Biocube 8 or bigger for 1st ever SW tank

[stephen.scott]

I have recently aquired a biocube 8, decided to make it a SW. I have very little experience in SW. Would it be best to try and get a bigger aio or will this 8g work for a first time tank?
Mainly just zoas and softies... I think. Maybe a clown and shrimp...
All input is appreciated!
TIA

[jello]

should be fine. the highest thing with small tanks is the salinity swings. get a auto top off for it and you shouldn't have a problem. or just do lots of top offs.

[bigez]

You should be fine. As said before get a top off and it should take some of the stress out of it. Also remember with smaller tanks your parameters can swing pretty quickly if something does happen.

[kleankord]

why chime in when people have already said it? bc i think it's THAT important. I have a 33 and I lost several cleaner shrimp to what i believe ended up being swings in salinity or PH. 8 gal does not give you much wiggle room, I would say that the ATO is absolutely necessary. That being said, if bigger is an option, IMO go bigger. If not I love picos/nanos I just think they are less forgiving. GL HF

[J*Hawk*83]

Since its so small, water changes and a dependable saltwater test kit are gonna be your savior :)

[OOwl]

Sounds like a fun project and a great learning experience, especially since you already have the tank. Since you're close, let me know when it's cycled and ready for softies (since it's a used tank, might want to consider replacing the bulbs so you know they're putting off the right spectrum of light). I'll put together a little starter bag for you of some really hearty soft corals. I've got some Xenia that is the heartiest variety I've ever had. Best wishes to you!

[stephen.scott]

it came with 2 10000k bulbs, im going to replace for sure.
i have just been letting it run with freshwater in it for a week, temps get to 86, and with the hood cracked 84. fans make a weird noise so prob going to replace them, hope the temp drops with new fans. can i add LR/LS with theses temps? and cycle it, and before i add anything like coral and fish fix the fans and lights?
when i start ill top it off with water, but a ato will be pieced together.
i have a seachem multi test marine basic kit, that should work.
all i need is lights, fans, LS, LR, and a salinity tester!
thanks for all the input!

stephen.scott added 2 Minutes and 40 Seconds later...

i know a skimmer is not needed, but does anyone have a diy nano skimmer plans i can build?

[abufisher]

That is ok. U can stay small ... me and my friend experimented and it can be done. Just buy saltwater and already cured LR at the lfs.. And your tank can house a clown. Feather duster. Frog spawn. Pipe coral? Clam. Cleaner shrimp. No problem. Oh and snails and blue hermit crabs

[Typical Tony]

That is ok. U can stay small ... me and my friend experimented and it can be done. Just buy saltwater and already cured LR at the lfs.. And your tank can house a clown. Feather duster. Frog spawn. Pipe coral? Clam. Cleaner shrimp. No problem. Oh and snails and blue hermit crabs

That is way too much bioload for an 8g with no skimmer. Uh no do not add all of that without the tank fully cycled or all of that at all, im sorry but that is really bad advice.

For a biocube id recommend getting a 50/50 bulb with an actinic bulb. Those fans are crappy they are loud. As far as skimmers, not that many will fit in the back so id recommend making a media rack out of egg-crate and loading it with purigen or chemi pure elite. Also keep up on w/c once a week to make up for the lack of skimmer.

some good sites regarding biocubes..

nano-reef.com and look up the biocube resource

nano tuners for replacement parts
shop.mediabaskets.com for media racks and other replacement parts

[abufisher]

it has been about a month or little over now and they are still living and thriving... and a horseshoe crab hahah... just my opinion..


btw-- this is in a fluval edge. 6gallon tank. :D

[kleankord]

it has been about a month or little over now and they are still living and thriving... and a horseshoe crab hahah... just my opinion..


btw-- this is in a fluval edge. 6gallon tank. :D

what is alive and thriving? I mean, what's the stock list in the fluval edge?

[REID429]

yea thats entirely too much in a fluval edge. a clam really what kind of lighting is on this thing?

[OOwl]

Please tell me there's not a horseshoe crab in a 6-gallon tank? :eek:

[Typical Tony]

yea thats entirely too much in a fluval edge.

If Reid is telling you you have too much stuff than you really DO have too much stuff LOL :D

[REID429]

If Reid is telling you you have too much stuff than you really DO have too much stuff LOL :D
no kidding lol, wait to see my pics this week of my tank. its so crazy lol

[stephen.scott]

Ok got rid of the bc8, got a 42g custom cadlights aquarium. Will be starting a new post on progress and I have several questions on dosing and coral placement and lighting!

[kleankord]

imho, much better platform to start with. gl hf

[REID429]

aww thats my tank i was suppose to buy