SyntheticBreeds 29g Biocube HQI

I just picked up a Biocube 29g HQI this past Tuesday and finally have it set up. My plan is to turn this into a reef tank with two clowns, not sure which ones - maybe specialty -. I keep hearing people say they replace the water pump with something else but I just added one of my old Maxi-jet 1200 powerheads from my previous 55g.

I've added a 5lbs Fiji rock from my LFS. Buying 22lbs of premium Fiji from live aquaria tonight.



Added 10lbs of west Caribbean live sand and 20lbs of Fiji pink live sand. My plan is to buy 22lbs of premium Fiji rock from Live Aquaria and pick up the rest from my LFS. I'm having problems figuring out how to keep my sponge in chamber 3 from floating to the top but I'm sure it'll become waterlogged after a few days. Having the same problem with the filter cartridge but I may replace it with a bag of chemi-pure elite. Picked me up a Deepblue heater to add to chamber 1. I plan to wait on adding the protein skimmer till after the cycle.

I plan to add some pictures later tonight or tomorrow but if anyone has any suggestions ill be glad to listen.

 

Sounds like you have a solid plan and start on the new tank. Congrats on the purchase.

 

I seem to be having problems with my Maxijet 1200 powerhead, moving sand to one side of the tank to the other, its also rattling. Does anyone know if this powerheads to powerful for such a small tank? If so what would you all recommend for this mixed reef?

 

I would remove the sponge from chamber 3. Just s chance to clog and flood your floor. Intank has an nice media holder to replace the cartridges in chamber 2.

 

Seconding the removal of sponge and swapping out middle chamber. Media basket goes really far; love the fuge if you have a clear backing.

I'd upgrade the pump, made a big difference on circulation. Not too bad - mediabaskets has a good selection of options for the 29s.

 

use the maxijet as your return pump, not as a powerhead. the hose will attatch to the maxi jet. I would use a hydor nano 240 or 425 as a powerhead.

 

I added a picture of a piece of rock I've added to start the cycle. Planning on adding some premium rock this Wednesday. I've noticed what looks like a baby mantis shrimp in my rock last night, this should be interesting. I'm searching for a video for replacing my stock pump with my maxi jet 1200 pump, if anyone knows a good video it would be helpful.

 

Unless you want a mantis shrimp tank, i would try and get that guy out of there! And as for replacing the pump, take the stock pump and hose out. Take the old hose off the stock pump, and attach it to the outflow section of the maxi jet. Put the pump back in and reattach the hose to the outlet. Thats about it!

 

How would I go about getting him out? I just started the cycle would it be safe to assume that he'll be dead from lack of food and fluctuating water chemistry during the next month or two?

 

maybe. You could always build a makeshift fish trap too, matt rogers posted a really simple one he used for his sixline on here a while back. I'd give this a shot, maybe with a piece of food or something in it.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-fish-trap-catches-six-line-wrasse-144822.html