Biocube29 as first tank

Ron · 05-31-2007, 09:40 PM

I am thinking of getting into SW and was wondering about the BC29. I figure that I can start out with FOWLR and then slowly move into corals, but I have a few questions:

I have read mixed advice on starting out with a small tank, some say it's foolish to start with such a small tank while others encourage it - any thoughts?

What type of corals could I keep with the stock lighting in the BC29? LFS guy said I could keep soft corals - Anyone have any experience with the stock lighting?

I would be happy with a few small fish and some corals and thought this might be the way to go to test out a SW tank.

Any comments would be much appreciated,

Ron

**wwest** · 05-31-2007, 10:05 PM

The 29gal biocube isn't a bad choice. I think they are a great all in one and you can upgrade the bio ball chamber to a skimmer chamber later on.

I have mixed feelings about starting small or starting large. The benifits of having a large tank is it crashes a lot slower lol It really depends on what you want to do with the tank and how much time you want to put into it.

Soft corals would be perfect for that tank. If I'm not mistaken you can upgrade the lights later to MH's but I'm not sure about that.

I would start with the bio and work from there. Just be prepared to either go bigger better and more money or keep the tank.

With salt water you are either addicted or not. IMO of course

Most people are addicted

Psychojam · 05-31-2007, 10:19 PM

Hi Ron,

I've just started a 14g Biocube as a first saltwater tank. You're welcome to follow my progress here

In the podcasts, Rob suggested no smaller than a 55 gallon for a beginner. My hope is that if I take it slow, keep up on routine maintenence and stick with hardy specimens, then I should be alright.

Sometimes if you start with something that is harder to do, it can really hone your skills and make having a larger tank even that much easier. Of course, this is how I see it now. I guess we'll see!

Best of luck!

**CarmieJo** · 05-31-2007, 10:34 PM

Conventional wisdom says that beginners need a larger tank because they are more forgiving. Disaster is the only thing that happens fast! When you have a nano for your first tank you must be extra vigilant of water quality and discipline yourself to not overfeed.

veriann · 05-31-2007, 11:22 PM

welcome to paradise ron, hope you enjoy your stay!

you know, & this is just me thinking out loud for a sec... i believe for those whom are new, & travel the nano route, to invest in a constant slow drip system that both dumps & replenishes the water. dilution will always be the solution,& in most cases your first nano will be of lower parameter animals as a stereo typical responce.

money well spend on a device to help you long term.

Bluemax4 · 06-01-2007, 08:45 AM

buy the bigest tank you can pay for. thats what i heard.

cloob · 06-01-2007, 02:25 PM

I bought a BC29 back in November and it is my first tank. I absolutley love it. Yes, you do need to be vigilant on making sure the levels stay stable and I change 2.5 gallons of water per week. My tank eats calcium likes there no tomorrow but that's due to it still being really young. I've made quite a few upgrades, new pump (350gph), 144w lighting upgrade, sapphire skimmer in 2nd chamber.

Ron · 06-01-2007, 10:48 PM

Thanks everyone for your comments and insight!

Cloob, did you make all of your upgrades from the start or did you find the stock tank too limiting and upgrade later? What kind of livestock do you have in your tank?

Thanks,

Ron

cloob · 06-03-2007, 08:23 AM

Ron,

I pretty much followed the advice of a poster over at nano-reefs. He is pretty much known as the man of the BC29 with all the mods he has made to make the BC29 really efficient.

Got my BC29 today...... - Nano-Reef.com Forums

I made all my mods over a few months, sapphire skimmer in 2nd chamber, modified flow from 1st to 2nd chamber, Rio 6hf return pump with loc-line splitter for two return heads, one is hydor flo and the other a normal head for surface agitation. Upgrade lighting NanoTuners 144w upgrade with better fans.

The BC29 is a beautiful tank but they didn't really put quality thought into the filtration system ie terrible carbon filter, I used a dremel and took out the carbon in the filter and now fill the filter frame with filter padding which allows for better flow through the filter. Bio balls are a terrible for fitration as it contributes to Nitrates.

Here is my stock list: 29 gal Bio Cube, Nanotuners 4.36 144w light upgrade, Sapphire Aquatics BC29 skimmer, Rio 6hf main with locline return splitter, hydorflo, Candy Coral, Zoas, Green toadstool, BTA, Asst. Snails, Emerald Green Crab, Xenia, small featherdusters, Saddleback Clown, Bicolor Blenny, purple pseudochromis, green clown goby, yellow clown goby, Purple Ricordias.

Larry Copperband · 06-03-2007, 08:05 PM

Oceanic has been making quality systems for as long as I can remember.The 29 Bio Cube is a perfect starter aquarium IMO.
All inclusive systems really help simplify all that's needed for success.
A lesson I learned:Get the matching stand for all "Cube" Aquariums.
I just saw the new Oceanic 72 RR Bowfront.As nice as they come.
Congrats on your new purchase,Ron.