Just picked up BioCube AIO, Opinions on inTank? or Sump?

I started out with a JBJ Nano 24g AIO, I ran an in tank media basket with Chemipure in the first compartment and rubble rock in the second. I also had a AquaVia 20/20 reactor running phosguard and a Remora AquaC HOB skimmer. It did very well and grew out coral quickly, I just got tired of the size and constant monitoring as with the smaller tanks things happen much more quickly.

 

Here's the ideal setup for a BioCube 29 w/o sump

Chamber 1 - REMOVE false door and place heaters (I also have rubble rock down there)

Chamber 2 - Remove sponge on bottom left. Use media basket with Tunze 9002 skimmer w/ upgraded cup.

Chamber 3 - Upgrade pump to MJ1200 and install JBJ ATO

This has been proven to work and I personally used it on my system for months.

 

Motion, this is actually the same setup I may just order on Monday, I've messed with 3 different tanks, I even cut out a spot to fit a 10gal tank in the matching stand for the BioCube, but nothing just fits. I may rebuild a new stand, yet I'll probably just keep this system small.

I didn't plan on overstocking the biocube with fish really, more so a coral tank.

That was my question though as/if there are any positives, too running the Filter Basket/Tunze skimmer in the center, but possibly swapping out the skimmer every-now and then with the fuge basket. I realistically didn't think it'd be much of a difference or meaningful to even buy both baskets., as on member said above, it wont make or break it.

I really just am a little heart sank on not being able to run this new reef octopus skimmer I bought so perhaps for a future project..

I must have missed this in the video/directions for the inTank products but I defiantly wouldn't have removed that sponge so thanks for the heads up, I did notice it though, and in a week it was already packed with crap. I'll chuck it then.

This is really one reason why I wanted a refugium/sump setup becuase of the biocubes small sustainability, I figured it'd give me a little more insurance(as well as not doing water changes anymore)

Is it beneficial to run the filter basket with the carbon/Purigen 24/7?

I guess lastly, I've hear 10-20% of water changes every week, essentially with the inTank basket/skimmer setup, how often and how much should I do a water change?

 

Skimmers are best run continuously. They need to develop a slime coating to be efficient.

Sounds like you will be up grading soon.

I would not worry about swapping it out with the media basket.

 

I've been in the hobby for several years, I've just never done one of these smaller tanks, especially with these smaller Tunze skimmers, seems like everyone is in deep favor of the upgraded collection cup for it.

I know the saying goes(get the largest skimmer that will fit) I honestly was curious if and if at all having such a large overkill skimmer like the reef octopus 110; that I initially planned to go with in the sump, if there really would be that signification of a difference versus using the Tunze in the back. I didn't really think it was possible to over skimmate a tank, essentially as this will be mostly a hard/soft coral tank.

 

The Tunze DOC 9002 is my favorite type Nano Skimmer with the modified collection cup.

Sounds like you want the bells and whistles, but you can run an AIO just fine without, even some of the more difficult sps.

I have done it both ways, now without a skimmer for 2 years.

With relation to over skimming I do believe you can if you are also using other chemical and mechanical means of filtration with a focus towards ULNS.

 

I've seen some recommend going without a skimmer and just doing regular water changes. I have considered it, as even daily changes solve the problem of top off, protein removal and nutrient import. Daily, it's a routine and the quantity should be small. I keep a quantity of saltwater for our 90G so it would be no problem for me.

I installed my InTank stuff yesterday, I found the basket and 9002 combination somewhat fiddly, but in the end everything fit well enough. The most disappointing part is that I will need to remove the skimmer cup before lifting the entire lid. It's not a deal breaker, but it's a little unusual when I have been lifting the lid without having to do anything else first.

'frog, we are probably very similar in approach. I should have put together a small system instead of doing an AIO. A good amount of the saltwater hobby for me is working with the hardware. I find our 90G takes care of that itch for me.

 

Just placed an order today with inTank, I've messed with trying to fit a sump under this stand for a week..Decided to give up and go with the filter basket/tunze skimmer. I really am somewhat disheartened though I'm not going to be able to use this reef octopus 110 skimmer. I really hope not running a refugium wont burn me. It's just always been a worry-some, both on large tanks and especially these small ones, with chemical dosing; which can alter tank conditions drastically. Really just looking for a built for success method, hope the inTank combo setup will get me started.