Biocube 29 build

[Hextall]

Will have to buy a module though to get ATO going.

The breakout box was hard to find. I emailed every supplier on Neptune's website to find it. This was within the past 2 weeks, so maybe they've made up some more since then.

Personally... the snaps to plug wires into the BObox are pretty flimzy. If I was more patient (and I really wanted the ATO functional right away after hooking up the Apex), I would have built my own using the various instructions on the neptune forum here rather than buy one. I don't think I'd have saved that much money building my own... but the build quality would have been much better. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

 

[RedStangGA]

The breakout box was hard to find. I emailed every supplier on Neptune's website to find it. This was within the past 2 weeks, so maybe they've made up some more since then.

Personally... the snaps to plug wires into the BObox are pretty flimzy. If I was more patient (and I really wanted the ATO functional right away after hooking up the Apex), I would have built my own using the various instructions on the neptune forum here rather than buy one. I don't think I'd have saved that much money building my own... but the build quality would have been much better. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

Was planning on building my own . I read the same reviews. ATO is a little ways off for me since I got the Jr.

 

[RedStangGA]

Woohoo!!! Apex Jr installed and working! Even have remote access enabled! Still need to get email configured but that'll have to wait till tomorrow.

Got the small clown to eat a little bit today. LFS suggested some garlic to soak the pellets in and some frozen mysis as a possibility as well. It nibbled at the pellets but I couldn't tell if it actually ate much. It went after the mysis some as well. Still worried about the little guy but not as much *** before.

Not so pleased with the maxi 900 though. I was expecting a little less flow but I was also expecting temps to drop. So far they haven't. Still running 80-81.6 which is too high for my comfort. Fan mods are next up I guess!

 

[RedStangGA]

Little guy ate some more today! No garlic to tease him even! He does seem intimidated by the bigger clown but at least he grabbed a few bites.

Also, MJ 900 has dropped temps by 1-1.5 degrees. Barely topped 80.5 today and was generally under 80! I'll probably still get a cooling fan to keep it under 80 or just hold out till I retrofit LED's or get an MP10. Either of those should do the trick.

 

[RedStangGA]

Update:

Fish are doing great. Big clown is picking on the little one but nothing serious. No nipping yet anyway. I assume they're establishing dominance. Also have an MP10es on the way! This will replace my Koralia Nano 425. I'm excited to see if the hype is true!

 

[Redsox Nation]

Woohoo!!! Apex Jr installed and working! Even have remote access enabled! Still need to get email configured but that'll have to wait till tomorrow.

Got the small clown to eat a little bit today. LFS suggested some garlic to soak the pellets in and some frozen mysis as a possibility as well. It nibbled at the pellets but I couldn't tell if it actually ate much. It went after the mysis some as well. Still worried about the little guy but not as much *** before.

Not so pleased with the maxi 900 though. I was expecting a little less flow but I was also expecting temps to drop. So far they haven't. Still running 80-81.6 which is too high for my comfort. Fan mods are next up I guess!

so how much flow were you looking for as I have been contemplating on getting a mj1200 for my 29g......now you got me thinking it might be way too much flow?? I have dual 6" loc line on mine with a 550gph Hydor

 

[RedStangGA]

so how much flow were you looking for as I have been contemplating on getting a mj1200 for my 29g......now you got me thinking it might be way too much flow?? I have dual 6" loc line on mine with a 550gph Hydor

A 1200 wouldn't be too much flow. I was looking to lower temps as I don't like having to keep one of the top doors open to keep temps down. I had a hydor pico 1200 but the flex hose I used to try and eliminate the 90 degree angle was constantly bending and restricting flow too much. I also knew that I'd be getting an MP10 as well to take care of flow. The MP10 is in and between it and my MJ900 the temps have come down as well so I'm happy. The MJ1200 will give you more flow than the stock pump with less heat but I'm not sure it's significant.

 

[RedStangGA]

Tailspot Blenny and Yellow Watchman Goby added yesterday afternoon! Both seem to be eating fine though the Blenny will probably eat more once it's less shy. The Blenny especially is becoming more relaxed and swimming out into the water column. Goby's just hanging out in a cave....

 

[Endy0430]

Looks like your of to a good start. I have a MJ1200 on my BC29 on the return and the flow compare to a stock pump is night and day.
How is the MP10 thinking of getting one after I get my LED kit from RapidLED.
Also why did u go with Jr controller instead of the RKL?

 

[Hextall]

Is there any modifications needed to use the maxi-jet 900 or 1200? I have my float switches and apex temp probe in chamber 3... from the pictures of the MJ900, I can't get my head around how it is installed.

