sprieto
Member
Hello everyone. I am not necessarily new to salt water fish but I am new to Nano Reef Systems and set ups. My previous experience with FOWLR (I previously used Canister Filters, Power Filters w/ Bio Wheels, & Protein Skimmers. I had a 30g, 84g, & 180g). A few years ago I moved, sold my tanks, and am basically starting over again.
I received as a gift a new Oceanic BioCube 29gallon, and I would like to set it up as a Reef tank. Like I said I have some experience, but not with Reef tanks.
I would appreciate any advice, suggestions, or opinions anyone may have:
I do plan on doing weekly 10% water changes.
My plan / questions are:
20lbs of live sand, at least 40 lbs of live rock (to start). Is that enough (live sand and live rock)? I have read to much live sand could be bad but I never heard of to much live rock being a bad thing…..
The Biocube has a UV Sterilizer (sold separately) that seems to go nicely in line (in the 3[sup]rd[/sup] chamber) connected to the return pump. Is it worth buying? Again, I have read it might not be needed (but I also thought better safe than sorry?).
Protein Skimmer:
I thought about buying the Protein Skimmer that is made by Oceanic for the Biocube ($40). I read mixed reviews (everything from it was no good to some people who had no problems with it and liked it). I could always replace later when I can afford; in the meantime, it seemed ok. I was also looking at a CPR SR3 Protein Skimmer ($130). Or what about a Aquatic Life Mini Skimmer ($60)?
[list type=decimal]
[*]
Placement of Protein Skimmer and what to do with the Wet Dry filtration system.
[/list type=decimal]
I know for sure (per EVERYONE’s suggestion) to REMOVE the bio balls in the second chamber (ok). But I have read several variations on what to do at that point:
[*]
Fill with Live Rock (possibly a small light to turn into a Refug.?)
Leave empty (or possible run carbon or filter floss?) I read if there is enough Live rock in the main tank display, you don’t need any extra in the back?
If I use the Biocube Skimmer, it is recommended to put in Chamber 1 and remove the filter cartridge located there (I can also put the heater in this chamber).
[*]
Or, if I buy the CPR SR3, it would fit in the 2[sup]nd[/sup] chamber and I can put the heater there (then no live rock).
[list type=decimal]
I read many people say to remove the filter cartridge in the first chamber. I have never ran a tank with out some find of filter cartridge somewhere? Opinions?
[/list type=decimal]
I know this is a lot (and I might be all over the place) but there seems to be many variations on what one could do…….any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
dreamcatcherr9
I received as a gift a new Oceanic BioCube 29gallon, and I would like to set it up as a Reef tank. Like I said I have some experience, but not with Reef tanks.
I would appreciate any advice, suggestions, or opinions anyone may have:
I do plan on doing weekly 10% water changes.
My plan / questions are:
20lbs of live sand, at least 40 lbs of live rock (to start). Is that enough (live sand and live rock)? I have read to much live sand could be bad but I never heard of to much live rock being a bad thing…..
The Biocube has a UV Sterilizer (sold separately) that seems to go nicely in line (in the 3[sup]rd[/sup] chamber) connected to the return pump. Is it worth buying? Again, I have read it might not be needed (but I also thought better safe than sorry?).
Protein Skimmer:
I thought about buying the Protein Skimmer that is made by Oceanic for the Biocube ($40). I read mixed reviews (everything from it was no good to some people who had no problems with it and liked it). I could always replace later when I can afford; in the meantime, it seemed ok. I was also looking at a CPR SR3 Protein Skimmer ($130). Or what about a Aquatic Life Mini Skimmer ($60)?
[list type=decimal]
[*]
Placement of Protein Skimmer and what to do with the Wet Dry filtration system.
[/list type=decimal]
I know for sure (per EVERYONE’s suggestion) to REMOVE the bio balls in the second chamber (ok). But I have read several variations on what to do at that point:
[*]
Fill with Live Rock (possibly a small light to turn into a Refug.?)
Leave empty (or possible run carbon or filter floss?) I read if there is enough Live rock in the main tank display, you don’t need any extra in the back?
If I use the Biocube Skimmer, it is recommended to put in Chamber 1 and remove the filter cartridge located there (I can also put the heater in this chamber).
[*]
Or, if I buy the CPR SR3, it would fit in the 2[sup]nd[/sup] chamber and I can put the heater there (then no live rock).
[list type=decimal]
I read many people say to remove the filter cartridge in the first chamber. I have never ran a tank with out some find of filter cartridge somewhere? Opinions?
[/list type=decimal]
I know this is a lot (and I might be all over the place) but there seems to be many variations on what one could do…….any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
dreamcatcherr9
