BioCube 29 heater location

So the LFS was pretty sure this heater would fit into the back of the BioCube 29, but it's just too long. Could I cut some of the slats that prevent my heater from going further down? It's currently stuck to the inside of the cube, but I'd prefer to hide it if possible. Nothing but sand and salt water (and the heater) are currently in the tank, so it's not a big deal. Working through settling of the cloudy water before worrying about live rock. Thanks!

 

Half way down chamber 1 there is a modifiable/removeable grate that will allow the heater to fit in there.

 

How do you remove it? I didn't want to break it if it was important.

*Edit* Figured it out. Will that alter the filtering at all?

 

Push down on one corner of it until it pops loose. It will take some pressure, don't be scared. It is softer plastic, so you shouldn't have any fear of getting cutg or anything.

 

Yeah, I pushed down on it to see if there was some movement, and it started pulling free at the seam, so I just went with it. I just put in pretty fine sand last night so it's still settling (even though I rinsed it for what seemed like forever).

 

You could probably take the bioballs out of the center compartment and put the heater there. IMO all bioballs do is create nitrates in a matured tank.

 

Yeah, I hadn't thought of that. Granted, I already modified the first compartment lol. Tank set up last night, I'm starting to get excited about livestock possibilities.

 

Slightly OT. Running a skimmer in the center chamber and carbon in the 3rd is the best bet for a really nice Biocube29. Check out nanotuners, nanocustoms and nano-reef if you haven't.

Yes, I agree about ditching the bioballs.

 

I just filled a 29 BC on thurs nite. Cycling now. I put a skimmer in ch 1, In Tank Media basket filter compartment in ch 2, pump in 3. no heater.

 

It's cold up here in Iowa ;D Heater required for my peace of mind (and likely the life of the fish)