Why yes, this is another 29g BC Build

[FindingEmily]

Soo.. I may or may not have jumped on the bandwagon and bought myself a 29g BioCube. I have been reading nonstop and have been inspired by the build threads around here. It's been up and cycling for almost a month now. While that's been going on, I've been buying equipment and trying to keep my impatience to a minimum. I've been testing on and off and my cycle has come to an end. However, I'm going to give it another month because I will be quarantining my fish, which I'm picking up tomorrow (Blue Fin Watchman Goby). With that said, here's the breakdown (you'll be able to tell which build threads are my favorite):

- 29g BioCube with stand
- 25ish lbs of sand
- 25ish lbs of dry rock
- BRS 6 Stage Ro/Di
- Kessil a360w (pulled the top off, planning on getting a screen top before fish goes in DT)
- Ecotech Mp10
- Apex controller with WXM module
- 100w Cobalt Neo-Therm Heater
- Tunze Nano Osmolator ATO
- Sicce 1.5 return pump
- inTank Media Basket
- Tunze 9001 Skimmer (I know, I know. Once I see how bad it really is, I'll switch it for the AquaticLife)
- Test kits are RedSea. Probably going to get the Hanna Checker for phosphate. Yes? No? Maybe?
- Have the Neptune DOS dosing pumps, Kalkwasser, and BRS mini reactor coming in the mail because I'm really good at spending money (my boyfriend has no idea these are coming. Surprise!).

And now for my colorless tank:

- Emily

 

[FindingEmily]

Why yes, this is another 29g BC Build

I thought this thread didn't go through. Good thing I checked before I made another one!

Got my goby in QT when I picked him up on 1/27. He wasn't eating for the first day and a half, which had me worried. But once he settled he, I've come to find out he's a pig. Will eat everything I put in there (flakes, NLS pellets, frozen mysis shrimp). I've named him Scooter (naming him wasn't the kissof death.. yet).

The diatoms exploded so this past week I picked up a tiny CUC. 6 Trochus snails, which started off really well and then decided the inside of the rocks needed to be cleaned more than the outside, aka I never see them. Also got 2 cleaner shrimp which have a love hate relationship with each other.

My boyfriend really wants a golden dwarf eel. I keep saying no. So I figured a tiger tail cucumber kind-ish resembles an eel. So, naturally, he found a rock he likes to hide in and never comes out.

Everything is doing well so far. Have a few things coming in the mail:
- a camera to hook up to the apex (I'm definitely going to be a helicopter parent)
- the AquaticLife 115 skimmer (I can't even tell you what I think of the tunze because one of the little plastic bits holding on the magnet decided to fall off and just won't sit the way I need it to)
- inTank fuge basket
- some nano-glo jBJ light for fuge
- and the new IM probe cradle holder thingy

 

[ChadO]

Congrats and welcome!

I just installed my inTank fuge basket last night, along with the JBJ nano-glo light. One thing that I ran into is that the fuge basket won't fit if you install the JBJ light first. The magnet to hold the JBJ light is too bulky, and it'll prevent the fuge basket from going all the way down. However, the magnet is strong enough to hold both the light and the fuge basket. What I did, was zip tied my JBJ magnet to the bottom of the fuge basket by looping the zip tie through the holes on the green fuge shelf. That allowed the magnet to stay in place while I lowered both down into the tank. I then put the light against the back, and the magnet connected right up, and now I have it exactly in place where I want it. I snapped some pictures after I zip tied the magnet to the fuge basket - if it makes sense to see a picture, let me know and I can share.

 

[ReefWreak]

My boyfriend really wants a golden dwarf eel. I keep saying no. So I figured a tiger tail cucumber kind-ish resembles an eel. So, naturally, he found a rock he likes to hide in and never comes out.

Sounds about right. I'm hesitating getting a tigertail because of the small tank size. But I have always liked them, and they do keep the sand clean.

- the AquaticLife 115 skimmer (I can't even tell you what I think of the tunze because one of the little plastic bits holding on the magnet decided to fall off and just won't sit the way I need it to)

Yeah, when I received the 9001 from soulpatch, one of the tabs was broken already, and I found the tabs to be a pain in general, so I just glued the magnet to the body with 4 tiny dots of glue, enough to hold it but not be permanent. Pretty common issue, and once those tabs on the body are gone, you're doneski.

