Help me figure out what Ill need, please...

[iam4clemson]

So, Im getting my first commission check next week and Im going to treat myself to SOMETHING. My initial thought was get an iPad, but then the itch to start up a reef again bit me in the buttocks. So, I think I am going to get a reef started back up. I can get HOURS of enjoyment with the reef and never have to worry about my battery dying.

Anyway, My plan is to get a BioCube. Was going to go for the 14, but someone suggested the 29 if I could swing it. Im trying to figure out if I can swing it.

If I bought the 14, can you guys roughly tell me what I will need to get it set up and started on a cycle? Im thinking 14 biocube, 10 pounds of dead rock, 5 pounds of live rock, live sand (or do I NEED live sand to cycle the tank? If not, I can go with not live sand for cheaper). Is there anything else that I will need? If so, what am I looking like price wise as it stands and with the other needed things?

Thanks guys!

 

[ringo®]

Skip the "live" sand if it saves you a few bucks. You'll only need the basics you mentioned........plus a powerhead and a heater. Definitely keep an eye on the for sale section, that alone will save you a ton.

 

[just josh]

I got a fully set up modded bio 29 off CL for 250.... established over a year coral and all.... shop around!!!

Edit: And I got all kinds of other stubb..tubs n totes ..buckets n tubes supplies and help... AWESOME deal!!!

 

[redstang]

Definitely look around for deals on used equipment. I got my BC29 used for $75 from this forum. No stand and glass was scratched but for my first tank it was perfect.

So, tank, stand, rock, sand(or go bare bottom), powerhead, two small heaters(redundancy!), and a backup return pump that can also mix your salt. Refractometer, decent test kit, filter pads.

I have some dry rock if you want it. I'll be using ceramic rock in my 60 cube. Might even be able to get you a small piece of LR too. I've been trying to right size the rock in my BC29.

Powerhead - Koralia Nano is $25-30 depending on what size you get
Heaters - $20-25 each
Backup return - maxi jet 900 for ~$20.
Dead rock - Free from me lol!
LR - Honestly I'd consider going without, better chance of avoiding pests
Sand - $20
Tank - Up to you
Refrac - $20-25

I think we're going by REI in Kennesaw this Saturday evening. PM me if you're interested in the rock.

 

[lifeisbeachy850]

Actually, there is a nicely stocked Biocube 29 on CL right now for 250.

 

[redstang]

just josh;916451 wrote: I got a fully set up modded bio 29 off CL for 250.... established over a year coral and all.... shop around!!!

Edit: And I got all kinds of other stubb..tubs n totes ..buckets n tubes supplies and help... AWESOME deal!!!

lifeisbeachy850;916454 wrote: Actually, there is a nicely stocked Biocube 29 on CL right now for 250.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/gms/4221641611.html">http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/gms/4221641611.html</a>[/QUOTE]

Concidence? :lol2:

 

[lifeisbeachy850]

lifeisbeachy850;916454 wrote: Actually, there is a nicely stocked Biocube 29 on CL right now for 250.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/gms/4221641611.html">http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/gms/4221641611.html</a>[/QUOTE]


I just noticed there are a couple others for sale on CL, mature and stocked. All in the 250-300 range.

 

[just josh]

Mine is one of them still listed ryan was the guys bame...cool dude!!!

Edit: Name* seriously...I thought autocorrect was supposed to FIX stuff....sry!

Edit: Wait..that my tank LOL

 

[brandonmason]

Do a 29 and use mostly base rock and seed with lr rubble. I've got some black sand you can have but you will likely need more. As for power head you do not need it for the cycle period. Just don't get in a rush... small steps equals big success. Keep in mind when buying a used BC to check for leaks and to plan on replacing the bulbs if still equipped with PC. ($20 per bulb roughly). Unless you trust the seller I. When the bulbs were replaced.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[rdnelson]

What should you get???? A new screen name. Hehehehehe


ARC....so nerdy our President breaks bones while bowling.

 

[franciscosalazar]

Have you considered setting up your nano as a bare bottom?

 

[nickh06]

franciscosalazar;916477 wrote: Have you considered setting up your nano as a bare bottom?

+1 I have seen some great looking BB's lately. I am thinking about starting one of my own

 

[camellia]

rdnelson99;916471 wrote: What should you get???? A new screen name. Hehehehehe


ARC....so nerdy our President breaks bones while bowling.

Op,

Rich is our smile of the day poster, don't take it personal.

Lol,
Love u Rich hahaha


You will also need RODI water and salt
In less than 6 months if your like most of us, you will need 100 other things costing over $1,000.

 

[iam4clemson]

Camellia;916624 wrote: Op,

Rich is our smile of the day poster, don't take it personal.

Lol,
Love u Rich hahaha


You will also need RODI water and salt
In less than 6 months if your like most of us, you will need 100 other things costing over $1,000.

Im a Clemson man...I take nothing personally...LOL

Edit: OK...I had no idea that you could run "bare bottom". That seems strange to me. I thought the sand helped with the filtration (bio). I also thought the sand was used to help anchor the rocks to keep them from sliding. I have been out of this hobby for WAY too long. LOL

Edit:

just josh;916457 wrote: Mine is one of them still listed ryan was the guys bame...cool dude!!!

Edit: Name* seriously...I thought autocorrect was supposed to FIX stuff....sry!

Edit: Wait..that my tank LOL

So, Im assuming that the tank isnt for sake any longer? LOL

 

[just josh]

The sand does help the bio load, maybe they will suggest you set up an external hanging refarg in the back pulling the bioballs and setting up media filters w live rock for filtering. And just having the rocks fish inverts n coral in there??

I left the sand in mine...I will take pride in keeping the sand beautiful and having a reef like in nature.

then again its your tank...do the research and set it up how you want!

Shooting for a neon tank for mine!