The Kerrnel

Everything I have in that tank is stock except the return pump (MJ900). My understanding of the filtration, and this is just my limited understanding, is that the mechanics are such that the water should be overflowing into the overflow chamber and going through the ceramic media sock for filtration, then through the carbon media, then through the sponge (similar in theory to a sump/skimmer setup). So I have my sponge at the bottom of the chamber, the chemi-pure sock on top of it, and then the ball sock on top of that. The water then exits out the overflow chamber at the bottom, comes over the barrier, down to the bottom again, and into the return chamber. The only thing I have in the middle chamber with the barrier is my heater. I think the main function of the sponge is to filter out smaller particles and keep air bubbles down. Having the balls after the sponge may introduce bubbles from the disturbed flow, and I don't think you'd get much filtration effectiveness from them...the sponge would just clog up with the larger particles that the balls would normally take care of. At least that's how I see things with my limited understanding. I could be off-base, and if I am, someone please correct me, but this makes sense in my head somehow. The sponge may goop up quicker the way you have it setup, which might reduce flow and filtration effectiveness. I'd try the way I've got mine setup and see if it makes a difference. If you keep religiously to a weekly water change of 1-2g, then you can probably get away with the bioload you have. If you have doubts about it, its probably safer to move the Mandarin...they'd probably like the bigger tank anyway. Unfortunately there are no real mods for the Aquapod 12g, with perhaps the exception of putting in a 5w UV filter. I'm looking into this, but not sure how much of a difference it would make in such a small tank with frequent water changes for the money I'd spend on it. Mike.

Don't get me wrong, the vortechs look nice, and I'll probably end up getting one whenever I upgrade to a larger tank, but for a 12g, as nice as it would be to have adjustable flow, it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay over a hundred bucks for a PH for that kind of setup. Unless you've got cash to burn, but then you'd probably not have a 12g. Mike.

I'm running an Aquapod 12 as well. I ran one a couple years ago and re-started it, and my lessons learned are: - Use a filter sponge (like Aquaclear 70) - Put a half-size unit of Chemi-Pure on top of the sponge - Put a bag of Aquaclear filter balls (fluval-looking rocks) on top of that Those go in the overflow chamber. For best results, put a sheet of plastic or something down in that chamber to block the bottom two intake vents to get more flow from the overflow as opposed to mid- and bottom-tank water. - Water changes, water changes, water changes! Once a week, 1 to 2 gallons. You can get away with no skimmer by doing weekly water changes of one to two gallons, and rinsing the sponge and ball bag (ball sack? lol). Replace the Chemi-Pure once a month. When I had the tank going two years ago, I was doing water changes every two weeks, and not rinsing the media. I am FAR FAR happier this time around now that I'm keeping to a weekly regimen and maintaining the filter media. There really aren't any good mods for the Aquapod 12. Your bio-load may be a little too heavy for such a small tank. I think I'm pretty much at the limit, and I've got two clowns and a scooter. You may want to move one of your fish (probably the mandarin) to your 55g.

Good lord, a vortech mp10es is way overkill for the $$ for a BC14! I've got an Aquapod 12g, very similar to the BC14 and have a MJ900 as the return pump as well. The corals themselves you're keeping I think are ok with just that, but for overall health of the tank I do think additional flow is needed. Originally I tried the MJ600 has my additional PH and felt it had too much footprint for the tank, and not enough flow to keep the algae down. I ended up going with the Koralia Nano 425gph. The challenge is to find the right flow pattern. My tank is doing better with the Nano. Mike.

I swung by there on Thursday and the place has some real potential when the back is opened up. They said anything you can find on marines depot they can get.you for the same price if.they don't have it in stock. I'd verify that before taking my word for it though. From what I could tell, dry good prices were competitive with other stores in the area (brk, marine scene, centreville, etc). Mike.

Thanks for the responses... I have a skimmer for the 29g so should be good with the nitrates. And if i'm not mistaken I can use one of the chambers as a fuge if needed. I heard rumour that the Nova Extreme Pro had been discontinued...is there any potential for parts/bulb replacement issues? Does anyone know if there is a part number for the glass hood for the BC29 HQI model? If I do go with a T5 or any other fixture, I'd like to close off the top of the tank. Mike.

I have a BioCube 29g and am thinking about upgrading to a T5 fixture from the stock PC hood. Unless someone knows of a retro T5 kit...one that doesn't involve cutting the existing hood. I briefly looked into the nanotuner led upgrade kit and...well, $575 is not in my budget. I would like to keep SPS, maybe a clam?, but for sure delve into the SPS realm. Would the 20" 6x18w T5 from Current do the job, or should I be looking for another solution? Mike.

Maybe he's a Tide fan. Could be he treated the tap water with some of that stuff that makes it safe for aquariums. There is a BioSpira product out there that will artificially complete the cycle in a 24-48h period...it could be he's using some of that, or doing something he's not telling you about. I agree though, if he isn't doing anything other than what you describe, its amazing the fish are happy. Mike.

So I keep seeing references for both corals and fish, and I guess even inverts for that matter, that they should be fed 1-3 times a day. Now, I know over-feeding is often a problem. Personally, I target-feed my corals once every two days, and when I had fish (picking some up this weekend for my new tank) I'd feed them on the days I didn't feed the corals. Is that bad, given these recommendations I'm seeing for feeding them 1-3 times daily? I would think this exacerbates the over-feeding problem, especially with new reefkeepers. Looking for some guidance on this, thanks! Mike.

Decided to hike my skirt up and show it who the boss was and finally got the hose connected to the return socket. It is sad how good that one small victory felt. At least I should now be able to get everything working by the weekend to start cycling! Is it possible to cycle a new tank with no lighting for a few days other than ambient light? Mike.

Had some time today after working overnight to hit some of the LFS' for parts and managed to scrounge up most of what I think I need. Got an order in for the fans from Marine Scene and they should be in next week, but I can get by until then. I've decided to just go with the stock replacement stuff instead. Saves a lot of headache. If I feel the need to go beyond its capabilities, I'll get another tank. Now my problem is with the replacement pump... I picked up a MJ900 and a replacement 1/2" hose to connect it to the return bulkhead, but darned if my ham hands can't maneuver in that return chamber! I'm also worried the hose is too soft and at that sharp an angle might crimp and cut circulation. Wondering if I should find a 1/2" 90degree grommet to connect two pieces of hose to to ensure there isn't a flow restriction. At least that way I can probably leverage the hose into the bulkhead socket. If anyone with small hands is in the Centreville area and wants to help me out... Kidding. Sort of. Hopefully can get all the hardware together and working by the weekend so I can load up with rock and water and start the cycle. Mike.

The Nano-Cube isn't the same as the Aquapod is it? If Nano-Cube/Aquapod/BioCube are all more or less interchangeable at the 12g-14g models, I wonder if the Biocube nanocustom kit would fit in the Aquapod 12g hood? I think that kit's about $90 and gives me an extra PC pair, bumping it from 54w to 72w. Not sure since I think it has an extra fan so probably wouldn't work. I think I can find the parts online, but was kinda hoping someone may have one laying around or have alternate solutions. If the shape wasn't curved, I'd probably take a stab at making my own hood/canopy. Mike.