 

[FindingEmily]

Sounds about right. I'm hesitating getting a tigertail because of the small tank size. But I have always liked them, and they do keep the sand clean.







Yeah, when I received the 9001 from soulpatch, one of the tabs was broken already, and I found the tabs to be a pain in general, so I just glued the magnet to the body with 4 tiny dots of glue, enough to hold it but not be permanent. Pretty common issue, and once those tabs on the body are gone, you're doneski.

Slight fan girl moment. I've read yours, soulpatch's and homers build threads, and definitely used you 3 as a guide for mine.

My issue is even getting him on to the sand. But I want to buy animals because I like them, not just so they'll perform a job for me. So I'll find another way to deal with the sand.

As for putting glue on it, I've tried that. I've resorted to clipping it on to the wall between chambers 2 and 3 until my AquaticLife one arrives Tuesday.

 

[FindingEmily]

Congrats and welcome!

I just installed my inTank fuge basket last night, along with the JBJ nano-glo light. One thing that I ran into is that the fuge basket won't fit if you install the JBJ light first. The magnet to hold the JBJ light is too bulky, and it'll prevent the fuge basket from going all the way down. However, the magnet is strong enough to hold both the light and the fuge basket. What I did, was zip tied my JBJ magnet to the bottom of the fuge basket by looping the zip tie through the holes on the green fuge shelf. That allowed the magnet to stay in place while I lowered both down into the tank. I then put the light against the back, and the magnet connected right up, and now I have it exactly in place where I want it. I snapped some pictures after I zip tied the magnet to the fuge basket - if it makes sense to see a picture, let me know and I can share.

Yes, please do share!!! And thanks for that explanation!

 

[ChadO]

Sure, no problem. I've attached a couple pictures that hopefully give you a visual.

So, the magnet is underneath the green shelf, on the side of the fuge basket that has the fish logo on it. I was able to take zip ties, and go through the smallest holes on the shelf, to the bottom side, around the magnet, and then tighten. I then snipped the excess zip tie so that it is inside the the fuge area (ie. not sticking out the sides). Next, I simply slide the fuge basket down next to my media tower, and it goes all the way down and stands on the bottom of the chamber 2. I then take my light, and orientate it so that the lights are coming up the back of the tank, and the magnet for the light portion is on the bottom (this will totally make sense when you're at this step, because it will only logically go this direction). The light from the magnet will join with the magnet from the fuge, and you'll get a magnet, back glass of tank, thin fuge wall, and magnet sandwich. The bond will be strong enough to move both the light and fuge rack up and down.

 

[FindingEmily]

Why yes, this is another 29g BC Build

Wow thanks for that!! I'm definitely going to be referencing this when I get mine up and running. Only other question, how bad does the light bleed? The inTank media basket will be right next to it so I'd like for as much light to be concentrated on the fuge basket.

 

[ChadO]

It's very focused right on the basket. There is a little on the edges, but I don't think it's bad at all. I'm very happy with the light, no regrets.

 

[homer1475]

From what I've read, and certainly not first hand experience, the fuge basket is too small to actually work properly. Anyone that has chaeto growing in one, ends up dying because it cannot "tumble". Just my 2 pennies worth.

Looks like your moving along quite nicely. With the AL115 skimmer look up the airline mod(simple mod that helps noise level a ton), and I personally like the magnet mounting better then using the bracket, it just allows for more precise water level adjustment.

OOh just noticed, those foam covers for the mp pumps, save yourself some headaches and throw it away. They really protect nothing, and just end up killing your flow when they get full of crap. I've learned that if something gets "stuck" on the pump(like a fish), it wasn't healthy to begin with. Fish don't just get "stuck" to a PH, they have plenty of power to swim away from or too them(my clowns will play in the flow when my pumps ramp up to reefcrest mode in the AM, a lot like morning exercises).

Good luck, and remember two things, for the love of your tank and its inhabitants, have fun! When you stop having fun, is when its time to upgrade or get out of the hobby. And, nothing happens fast in this hobby. When it gets hectic, sit back grab a beer, and relax, think about it for a while, then go back at it.

 

[soulpatch]

Slight fan girl moment. I've read yours, soulpatch's and homers build threads, and definitely used you 3 as a guide for mine.

