Starting a new biocube 14!!

I just ordered it and it should be arriving sometime this week. In the meantime i got myself a couple books to read while im waiting. However im still pretty confused, When i get the tank where should I start? And what is a pretty good way to start THE cycle on my 14g biocube? Any advice would be awesome, the only LFS in town is going to be closing soon and the only place left is petco!

 

You will want to start by getting sand, dry rock and a little bit of live rock rubble. about 5% of the total rock you want in the tank should be live rock. Place your rock in the tank first then put the sand in around it. This keeps fish from moving the sand out from under rocks which could cause rocks to fall. After you have it all in add your premixed salt water and a raw shrimp. That should get your cycle underway. Then it's time for the waiting game.

 

Nice to see another biocuber joining 3reef. I have a 29 myself and love it. When you get it, you should start by setting it up as the directions say and make sure all of the lights work. I had one bulb on mine that didn't work. Called the warranty and they shipped me a new one for free. After you do that, you can go ahead and put your salt water in and get the pump going. You can go ahead and add your rock and sand at this point too.

 

Thanks, I have heard nothing but great things about the biocube, I wanted one the second i saw it about a year ago.

 

Thanks for the tip, so im assuming the organisms on the live rock will eventually start growing on the dry rock??? and just any raw shrimp?

 

Yep the coralline algae and bacteria will spread from the live rock and before you know it all your rock will be live rock. Using base rock for most of it helps cut down on cost and helps cut down on chances of picking up bad hitch hikers.

Any raw shrimp will work. For that small of a tank you may not even need one though. I would give it a week and see if die off from the 5% live rock will get the cycle going. If not you should be able to throw in a block of frozen brine or other fish food to start it.

Have you already purchased your test kit's?

 

Not yet, i was gonna head to my LFS before class and pick up salt, hydrometer and a master test kit today. I do have an ammonia test already i would just like the rest.

 

make sure to get a reef test kit as well as a saltwater test kit. they contain different test and you will want them all. I have a established biocube 14 and i really enjoy it! I also have a biocube 29 that has been cycling for about three weeks now! They are really awesome and neat looking. Just order your stuff online rather than petco! Read Read REad READ READ READ READ!!!!! Buy a good salt too and RO water! Dont use the filter pad yet and dont turn on the lights until the cycling is done.

 

right on, i will definitely keep that in mind. What kind of heater are you using for the 14g?

 

Hey Mike,does the HVAC in your username mean that's what you do for a living?If so,thats what I do,for 22 years now!