to a RIO 10HF it flows 660gph. I have had no noise problem. But I do keep the water level above the max. In the middle chamber I am using a protein skimmer from Sapphire Aquatics http://www.sapphireaquatics.com
Also I am runing the stock filter in the first chamber.
My Rio has hydro flo deflector inside the tank.
I also run a Maxi-Jet 1200 inside the tank.
As far as noise my only problem is the fans when the lights are on.
Hope this helps

WOW you have some serious flow!!! Did the RIO 10HF fit in the back chamber with no problems? Does all that flow stir your sand up or blow it around at all?

 

[txchewy]

I had to remove the filter cap off of the pump. Not a big deal it snaps on and off so you can clean the filter screen. The pump sits at an angle - still flat - on the bottom.
No problem with sand storms so far but I did some good rock placment.
The only thing to keep in mind with this large a pump is you need to hold more water. So I bought some tank silcone and went around the inside edge where the black lid meets the glass. Only reason I had a small drip dead center on the tank. No problem know.
I will try to get some photos and info together and start a thread.

 

[reefernana]

I have the 29g biocube, too, and if you want to lower the noise going from the right chamber into the middle, just lay the filter cartridge on top of the grate. This cuts the noise down quite a bit. After my cartridge got too dirty to clean I just put some filter floss on top. My original pump doesn't make noise either so I have left it alone. I added a MaxiJet 900 PH behind my rock on the right side. I removed the bioballs right from the start and replaced them with Seachem Matrix and a Seachem Purigen bag and then I added filter/foam floss on top of that. I run a bag of Seachem Carbon in the right chamber. I run my water about an inch above the maximum line. If it goes under maximum I get more water noise. Otherwise, my tank is pretty quiet.

 

[sazarac]

Argh! I thought I'd get an e-mail if there were replies...gads.
Ok...the stock pump WAS quiet, for a little over 4 months, THEN it got noisy. I do all the regular cleaning so it wasn't dirty, and I couldn't find anywhere online that sold that pump. So I got the Eheim, which got the best feedback for all around quiet. It was, the first day! But not now and it's also running hot. I tried adjusting the flow, I've put the pump on top of a filter...I just now took it apart (perfectly clean) and changed the hose to one that is more flexible (original hose was straight no angles). It's very frustrating. (sigh) Oh well.
I was wondering about putting a larger pump in that space.
What sizes are these Rios? Which leads me to the next question.
If the bioballs are removed from the middle chamber, does the water level rise in the chamber? And if that back area is no longer used as a wet/dry filter, would the water level in the pump also change? Having a higher water level in the pump area would allow a larger pump. Any ideas?
I'd like more info on the Hydor Flo as well.
Thanks.
saz

 

[perfectdark]

The RIO1100 fits in the left chamber but you need to take off the end cap where the water is drawn into the impeller, and get a larger hose to go to the exhaust on your tank. Mine fits right on top of my sponge so I have to keep a close eye on my water level. Because I replaced my bio balls with LR I keep the water level higher in my left chamber so its really never an issue and I still get my wet dry filtration.
I have a Hydor flo in my tank.. I love it, it provides a constant circulating current around the front of my LR. I used the adapter kit it came with and it fit on my RIO800 power head that is in my tank and I turned the flow rate down a bit so its not a hurricane in my tank.

 

[sazarac]

<Mine fits right on top of my sponge so I have to keep a close eye on my water level>
It just sits on top? It isn't precarious? I'm guessing the hose keeps it in place to some extent? Does it have any problems circulating? I'm leery of changing the system around to much.
<Because I replaced my bio balls with LR I keep the water level higher in my left chamber so its really never an issue and I still get my wet dry filtration>
Since I'm going to have plenty of live rock in the display area, I'd rather just remove the BB and replace it with Chemi-pure or Puri-gen. Any recommendations between the 2?
<I have a Hydor flo in my tank>
I'm very interested in adding one of these. I was wondering about it kicking up sand though.
Saz

 

[sazarac]

Ok guys, you are probably getting tired of pump questions...but I ran across another brand. Sen. The Sen 300 looks to fit and it has got good reviews for being quiet, low energy use and thermally insulated.
SO my choices have changed to the Hydor Seltz L25
which is 3.5L x 2.5W x 4H
http://www.***********.com/ps_Aquari...dor_seltz.html
and the Sen 300.
4.3L x 3W x 3.75H
http://www.foryourfish.com/cgi-bin/w.../FYF-WPPH2.htm
I believe the Eheim 1250 is just too big to fit in the pump
chamber.
BTW, would the Hydor Flo have any problems working with either of these pumps?
I'm brand new to saltwater, so you'll have to forgive my many, MANY boring questions. AND I've got critter questions coming up!

Saz

 

[txchewy]

Hey MotorCity I got that thread up (Bio^2) with pics way to many pics.
For the rest I am running a RIO 10HF with the Hydro Flo. The rio pumps 660gph. Yes it is big but it fits when you remove the filter cap. Pump sits on the bottom at an angle. You will need to get new hose or get a fitting to go 3/4 to 1/2 inch this is what I did.
There are no sand storms it works GREAT.
Hope it helps.
PS
Reread this thread. There is good info most repeated here.

 

[sazarac]

Thanks for the images TXChewy.
Maybe PerfectDark can post a photo of his pump setup?
Good to hear the Hydor Flo doesn't turn the tank into a tornado or sand storm. So if the pump is not adjustable then the Hydor Flo has an adjustment on it? How often does it need to be cleaned? The photos I've seen online and in catalogs show a foam collar, can it be used with out that? It looks goofy.
I've re-read this post many. Plus as many other forums I can find on line, not all having to do with aquariums.
Saz

 

[txchewy]

Not sure about adjustment or foam collar I see neither on mine. I have had mine about a month and bought it because it was sold as a "wavemaker" by my local fish store. To attach it I had 4 rubber fittings to choose from. Found the right one and was off and running.

 

[sazarac]

OK, sorry bout that. The catalog I have shows both the Hydor Flo and the Hydor Bioflo together. The Bioflo has the foam collar. I didn't know there were two different types. One last question (I hope) does it make ANY noise? heh
Saz