29 Biocube HQi Setup

[RTElite12]

I am setting up a 29 gallon biocube HQi. I built a custom  ten gallon sump refugium, using a HOB overflow, return pump, and flexible tubing for the plumbing and return. For circulation, I believe I have a Koralia 420 plus the return pump that comes with the tank. I am going to use live rock and live sand. For salt, I am using Instant Ocean Reef Salt. I am still debating what the stocking list is going to be and open to suggestions. For filtration I am still looking for a protein skimmer (also looking for suggestions) and have a BRS carbon reactor. The lighting is the regular 150 watt metal halide that comes with the tank. I also have a A.T.O. System I am planning to use.

 

Please share your thoughts or suggestions. Thank You.

[smallreef]

Sounds like a good start!

Depending on what your keeping you may not need to use the carbon reactor...or you could use phosban or another similar product in it...

I like having protein skimmers, but to fit on that sized tank I'm not sure of a good one for you, there are other members with aio's that will be able to make good suggestions...

[RTElite12]

I know carbon isn`t good for tangs and fish like that. Are there any fish I would be considering for a biocube with problems like that?

[smallreef]

Its not necessarily the carbon itself...its the fines that has been linked to think like Hlle in tangs and such...

but I'm still not a proponent of tumbling for such a small tank...you could put carbon in a mesh bag in one of the chambers with some passive flow and still get the water cleaning results..I just thing running s phosphate remover would be more beneficial...

 

but as far as fish...depending on any corals you want you could try a dwarf angel...there are some thaaren't supposed to be as bad in a reef tank,lol

[RTElite12]

yeah, I see what you are saying

[RTElite12]

Any stocking suggestions?

[sen5241b]

I had a BC29 with a 2.5G fuge and had zero trates. With a ten gallon sump refugium you will be able to stock it good. I suggest a Mandarin goby for that tank.

[RTElite12]

My 29 gallon biocube HQi has been running for a little while now. I bought a 4" Reef Octopus skimmer (having a little hard time tuning it even with constant water level. Might be depth of water though) which ended up taking the place of the refugium in the sump. I plan on starting the refugium in the middle compartment in the back (I just need to get some chaeto). I still have the carbon reactor up and running. I am running into some minor problems with hair algae but I plan on running GFO with the carbon when I get the GFO in a few days so that should clear up the phosphates. The refugium should clear up the about 10 ppm of nitrates I have. I believe all of the phosphates and nitrates are coming from a little to much food because I have pretty good flow in the display between two powerheads and two pumps and I use RODI (I am getting another powerhead in a few days also) so I don`t think detritus is settling. I am getting some two part from BRS in a few days so I can start dosing to try to keep the water parameters more stable.

 

Current stocking list:

2 clowns

1 Sally lightfoot crab (clowns and crab from friend taking down tank)

1 lawnmower blenny (not sure if I like him or not yet. Sure is doing a good job on the algae though)

13 astreas 

7 Cerith/ nassarius snails

7 Blue leg hermits

 

Coral:

Pulsing Xenia      (on own isolated rock)

GSP                     (on own isolated rock)

Red and Green Favia 

Trumpet               (don`t think this guy is going to make it)

Birdsnest             (good growth)

encrusting sps     (not sure what type) (got from a friend who said it was a slow grower but it has grown fairly fast for me.)

leather

 

If everything goes according to plan, I would like to add a few more sps in the future.

 

I am really open to suggestions especially on filtration and stocking

[RTElite12]

I forgot, I also have a few heads of Duncan's which are doing very well and a monti cap which is tiny and I don't know if it's going to make it or not yet.