Newbie! Need some help

[Biocube507]

Hi guys !

Just purchased a biocube 29ga last week. Completely new to saltwater so I have a few questions. First off... I've put about 16 lbs of live rock in the tank so far. I've been noticing lots of diff brittle stars etc. but this morning I spotted a brown shrimp/worm/caterpillar looking thing . Anyone know what that might be? And is it harmful ?

Secondly, I've read a lot about taking out the bio balls due to them causing problems in the future. What would be the best filter for my tank? Or is it not worth it to even change anything? Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated !!!

Thanks!
Orlando

 

[gone fishin]

Welcome to the forum

Look up bristle worm and see if that is what you saw. If so they are pretty good scavangers and I would keep him. If you decide to pull it then use some tongs or tweezers. The "hairs"will can stick in your fingers causing irritation.

Personally I would remove the bioballs. If not maintained then your nitrates will elevate. Your Rock is you biological filter. You could run a HOB filter for some carbon.

There is a great sticky at the top of this forum called "setting up" that you may find of use. It is basically a book. Some things will apply now and others down the road. Good luck just my 2 cents.

 

[Biocube507]

Thanks for the input! I looked up bristle worm and that's not it. It looks more like an isopod? It sorta has the head of a shrimp and the body of a caterpillar and it was brown lol ugly little thing. Any other ideas?

I think I am definitely going to remove the bio balls but what exactly do i put in that chamber ? A sponge and a bag of chemi pure?

Thanks again !!

 

[gone fishin]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2095557

Try the link it has some pics. Hopefully it will be one of them.

 

[TimeConsumer]

Sounds like a mantis almost.

 

[thelawnwrangler]

check the nano forum lots of helpful biocube owners with really cool builds

 

[oldbones]

Is it a little bug maybe 1/8" at the longest? Amphipod.

 

[Martini5788]

Nudibranch? Sea slug?

 

[Biocube507]

Think it could be a amphipod!! I just googled it and it looks VERY similar to that . Are they harmless ?

 

[Biocube507]

Can anyone recommend a very simple easy setup I can put in place of the bio balls ?

 

[oldbones]

Generally considered harmless. They are aggressive scavengers though, and if a coral is ailing, they can be seen at night eating at the dead or dying tissues. At least that's my take, some look at the same thing and think they are eating at the coral causing it's ailment.

 

[oldbones]

Can anyone recommend a very simple easy setup I can put in place of the bio balls ?

Popular options are to add chaeto (in a fuge basket) to the center chamber, clamp a light on the back shining through the back glass running on the backside of the clock.

OR,

A media basket to contain purigen, chemipure, filter floss, etc.

OR,

Both, like me.

InTank makes nice drop in units.

 

[Biocube507]

I think I'm going to buy the media basket made by Intank.. So just to be clear... I'll be removing the bio balls and replacing it with a basket with Purigen, chemipure, and filter floss ? This setup is ok for fish also correct? I plan to keep fish and coral in the tank

Thank you

 

[oldbones]

That's exactly what I did. There is room in the center chamber of mine for both the media basket and the fuge basket, I have both. Put the filter floss in the top so you can change it without pulling the whole thing out.

Fine for fish and coral.

 

[homer1475]

You really should check out the nano section(go back to the main forums and scroll down). There are plenty of biocube builds, and a ton of different ways of running them. Have a read through and you'll be surprised how many ideas you'll get.

 

[Biocube507]

Awesome ! Will check it out. Appreciate it !

 

[Biocube507]

How often do u have to change the Purigen and chemipure bags?