Newbie Upgrade

[Tndulcimer]

Hello all. I have a BioCube 29 (just 2 clowns, live rock) which has been running for about 2 years. The lights keep burning out, and I am thinking I would like to upgrade. I still consider myself a novice.

With that in mind. Do you think I would be over my head if I went with something like a Red Sea Reefer 170 or Max 250?

I currently have no live coral in the BioCube and would really like to get something I can add corals to.

Also, when and where are the clubs meetings?

Craig

 

[3seconds2live]

Craig you can add corals to that 29 biocube. Many people have them in the exact same tank including myself. You would do best to start with soft corals but that all depends on your tank water quality. Who told you no corals in a 29 cube?

 

[yahutch]

Where in northern IL are you? I'm in Wonder Lake and can offer a couple free starter frags if you want to see how they'll do in the biocube. As far as being in over your head on the upgrade, the bigger the tank the more stable the water conditions = easier. That being said they are more $ to keep and require more time for maintenance. If you have the time and $ I would say upgrade, but as mentioned above you can keep some corals in the cube.

 

[Tndulcimer]

Thanks all. I need to get my light issue fixed first. Bought a new bulb and that did not work. Someone said it might be the ballast. So back to my original dilemma, fix this hood or just get a new setup. I saw an aftermarket led light kit that looked interesting. Strip out all the original lighting and fans.

yahutch, very kind of you. I am in Grayslake, east of you.

Going to take the entire hood to my fish store tomorrow and see what they say.

 

[ali1]

theres some online companies that make retrofit lights for your biocube to sustain a reef.

no issues with going w/ bigger setup if you take it slow and start with basic corals.

 

[fredfish13]

Try one of the retrofit kits first. Not too hard.

 

[Tndulcimer]

Hi all, sorry for the delay. My step daughter came home on leave from serving in the middle east. Well, here is an update. I was wiping off the lid and for the heck of it hit the switches and surprise, BOTH lights are now working. Have no clue why. Not going to complain.

 

[rmeugene]

You have tons of options with regards to a 29 bio. I removed the false wall from mine and had it drilled and have a sump. Also have a radion mounted in the stock hood. Keep everything from zoas to sticks.

 

[ITeach2Wheels]

I'm in Fox Lake with a BC8 and a retro kit LED setup. I was really thinking of ditching the BC due to the stock lights. After the LED's I'm totally back in and starting a second larger tank after Christmas.

You're more than welcome to stop by and check it out.

Shoot me a PM. I can even pay it foreword with some really easy softies/leathers if you want to try corals.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

I'd recommend keeping the BC29. I went from a 125 to it before I left the hobby and personally felt its a very manageable size. Anything bigger than 40 gallons is so much more work. Although I did mod it to the brim including LED lights, APEX controller, and a Vortech MP10.

Pics to bring me through memory lane:






Sorry for the terrible quality pics, photobucket descalled all my pics.