Coral Capabilities of BioCube 29

Just wondering what everyone thinks are appropriate corals that can be successfully kept in a BioCube 29. The stock lights are 2 x 36w (1 10000k and 1 Actinic). Assuming I am able to do everything else successfully (I know it's a big assumption).

Also, would the coral capabilities be drastically improved with a retro-fit kit that can bump the lighting up to 3 x 36w or 4 x 36w? Do you think that would be worth the additional $79 or $179 cost?

 

bump...

 

softies/ lps recommended. i have seen people do some sps. eg. montipora.i personally wouldn't. good beginner corals: zoanthid. mushrooms. star polyps. etc...

as for lighting. it wouldnt hurt to add an extra one. but the extra light will not increase the variety of coral. Only a metal halide upgrade would increase coral variety.

any coral that demands very bright light pretty much require a metal halide.

oh yeah. biocubes are known to get pretty hot even without a heater(depending where you live) so use your judgement.

 

a biocube was my first tank...I kept a wide range of softies and leathers.

Here is a picture of that tank....(ps I would not recommend getting a blue tang for your tank) Was super small and was getting moved up to bigger tank.

101_0684.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

that white coral is actually a fake coral/rock...no I did not keep acros in there....LOL

but again, polyps, softies, mushrooms, tubes all did real well. Big thing to remember with that tank is to be sure to replace the bulbs frequently about every 6 months or so to keep corals healthy. I also recommend you placing a small powerhead in there also

 

Just the low light ones. If your going to retrofit it you would be much better off going with a T5 or MH mod. Not worth the time/money/effort to still end up with PC's IMHO.
The other thing you need to consider is flow. You'll need more. The stock biocube filters/pumps offer very low flow rates

 

Yeah I was going to buy one of the Hydor nanos. I currently have the Hydor rotating deflector on the output so where would you recommend I place/point the nano?

 

It all depends on way too many factors. Its just something you will have to play with.
BTW, a Koralia Nano isn't going to cut it IMO. You would need like 3 of them. I would get a pair of Koralia 1's if it was me

 

Wife won't let me throw down that much dough for one of the mega upgrades so I'll just stick with the suggested corals until I can do one of the appropriate upgrades.

-AJ