Thanks. Your tank is looking like it is off to a great start. And like me it appears you dove right in with buying most of the toys.

Since it will be some time before you need to dose (if ever) I would HIGHLY suggest you use the DOS for auto water changes. Have it swap out .5 or a gallon a day and you wont have to worry about weekly water changes for the most part and the tank will be healthier and more stable. Use Kalk in the ATO for your coral needs for now (as stocked as my tank is I only need Kalk right now)

I agree with Homer to remove the foam on the MP.

Make sure you removed the foam in the back of the BC that is on the bottom right before the return pump

Do yourself a BIG favor and get a float switch for your ATO container. I cant tell you how many times I have let mine go dry and then started to get temp warnings or such from my Apex as the temp probe came out of water. The float switch wired into your apex helps keep you alerted to the levels and avoid those OH CRAP moments

I tried the chateo and never had much success with it myself. The lack of tumble in the back was the deal breaker for me. Others have had success though so good luck. I think other types of macro would fare better back there (dragon's breath for one) but never tried before I just moved on.


So keep it up. Much like when Homer, Reef, and I all came onto the scene about a year ago some of us are moving onto bigger tanks (me and homer with reef doing so in spirit) so the torch gets passed on to others. We read other threads and also learned a lot from other's mistakes so hopefully the documenting of our issues helps you and others avoid them.

<insert creepy voice> We will be watching

 

[FindingEmily]

Thanks for all of your input guys! I will definitely be putting it to use. After all, this hobby is all about trial and error.

 

[ReefWreak]

Thanks for all of your input guys! I will definitely be putting it to use. After all, this hobby is all about trial and error.

Trial and error with the lives of those we have taken into our care in the balance

 

[FindingEmily]

Trial and error with the lives of those we have taken into our care in the balance

That's the scary part. I'm way too empathetic for my own good. Maybe I should have just stuck to collecting baseball cards instead of fish tanks.

 

[KJoFan]

I found the Aquaticlife and Tunze skimmers to be a waste of time. I am skimmerless with my BC29. First chamber houses my heater and middle chamber lower portion grows chaeto like mad with a small led light velcro'd to the back window area. Top of the 2nd chamber I use the stock mechanical filter cartridges and change them out about once a month.

I do a 5g water change every week or two and I can never get my nitrates to register higher than 1 ppm.

I harvest probably two large handfuls of chaeto per month from the back and leave a handful in there.

I also have the InTank media basket and fuge basket but have since abandoned them for this simple and seemingly successful setup.

 

[ReefWreak]

There's a million ways to do it. I haven't had my skimmer running for 4 months or so, just have some dragon's breath algae in the display and a bunch of corals growing like crazy in the display. But until you have a mature tank and have a successful alternative method, running a skimmer is definitely a good safety margin (as is doing frequent water changes).

One thing you'll take away from the hobby is that successful people don't necessarily follow one prescribed method, and usually have very different methodologies and experiences. Often these same methods are duplicated without success too. I would always build in as much margin of error as possible.

 

[KJoFan]

There's a million ways to do it. I haven't had my skimmer running for 4 months or so, just have some dragon's breath algae in the display and a bunch of corals growing like crazy in the display. But until you have a mature tank and have a successful alternative method, running a skimmer is definitely a good safety margin (as is doing frequent water changes)

This I do agree with this for sure. I ran a skimmer off and on within the first year of my tank's life. It for sure went through some rough patches, as every tank seems to. I started my BC in June of 2014 so it's 18 months old now.

 

[FindingEmily]

A big reason for me running a skimmer is because it helps keep my pH up. It fluctuates between 7.8 and 8. I know I shouldn't be chasing it, but I just want my animals to be happy and healthy.

 

[soulpatch]

Don't worry about chasing numbers especially PH. PH will rise and dip on its own within a range. Really unless you are running items like a calcium reactor it isn't worth chasing.

 

[ReefWreak]

Samesies. pH generally doesn't matter all that much. That being said, skimming aeration or a refugium growing algae on a reverse light cycle will keep it more level through the night. But at the end of the day it doesn't matter much.

It does, in theory, but in reality if you have aragonite sand, liverock, and adequate flow and water-surface interaction, pH isn't a big deal.