New biocube 14

[txg8gxp]

How's it going, Well I have a new biocube 14 today to start the adventure with. I have alot more info I need to get straight before starting my upcomeing 70-90g. This will be a great test mule for led's ext. Any usefull info on the biocube would be great. I will add some pics as soon as I can get this thing up and cycling. Thanks, Stephen.

[txg8gxp]

Anyone have any cured live sand and rock they are willing to sell?

[jlh81]

cant wait to see the build

[saabtech]

well we got it up and running!!!! chime in steven.

[txg8gxp]

Well, Thanks to saabtech my new tank is up and running. When I came into work this morning the tank had been running right around 12 hours. The water is crystal clear looking great. Saabtech hooked me up with some cured live sand, few small pieces or cured rock, used bioballs with all kinds of goodies on them, plus a cool little hermit crab that is running around and eating ( he looks happy,so I'm happy) I will try to get some pictures to add as soon as possible. SW tanks are too cool, I stayed up till like 1:30 last night just watching the one crab run around.:thumbs_up:

[txg8gxp]

Nothing special, but it is a start. Well, I think you guys have a new long term member. I don't really have anything yet and already love it. Thanks, stephen

[cbianco]

How's it going, Well I have a new biocube 14 today to start the adventure with. I have alot more info I need to get straight before starting my upcomeing 70-90g. This will be a great test mule for led's ext. Any usefull info on the biocube would be great. I will add some pics as soon as I can get this thing up and cycling. Thanks, Stephen.

Reef tanks start slow but get interesting really fast! Keep up the dedication and the effort and it will pay off quickly. Good luck in your endeavors.

Christopher

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, I can't wait to see what is going on in about 6 months.


Reef tanks start slow but get interesting really fast! Keep up the dedication and the effort and it will pay off quickly. Good luck in your endeavors.

Christopher

[saabtech]

the goal was to lessen or eleminate the "new tank cycle" by using cured rock, sand, bio-balls and water from a well established tank to stop any toxic cycle spikes. the water we put in it had reading all around 0ppm and ideal ph and temp. the move was only 3 miles away so nothing had an opportunity to die, cool off, stess etc. the new tank was as clean and sanitary as possible and all parameters are stable.
looks like he will be able to add to it soon.
(also has some clean salt water on standby for changes if needed WATER CHANGES DURING THE CYCLE KEEP LIVE ROCK and SAND ALIVE!) :applause:

[txg8gxp]

Wow saabtech, you sound smart:lauging:... yea, I had too.

[Big_Pun]

as annoying as it is, i like the new tank cycle, cool to watch the tank go from ugly to mature, but yea be patient and just keep an eye on it, as soon as you run into something dont be scared to ask there usually someone on to help

[txg8gxp]

I'm with you on that one, I don't mind the cycle. Well, I guess you deal with it or find a new hobby.

as annoying as it is, i like the new tank cycle, cool to watch the tank go from ugly to mature, but yea be patient and just keep an eye on it, as soon as you run into something dont be scared to ask there usually someone on to help

[jlh81]

cool cant wait to see more

[txg8gxp]

Well, give me an hour or so... More pics to come.

[txg8gxp]

Just a couple new pieces of live rock.

[saabtech]

lookin' better

[txg8gxp]

One more pic

[Europhyllia]

I really like the types of rock you chose. So lightweight and porous looking rather than jsut a big hunk of solid rock. Nice! :)

[saabtech]

what are your parameters after 48 hrs?
with small tanks when something goes bad.... it goes fast....

[txg8gxp]

Nitrate 0-2ppm
pH 7.8-7.9
ammonia 0ppm

[txg8gxp]

Thanks

I really like the types of rock you chose. So lightweight and porous looking rather than jsut a big hunk of solid rock. Nice! :)

[saabtech]

Nitrate 0-2ppm
pH 7.8-7.9
ammonia 0ppm
that looks great!:shades:

[txg8gxp]

Another piece of rock.

[saabtech]

what about a swimmer?

i like the rock, comeing right along.

[txg8gxp]

only one little one, if it will stay out of the rocks for awhile I can get a pic..

[txg8gxp]

Nothing special but it is a start.

[saabtech]

cool that will keep the ammonia oxidizing bacteria stable. just keep testing Just in case something goes sour.

[txg8gxp]

Rock is now done, I also picked up a little watchmen goby.

[txg8gxp]

I thought it was about time for an update.
Everything is testing good. As of last night before I shut the lights down, I tested and my pH is up to 8.0-8.1(much better than my old 7.8-7.9). My tank is now producing green algae, not tons but a good amount.(You can see in the side tank picture). On the bad side my halloween crab desided he wanted a nice sit down dinner, and ordered a plate of fresh damsel. ??? Now I'm just not sure what to do with it... Besides that everything is good. Now on to a few pictures.

