New to salt, biocube 29

[feenixfire]

Hi all,
New to saltwater, experienced with fresh. I have a biocube 29 I put live sand in, dry rock and live rock chunks for seeding. My goal is a FOWLR with the option of corals in the future if I do well. The fish I'm aiming at (this is for my son) is a couple clowns, a starfish, and cleanup. Fairly simple. I have a couple questions for the gurus here as I continue pouring through the forums.

Since I have about 25 lbs of dry rock and maybe 1/2 lb live rock fragments (plus live sand) do I need to toss fish food in there to help get the cycle going? I just got everything setup yesterday. I'm still trying to figure out the lights as well and am not sure if those affect the cycle so open to advice there too.

Second question is the bio balls. The biocube is stock with their protein skimmer (will swap that out down the road), uv light, and an extra powerhead. I've read people take these bio balls out but I don't understand why or what you'd put in its place. Chunks of live rock maybe in that middle chamber? Anyway if anyone has advice on that I'd really appreciate it!

 

[DavidGraves]

I would throw in some fish food to keep the cycle moving. The lights don't matter yet.

The bio balls can be removed and nothing in its place. Some people put cheato back there with a light. I have the heater in chamber 2.

Rock in the back will trap detritus as well.

The nano reefs sub forum has a lot of info with biocubes.

 

[Teecz]

+1 I agree with everything stated

I would add getting a in tank basket to help filtering

 

[feenixfire]

Thank you both. I like that tray, what filter packs are you using in each layer? Should I be doing water changes during the cycle?

 

[thelawnwrangler]

Thank you both. I like that tray, what filter packs are you using in each layer? Should I be doing water changes during the cycle?

that is purgen and chemipure I think - ps that might be a stock photo from intank because that is what he suggest running.

http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Purigen.html

http://boyd--enterprises.com/chemipure/

I wouldn't add those while you cycle so I am told. My understanding is you don't want to do water changes until ammonia and nitrites cycle.

 

[feenixfire]

OK perfect thanks. Any suggestions on food to toss in and frequency? I haven't purchased any food yet but I do have tropical flakes from my freshwater stock or frozen brine shrimp. All my research has been to buying/setting the tank up, haven't gotten to the fish necessities :idea: