Need ideas for planning new build

[kblack3]

I'm about to re enter the hobby after a 4 year hiatus and decided that the BioCube would be the appropriate venture for me (two children under 2 = all in one with everything under the hood). The hobby has advanced light years in the technology segment so I feel a little behind the times. I've done hours of research and I'm leaning towards a steves led complete upgrade kit 14k Jedi, bluefish controller, possibly new version mp10(unless that's overkill?), and would like a protein skimmer and media reactor under the hood (would like high quality easy to use/install. Any ideas?)! I'm all ears to ideas and would like to know what people put in an ultimate 29gal BioCube build with the best gear?

 

[kblack3]

Bump

 

[toky916]

Depends what corals you would like to keep there is a few good choices for lights now compared to before for nano. I personally like the jbj cube compared to biocube. I don't know how your really going to fit a nice skimmer under the hood that will be still really good.
Go without the hood and put AI or Radion or Kessil hanging or on a mount.

 

[mpoletti]

Stop. #FriendsdontletfriendsbuyBiocubes

Welcome back. Are you sure

With the little ones, I'd recommend something a little larger maybe the Innovative Marine option with a nice RadioPro

You'll be much happier in the long run, cleaner and more options.

 

[tcoral]

a 60 gallon cube 24"x24" would be nice. A lot of the new LED lighting have a 24" footprint that they light meaning you'd only need 1. Also, setting up a 24" tank would be easier, now trying to stay within bounds in stocking it is another matter .

 

[79chopperdr]

If it had to be a all in one, I'd consider something like this on a larger scale. A 40 breeder would be sweet.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2468351

 

[fishnerd]

Stop. #FriendsdontletfriendsbuyBiocubes

Welcome back. Are you sure

With the little ones, I'd recommend something a little larger maybe the Innovative Marine option with a nice RadioPro

You'll be much happier in the long run, cleaner and more options.

That made me laugh Mark

+1 on IM tank

 

[kblack3]

Haven't heard of those tanks before are the filtration a systems decent? I was gonna try and modify the bio to fit a media reactor and the ghost both that brand. Plus I was going to change the light anyways so might be same cost to get the 40 as a 29 bio

 

[tfp]

stop denying yourself the inevitable...go as big as you can

 

[TigeBell]

stop denying yourself the inevitable...go as big as you can

Come to the dark side of the Hobbie. ... bwahhhhahhhahhhh.

OK, being too small isn't fun. To easy to swing the pH, Alk, and nitrates IMO. 90 gal should be good or go for a 120.

 

[kblack3]

I know Tim I've always enjoyed the smaller tanks more plus this one is for Luke's room. After being in the hobby and dealing with all tanks from 1-1200gal I think for now 40 is a good start. I sold the custom starphire (135gal) a year ago to Joe for a 29gal BioCube but might have him just put some money towards that 40. It's only a $100 difference. Has anybody used the blue fish controller I like the mimicking of real reef environments I've never been one to obsess with auto dosing and such but sweet lighting based off of real weather conditions sounds fun.

 

[kblack3]

Stop. #FriendsdontletfriendsbuyBiocubes

Welcome back. Are you sure

With the little ones, I'd recommend something a little larger maybe the Innovative Marine option with a nice RadioPro

You'll be much happier in the long run, cleaner and more options.

Okay I looked up the tank, really like it (the 40) and also looked up the radion pro, really liked it too. So I went through and have been working out an equipment list and I'm really stuck on using the bluefish controller (real weather data has me sold I can't shake it) but the radion isn't capable of being controlled by that system (unless somebody knows a way I couldn't find one). Is there a compatible light system that would be controllable with that unit?

Thanks!