[txg8gxp]

A few more

[saabtech]

i like the brightness of the young watchman. cool pic.

[txg8gxp]

Saabtech drop by with a mushroom for me tonight. Not the best pics, but better than nothing.

[saabtech]

still looks a little shocked. the shroom will open up to about 1 inch when he feels better. then start growing and multiplying!

[txg8gxp]

Well I have started my bc14 led upgrade. For now I only have my heatsink and led placement done. I am useing a 8.5"x5"x1" Al. heatsink with 6-blue cree xr-e led's and 6-white cree xr-e Q5 led's. Now for some pictures.

[txg8gxp]

Well, I have a few new additions. Thanks joelb. I think I will have to start feeding more, You can see the acan in the first pic.

[txg8gxp]

a few more pics, including the new lps from reef2u.

[txg8gxp]

These are probally my best pics yet.

[Mr Cob]

That last set looks great. Nice acans!

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, The acans are great. They are always happy and ready to eat.

[txg8gxp]

More pics

[jroescher]

I'm looking forward to seeing how you mount the LED fixture.

[saabtech]

a nice camera makes all the differance.
good pics.

[txg8gxp]

I'm still shocked I got that nice of pictures on 4 mega pix

[txg8gxp]

Small update. I removed the false floor in chamber 1. That was the hardest mod so far. Between the tight space and way too much silicone, it took at least 15 minutes for me to get it out of there. Even with that said, if you haven't done this mod....do it.

[Double-O-Zilch]

That's gonna be my next mod too. Just found this thread, looks to be coming along pretty good Steve. May have to see if I have any frags you want and trade. Plus I think that goby would look better in my tank. ;) That guy is sweet!.

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, chamber 2 mod soon to come. Just waiting for the media baskets to be in stock.

[txg8gxp]

A few pictures

[jroescher]

Small update. I removed the false floor in chamber 1. That was the hardest mod so far. Between the tight space and way too much silicone, it took at least 15 minutes for me to get it out of there. Even with that said, if you haven't done this mod....do it.

Why? What does that get you other than a few extra inches at the bottom?

And what other mods are you planning to do?

[txg8gxp]

I can now clean down there, and adds room for a media bag if you wanted. I am waiting for the media baskets at www.mediabaskets.com (http://www.mediabaskets.com) to be available. I will leave the stock pump for now, I have no problems with it. I'm also going to order and install some underwater lights in chamber 2 aswell.


Why? What does that get you other than a few extra inches at the bottom?

And what other mods are you planning to do?

[Double-O-Zilch]

That's some good looking livestock you're collecting there. Bet it's gonna be awesome when it's all grown in.

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, I hope so. Still tons I want though... All in good time.

[Mr.Schertz]

Why? What does that get you other than a few extra inches at the bottom?

And what other mods are you planning to do?
Increased room,increased flow,low amounts of detrius, and now you can siphon the bottom now.

[txg8gxp]

Update: Well, I have the led conversion done. Very happy...I have tons of pics I will post in the DIY section tread as soon as I can get off work..

[Double-O-Zilch]

Tell Robbie people are waiting and it's very important! Tell every one I said Happy New Year Steve and have a good one yourself.

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, and same to you.

[txg8gxp]

Pic with alot of blue

[txg8gxp]

More pics

[txg8gxp]

I change the rock around alittle. I like this layout alot better. I have the blue led's turned down alot on this video. It should look good once the water clear back up.
XSIYW5EIMkQ

[saabtech]

i like it the cave is cool... just about time for an tank upsize for that cleaner. hehehe

[txg8gxp]

Hey...If I want my cleaner shrimp to look like godzilla roaming the city, thats my thing.

[saabtech]

:rofl:
Hey...If I want my cleaner shrimp to look like godzilla roaming the city, thats my thing.

[txg8gxp]

A few pictures

[saabtech]

wow!! all those pics are great. it must be nice having all the inhabitance close to the camera in a smaller tank.

[txg8gxp]

More

[hobogato]

everything looks nice and healthy, great pics too!

[Europhyllia]

Very nice pics. Just noticed the east side is catching up. Go East side!

[Double-O-Zilch]

Looking freaking great Steve! Hey, the bigger he is the more he eats right!?

* Just watched the video and I'm way impressed. You sure you don't have Archimedes death ray shooting into that thing? I was on the fence about LEDs but now I'm sold. May be at the end of my list but, a few to went to all out!

[txg8gxp]

Now thats just funny..


[QUOTE=Double-O-Zilch;724363] You sure you don't have Archimedes death ray shooting into that thing? QUOTE]

[txg8gxp]

A few new additions. Thanks erik. I hope they are happy.

[ErikH]

Ok that's an ATL Pink Tulip Mille, Blue tipped Valida, and a Paletta Lovelli. Everything will probably take time to adjust. Going from 900w to LED should be a little bit of a change. Polyps are out though, that is a good thing. :)

[txg8gxp]

Another picture

[saabtech]

one month into saltwater and already fragging sps... you da man, man.

