29 Gallon Biocube Help

[Katy410]

Hello! It's finally here! Be prepared for a long post, because I finally got my 29 G Coralife Biocube. Here it is, not exactly in place, on a stand. I apologize. I could not avoid those reflections. Anywho, I took a trip down to the LFS tonight and picked up a lot of equipment. The only thins that I think I need are live rock, a bit more sand, cleaning supplies, a few chemicals, and a few more test kits, and I'll be good to go! I do plan in replacing the bio balls, but with what, and should I do it now it later down the line?
1.Coralife Biocube Filter Cartridge
2.Tap Water Filter RO/DI

3.Carib Sea Live Sand

4.Marineland 100 Watt Submersible Heater 29 G
5.API Glass Cleaning Pads. I don't think I will be able to use these, because I am pretty sure that Coralife is acrylic.
6.Hydor Koralia circulation and water pumpIf this has too much flow, please tell me. The manager just handed this to me.
7.Coralife Deep-six hydrometer
8.Deep Blue Glass Thermometer
9.API Test Strips

So, what else do I need? I assume I also need stuff(gravel vacuum?) for water changes. Do I keep both of my lifts on all day? And also, I do have a few more questions, which can wait. Thanks again!
~Katy

 

[Scaravian777]

Try a skimmer as well if you plan on putting any coral in that is. A small one will due. Pod look with your tank!

 

[Scaravian777]

As for lights try to set a cycle usually a 12 hour light cycle best achivable by adding a timer to the equation.

 

[carey]

Congratulations on your tank!

The first thing I would do is return those test strips and get liquid tests, from API. they are waaaay more accurate than those strips and you will need it for the cycle.

A skimmer isnt really necessary, specially at this stage. Good to have but not 100% needed.
You seem to be on track! Good luck

 

[Katy410]

I used some of those strips to do a test on my tap water, so I guess I'm keepin' them for back up! So for the liquid, is there anything else that I need to test? And also, how do I clean my tank before adding water? And where should I place my power head? Does it have too much flow? So many questions!

 

[Scaravian777]

Just wash it out with regular water nothing big. That's what I did. For the power head check how much flow it has on the box it say the gallons per hour. (GPH)

 

[Scaravian777]

Place the power head somewhere that would create good flow. (Mainly up to you) and I'm not a fan of the strips either. They aren't as accurate

 

[Katy410]

Just wash it out with regular water nothing big. That's what I did. For the power head check how much flow it has on the box it say the gallons per hour. (GPH)

It's a 240GPH. I think that we need to exchange it for a 420.

 

[Scaravian777]

Yeah that should be fine. You just want good flow in general

 

[carey]

I ran a 425 gph koralia on my 29g cube for years and it was perfect flow.

 

[Katy410]

Usually, the owner's there, but last night he wasn't. A new manager was there, and, from what I saw, he only knew about 60% of everything. Like, he just kind of threw stuff at me, and totally forgot about flow, water checks, and everything! By the way, what do you guys use for your water changes?

 

[Scaravian777]

I use RO / DI water.

 

[Katy410]

I use RO / DI water.

Do you have a live sand bed? And do you use a gravel vacuum on it?

 

[Scaravian777]

I clean it with a siphon once in a while and my substrate is made of mainly live sand and crushed coral

 

[Katy410]

May I ask what brand?

 

[Scaravian777]

Both are Caribsea it's pretty fine sand

 

[Katy410]

You know what? I didn't check a few things on my water/sand. Gotta run down real quick and see how "fine" it is. Only one problem: I think that it sprung a leak. Either that, or something else is leaking in my stand, because there isn't any water in my tank yet.

 

[Scaravian777]

Leaks in the bags are common

 

[Katy410]

Leaks in the bags are common

Sorry about that delayed reply! Tens out, the bag was just wet from the shelves, and that my Instant Pcean Salt is leaking. Uh oh.

 

[Scaravian777]

Do you plan on making a reef or a fish tank ?