Biocube's Build Thread, Tank teardown 1/6/14

Awesome tank. I have a cube like this too, but Aqua Euro 28g. Very inspiring with the LEDs non the less.

I love that shirt!

 

Thanks
I really have enjoyed the upgrade to LEDs, I love not having heat issues and full control over the way my tank looks.

Have you started a build thread yet?

 

No I haven't. I've been tempting to over a year now lol. I recently moved to Los Angeles so I couldn't bring everything with me like my tank stand and tank itself. I had my gf ship me over the fish here so we decided to get a cube. When I finally build my thread I'll include the whole story lol.

But yeah, I really really want/need to get some LEDs cause the temperatures are higher than I like them to be. I'm worried about not getting the correct lighting. Maybe I'll do some reading, but seeing threads like yours who build their own LEDs it brings motivation.

 

Getting thread back on track. Thread recap

So the purpose of this post is to get my thread back on track, I am going to summarize a few things that have happened over the past few weeks and what I plan to do over the upcoming weeks.


PhosBan 150 w/ Carbon & PhosBan
About a month ago I installed a PhosBan 150 reactor with PhosBan & Carbon, I have noticed a MASSIVE difference in my water clarity and coral health. In about a month I have lowered my Phosphates down from .28ppm to .05ppm, my goal is .01ppm but currently my Hanna checker is getting replaced so I have no real way to measure my phosphate levels. I plan to change my PhosBan every month, I know people say it can last longer but my tank is so small I don't mind buying 1lbs every year.

Hanna Phosphate vs Phosphorus URL Checker
I placed a order for a Hanna Phosphate Checker and had issues getting consistent results, after calling Hanna and discovering the Phosphate Checker is made for "ballpark" ranges they offered to swap my Phosphate Checker for a Phosphorus ultra low range for FREE. They also offered to exchange any extra reagent packets, overall I am very impressed with Hanna's service. I should be receiving the replacement unit soon.

EcoTech MP10 Issues
I won't get into details but my MP10 has been failing frequently, EcoTech replaced my Wet Side & Complete unit. There are still some minor complications but everything has been resolved. I am still open to the EcoTech name and products, I am in fact in the market for another MP10.

Flow
In a Biocube, well any small tank flow is just a real PITA. I was stupid and used fine sand when I started my build and now I pay the price. I currently have 1x MP10, 1x Hydor 425 and my return all acting as counter flow for my SPS. So far everything has been enjoying the improved flow but I still feel it could be better. With another MP10 on the opposite side of my current MP10 I can achieve maximum flow.

Switching Salts
Since I have started my tank I have been using Seachem Reef Salt, so far I have been happy but not in love. It takes over 24 hours of mixing to get clear water and the power head used to mix always has residue. After talking to multiple fellow 3reefers I have decided to switch over to Instant Ocean Reef Crystals. I am really looking forward to the switch, after reading hundreds of reviews it seems to be a really stable salt mix.

What's planned ahead?

Clam
A few months back I was getting ready to house a clam in my tank, things did't work out and I am still without a clam. I am in the market for a Ultra Blue Maxima, I have been talking to Happy Coral and checking out DiversDene every few days. I hope to have a clam in the next few months.

Coral
I am still in the market for ORA Red Planet and a few other corals, but I have really enjoyed the switch over to SPS. Ill admit currently my favorite coral are birds nests. Because of Norg (fellow 3reefer) I have some really nice corals in my tank, I have really enjoyed his selection and quality.

Apex WXM Upgrade
I recently upgraded my MP10 to wireless and would really like to take advantage FEED/NIGHT modes and when I add another MP10 I can create a more realistic reef environment.

Enjoy
This is the most important part of reefing and I am truly glad I get to experience it. I can now sit back and enjoy my little living reef, I know it's only a Biocube but this little tank has brought so much joy and knowledge that I never thought would have.

 

Sounds great man.Glad you are enjoying your tank because after all the hard work thats what its all about.

 

Enjoying the tank is probably the hardest thing for me to do.

 

Thanks Vinny!

I bet, especially with that ugly Tang swimming around.

 

Once you finish with your setup, do you think you'll want to upgrade to a bigger tank?

 

Oh for sure, I live in a small apartment so my BC works out perfectly. But I am now in the market for a house I plan to do a larger build 90-200 gallon tank. It all depends on the house and available space.

 

Well guys, I came across a pretty nice deal for a new MP10wES NIB.

I decided to give it a try and see how my tank works with two MP10s, if I am not impressed ill be selling it.