I was battling temp issues last month, and love to knock out a couple of degrees (next big purchase will be a MP10 to replace the two koralia nanos).

 

[RedStangGA]

Looks like your of to a good start. I have a MJ1200 on my BC29 on the return and the flow compare to a stock pump is night and day.
How is the MP10 thinking of getting one after I get my LED kit from RapidLED.
Also why did u go with Jr controller instead of the RKL?

Thanks! Once I get LED's I might go to the MJ1200 to get more filtration flow. For now the 900 is adequate. I'm looking at rapidled's kit as well so please let me know how you like it.

The MP10 is awesome. Cleaned my rocks quickly when I was testing it! I like that it can be set to vary flow, it's quiet(though louder than an internal powerhead), and I'll be able to control it with my Apex. Is it worth the exra money? Hard to tell. It was worth it to me and I'm considering a second one down the road.

Why the Apex? First, the overwhelming number of positive reviews. Second, the disturbing number of negative reviews/problems of the RKL. The kicker? The Apex had network functionality built in so I can monitor AND control my devices over the internet from a browser or my phone. Natively.

 

[RedStangGA]

Is there any modifications needed to use the maxi-jet 900 or 1200? I have my float switches and apex temp probe in chamber 3... from the pictures of the MJ900, I can't get my head around how it is installed.

I was battling temp issues last month, and love to knock out a couple of degrees (next big purchase will be a MP10 to replace the two koralia nanos).

I just dropped my 900 in. Used the same tubing and everything.

 

[Hextall]

I just dropped my 900 in. Used the same tubing and everything.

Is this the one you have:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/maxi-jet-powerhead-900-230gph.html


Re: Apex v. RKL... I tallied up the cost of the RKL and upgrades versus getting the Apex lite and upgrades... and the Apex was less expensive in the long run. Like Redstang, I saw very few complaints beyond difficult setup issues with the apex versus many more complaints about the RKL. Both controllers had people who've had no problems. Also, the customer service from Apex was highly lauded, while Digital Aquatic CS was routinely panned. All that sort of added up that the extra upfront expense of the Apex would be worth it.

 

[RedStangGA]

Is this the one you have:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/maxi-jet-powerhead-900-230gph.html


Re: Apex v. RKL... I tallied up the cost of the RKL and upgrades versus getting the Apex lite and upgrades... and the Apex was less expensive in the long run. Like Redstang, I saw very few complaints beyond difficult setup issues with the apex versus many more complaints about the RKL. Both controllers had people who've had no problems. Also, the customer service from Apex was highly lauded, while Digital Aquatic CS was routinely panned. All that sort of added up that the extra upfront expense of the Apex would be worth it.

That's it.

I actually went with the Apex Jr over the Apex Light. The Jr has a $150 entry point and is perfect for a nano IMO.

 

[RedStangGA]

Added some more corals. Added some blast's with a green center and red outer. Traded my huge mint play colony for some mint chocolate play's which opened some space for some aussie acan's with red centers and blue/gray edges. Loving the new additions.

Briefly had a maxi-mini carpet anemone but started worrying about it nabbing a fish. That and I'm still convinced it ate a crab.... Thankfully the fellow reefer who sold it to me took it back with no issues and gave me credit towards the acan's. Gotta love local reef clubs!

 

[SchmittyG]

What settings have you been using with your MP10? I just got one for my 29g BioCube and have been varying speeds and different modes, havent really found the perfect fit for my tank yet, but really excited about the varations it offers...

 

[Jakef150]

hey there..

maxi 1200 will cause little more heat temp...I sold mine and got me hydor 1200 its awesome, LOW watt and reduce heat temp.
Be sure to clean return pump once or twice a month.

I removed eblow 90* (return pump tube) and made it like curve tube for better flow.

MP10 I set TSM- 75%

Jake

 

[SchmittyG]

75%? Does yours have the LED lights? Mine has 12 lights-Im guessing 12 is 100%, Ive pretty much had mine maxing out at the 8th light. So the 9th light would be 75%-am I right? Im on NTM today, but have been going back and forth between Lagoon and Reefcrest, Reefcrest seems to be the better for the tank, but Lagoon seems to make the fish and mushrooms happier... Its only since THursday that I have had it installed though.

 

[Jakef150]

yeah about that- mines 75% at 8/9th

I was told to switch different mode once a while...i dont know why but..

Im staying with TSM...i have some SPS in Bio-29

I might try to switch to something like reef crest..and let it running in a week to see how the corals/fish like..

Jake

 

[SchmittyG]

Well Jake, you have inspired me to try it on TSM at 75% for a week and see how they like it...Report coming next week