New 14G BioCube

[all4wheels2]

I'm setting up a 14g Biocube and I want to know what's better - Live sand or crushed coral, and why?

I already put some crushed coral in it - I was trying to do something different, but I'm not liking the look of it and it doesn't look critter friendly

 

[carey]

I didnt like the crushed coral either.

I went with regular aragonite sand that you get at the lfs. I would only suggest the "live" sand if it's the color and consistency that you want. I doubt theres much "life" in those sealed bags. lol

 

[all4wheels2]

I ended up removing the crushed coral and putting in aragonite sand. It looks much better

Are the filters on here pretty good, or can I add some caulerpa or cheato to one of the chambers on it?

 

[carey]

You'll need light for the macro algae to grow, I have a fuge for my cube but yours doesnt have enough room.

You could try something like this for the media and use one shelf for the macro

Biocube 14 Media Basket

And something like this for the light

10W Underwater Light

 

[all4wheels2]

So for the moment, I'm going to just leave the bio balls in there. Are they really that bad?

Also, the tank is cycling now. I put a piece of raw shrimp in there 2 days ago. How long should I leave it - a few days or until it's completely decomposed?

 

[carey]

Are you testing your water? You wanna keep ammonia in the water until your cycle finishes. So you may even have to add another depending on how long it takes. Did you put the shrimp in a mesh bag or pantyhose foot? That'll make it much easier to remove when it's time.

I don't see why you can't leave the bioballs in for now.