Starting New BioCube 29

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by AZBioCube29, Apr 14, 2012.

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  1. AZBioCube29

    AZBioCube29 Plankton

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    It's been over 10 years since I last had a SW tank. Decided to go small & am just getting ready to order a BioCube 29. Any suggestions for set up & stocking? I'm thinking of going with some dry rock & seeding with a few small pieces from a LFS. What are the thoughts on standard 29 vs HQI? Here in AZ, heat can be an issue. Concerned about keeping tank cool. Thank you for your time!:)
     
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  3. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    hey bud i would look into LED, there are some great sites on easy led upgrades for those 29 gallon tanks!
     
  4. Inertiatic

    Inertiatic Bubble Tip Anemone

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    I second this idea!

    Check out these options for your tank from RapidLED. Retrofit kits - Nano Kits - BioCube 29 - Rapid LED

    It will fit right into your hood once you gut it.
     
  5. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    Hey! I would recommend looking at mine, Biocube's, and Ashvillian's biocube builds. Two things i would recommend with the biocube:

    1. Mod the crap out of it. New pump, new filtration(InTank Media Baskets), new skimmer. Heres what I've done with mine as far as filtration: Biocube 29 Filtration set up - YouTube

    2. new lights. This thing runs HOT. either take the hood off and do t5s or retrofit the hood with LEDs.

    HOPE THIS HELPS!
     
  6. AZBioCube29

    AZBioCube29 Plankton

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    Should I retrofit LED or go with the 29 HQI?
     
  7. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    I would do the HQI. Nothing grows corals better than MH.
     
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  9. element

    element Fire Worm

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    LED for sure. Just the pcs were way too hot in both of mine and I keep the house at 75 at nite and 79 in the day. I did led in both of mine.
     
  10. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    LED Will grow SPS, don't get me wrong, but nothing compares to the rapid growth rates of MH.
     
  11. AZBioCube29

    AZBioCube29 Plankton

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    It seems like it would be much cheaper to just go with the the BioCube 29 HQI. The LED upgrades cost almost as much as the HQI? Will I have heat issues with the HQI? Some people have commented about the amount of electricity they use. Do they really use enough to make a noticeable difference on my electric bill?
     
  12. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    I think it's a 150w right? So yeah it will use more. But not much more than like a 24" 6 bulb t5 would. It will definitely be more than LEDs. What temp do you keep your house at? Usually fans will be enough to keep the temp down.