[saabtech]

this guy is holding out. his tank is near full and he hasn"t posted any pics in 5 days.
come on man! you got it going on!

[txg8gxp]

Here is one that was already on the computer...

[Double-O-Zilch]

C'mon Steve, quit holding out! I need to update too but I'm waiting for a few things to take foot first. Give us some new pics with them sweet LEDS man!

[txg8gxp]

How about another quick video..
gZFSQgt6hOc

[Double-O-Zilch]

Awesome man! One question though. Is all the sushi talk in the background intended? A little Stevearoo humor? LMAO!

[txg8gxp]

No, it wasn't. Just didnt turn the tv off...

[txg8gxp]

This is becoming one of my fav.

[txg8gxp]

A few more...

[Europhyllia]

The second picture looks interesting. What is it?

[txg8gxp]

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure. Kinda looks like a cross between a acan and favia to me.

[txg8gxp]

Feeding time.

[txg8gxp]

New ricordia

[Double-O-Zilch]

That ricordia looks awesome Steve. Still having trouble getting mine to take foot. It's more stubborn than the mushrooms! I guess that's what I get for buying it at a discount because it wasn't mounted.

[txg8gxp]

More pics

[txg8gxp]

New pics

[txg8gxp]

A good pic.

[Double-O-Zilch]

My ultra ricordia is coming around. Hope it looks that good soon.

[txg8gxp]

pic

[txg8gxp]

A few more

[txg8gxp]

My favorite coral.

[txg8gxp]

A few pics of the sun coral this morning. 1 or 2 more days of feeding I should have it fully bloomed out(I hope)

[txg8gxp]

Ok, well I got this chili coral yesterday. Im really glad to see it opened up already. Still looks like it has a way to go to be 100% happy, but I'm happy so far. If anyone has any experience with these guys, please let me know what you think.

[Europhyllia]

For me the thing with chili corals is FLOW. If your flow is right it will open every night like clock work. Tweak the flow a little bit in the wrong direction and it shuts down. It's a picky little critter. When the flow is right (and I'm still tweaking because I need my gorgs to be happy too) it opens overnight and stays open awhile after the lights come on.
It's definitely most active for me in the dark so I feed it before lights come on.
Love the sun coral. Those are my favorite as well.
You can always try feeding a little and then waiting 10-15 minutes until all of the polyps are out until you serve up the big meal.

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, I was hopeing you would respond. By the way I love your tank.. My new 45g project is going to be a NPS tank for sure.

[txg8gxp]

What do you feed your chili? I tempted mine last night with zooplex, mini mysis

[Europhyllia]

Thanks. The chili's (at least the one I have) polyps seem kind of small for mysis.
Since it's a soft coral I expect it to also take in a good amount of phyto (culture my own now but used DT's before)
My small polyped corals get:
rotifers
oyster eggs
prawn eggs (really like those)
cyclop-eez
Fauna Marin food for seafans and filter feeders
cyclops

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, ...now I have another shopping list. Yeah..hahaha

[Europhyllia]

add a Kent Sea Squirt to that ;) (got to drill the hole a little bigger though or else the mysis will get stuck)

[txg8gxp]

I turned on my 2nd pump and the chili did like it.

[txg8gxp]

Oyea, for sure..



add a Kent Sea Squirt to that ;) (got to drill the hole a little bigger though or else the mysis will get stuck)

[txg8gxp]

OK, I now have some rotifers, oyster eggs, cyclops, plus my 50/50 coral mix, mini mysis. That will do for now anyways.


Thanks. The chili's (at least the one I have) polyps seem kind of small for mysis.
Since it's a soft coral I expect it to also take in a good amount of phyto (culture my own now but used DT's before)
My small polyped corals get:
rotifers
oyster eggs
prawn eggs (really like those)
cyclop-eez
Fauna Marin food for seafans and filter feeders
cyclops

[txg8gxp]

pics

[txg8gxp]

A quick pic of my watchmen gody and pistol shrimp(aka Caterpillar D11)

[swjim]

This looks great! I'm anxious to see how things progress with the LEDs, as I said in your LED thread I'm seriously thinking about trying a similar build myself. Once again, great job!

[txg8gxp]

Thanks, any questions feal free to ask.

[txg8gxp]

Update: Coral is now all moved into my 20L frag tank, so I wanted to make the biocube super easy. I redid the rock work, and got some halimeda from Stangchris. Now its starting to look like a macro tank. Once I get some more macro It should start looking really nice.
http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy46/txg8gxp/DSC00430.jpg?t=1270156089

[txg8gxp]

New macro tank is starting to come together.
http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy46/txg8gxp/DSC00440.jpg?t=1270241711

[txav8r]

Looking good!