Newbie biocube questions

[redbelly]

Hello all, I am getting ready to set up a small biocube 8 system. I am going to use about 20lbs of live sand but how much LR should I purchase. Another question is that it came with just a flourescent type bulb, will that put out enough light to support a zoos corals? Also can/would anyone recomend a different powerhead for a little more current? I can't seem to find one that will work in a small tank. Thanks

 

[snakeblitz33]

Congrats on getting into nano tanks!
Flourescents generally are not good enough for corals. I am sure that your cube can come with an upgrade capability for the lights. Compact Flourescents are good, T5's are awesome, etc.
As far as powerheads, I recommend possibly a hydor koralia micro, ... really neat and work well.
Take it easy!

 

[redbelly]

Thanks for the reply. I hope to get the water in and start cycling it tomorrow. Hopefully by the time the water is ready I will have a little extra cash saved up for a light upgrade. An 8 gallon will hold a couple inverts with out any problems correct?

 

[swalchemist]

You will be fine with invert just not fish, your limited there. Maybe a goby shrimp pair. Flow can be achieve with the Koralia nano as long as you do not unplug it and remember to check it after a power outage as they can stop working. I would recommend a Maxi-Jet 600 for that system though, proven technology that will last for years rather than months. Remember to top your tank off daily, a small tank is far less forgiving than a large one. Your light will "sustain" some zoanthid and mushrooms but they will not thrive in those conditions. I suggest a small PC or T-5 light system for optimal success. About 1 Lb per gallon of rock set up loosely to allow good water flow no more than an inch of sand.

 

[bjoe23]

Originally Posted by redbelly
Hello all, I am getting ready to set up a small biocube 8 system. I am going to use about 20lbs of live sand but how much LR should I purchase. Another question is that it came with just a flourescent type bulb, will that put out enough light to support a zoos corals? Also can/would anyone recomend a different powerhead for a little more current? I can't seem to find one that will work in a small tank. Thanks

First of all you dont really need that much LS, i have that much in my 29 gallon. Unless you are getting a fish the requires it you dont really need that much. About a 1 inch sandbed
Next, flourescent bulbs cant really support enough light to support any coral. I would recommend (if you do want corals) T5lighting. Do some research on them
Finally, I've heard that maxijett powerheads are good. Look at LFS they usually have little powerheads.
Good Luck on ur tank

 

[kat74]

Did you get a new Biocube 8?? If I'm not mistaken, I thought that all Biocubes came with PC lighting??

 

[nereef]

Originally Posted by KAT74
Did you get a new Biocube 8?? If I'm not mistaken, I thought that all Biocubes came with PC lighting??

yes they do, and you can keep zoas in them.

 

[snakeblitz33]

wow, I didn't know that they came with PC lights. Zoas will survive then, and like ya'll said, not thrive.
The more water volume you have, the better the health of your tank. If you can keep an 8 gallon tank, you can basically keep anything.
Good luck!

 

[demartini]

I also have an 8 gallon bio cube. Here's the link to my thread.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=260109
good luck!

 

[sigmachris]

Welcome to the boards and the hobby. If you haven't noticed there is a forum dedicated to nanos you should look over. Also the two ladies (DeMartini and Kat74) who have already chimed into your thread are the queens of BioCubes. I would follow their advice and look over their "diaries" closely, as you can pick up a lot of good info and tips from them.
Good luck,
Chris

 

[kat74]

Originally Posted by SigmaChris
Welcome to the boards and the hobby. If you haven't noticed there is a forum dedicated to nanos you should look over. Also the two ladies (DeMartini and Kat74) who have already chimed into your thread are the queens of BioCubes. I would follow their advice and look over their "diaries" closely, as you can pick up a lot of good info and tips from them.
Good luck,
Chris
Wow, thanks for the compliment, Chris, but I honestly have to give all the credit to Lauren (DeMartini). She truly is the best one to go to for advice on these cubes. Also, PerfectDark. Everything that I learned about my tank, I learned by asking Lauren questions, when I started off with my 14 Biocube, on up to my 29. Lauren and PerfectDark are always in the "Nano" section and are always willing to help.

 

[sigmachris]

I forgot about Perfect Dark's diary thread too another wealth of knowledge. But Kat you have taken the teachings of the old Jedi well and pass along the knowledge. That is the great thing about this forum is experienced people sharing their knowledge, even if it is the 30th time in the past 2 months explaining how to get rid of hair algae or cycle a tank.

 

[kat74]

Originally Posted by SigmaChris
I forgot about Perfect Dark's diary thread too another wealth of knowledge. But Kat you have taken the teachings of the old Jedi well and pass along the knowledge. That is the great thing about this forum is experienced people sharing their knowledge, even if it is the 30th time in the past 2 months explaining how to get rid of hair algae or cycle a tank.
You are certainly right about that!!

Kudos to all who read, share, advise and participate in these forums!~