SW christmas! 29 Gal Bio cube + questions:

[spiffish]

Hey folks, I've been enjoying reading and researching on these forums lately about marine aquariums, specifically, nano-esque tanks. ;)

Well, for this christmas, the wife and myself have decided a small saltwater tank would be the perfect way to bring smiles in an otherwise cold and dark Pennsylvania winter.

In my searching around, it seems that given space, financial consideration, and aesthetics, the oceanic 29g bio cube would suit well. Our LFS has this kit + stand on sale for $399.

Anyhoo, a few questions remain despite my reading: For one, how much life would the stock lights on this kit support? It comes with 2x 36w, 10k & actnic (sp?). I would be interested in some fish, live rock, and some corals of some sort. I also found a light upgrade kit on nanotuners.com that keeps the closed lid, but takes it too nearly 150watts I think. Is this really necessary?

Also, I have seen some DIY'ers 'make' live rock on the cheap using cement, etc. How much "real" live rock (lbs) would be enough to get some DIY liverock going?

And finally, anyone know how I find the best source of good live rock for me? I am located in south-central PA. Is it best to order online, or get from someone? Also, how would I go about finding what reef clubs may be in my area?

Thanks for any help for this SW newb!

[Grins]

Check out the Advice to Newbies link in my signature. There is a blog post there about reef clubs as well as other newbie advice that may help.

What kind of corals are you wanting to keep? With a few exceptions I don't feel that most all in one tanks have adequate lighting for all but the lowest light demanding corals. And if you're going to upgrade from the start why do an all in one? Save money and get the components you want from the start.

[spiffish]

Thanks Grins.
I would consider a non-all-in-one tank, but I am not sure where I can find the things I would need for anything close to the price. For example, It seems like just the light fixture is about $300, by the time I've got the tank, pumps, etc, etc... I am in well over the price of the biocube.

The thing is, I am open to DIY solutions for sure, and that sounds more satisfying, but I am not finding too much in my area that is of much help.

[animalman]

Hi Spif. I have the same tank. I really like it. I got mine with tank, stand, hood, single fluoresent light and heater. I just replaced my light with a 150w MH. So I would have to agree with Grins that sometimes its not worth it to buy a package as you will be upgrading and buying thing twice. What exactly does your tank come with? The stock lights on that tank will support a FOWLR just fine but I don't think it will be good for corals. Yes corals need alot of light. As far as the DIY LR i have yet to try but seen this past week on dirty jobs ( on the discovery chan ) where they made a huge piece for a reef in FL. Preaty cool stuff. I'm guessing that 1pc of really nice rock would work to seed the DIY LR, maybe 1pc bout 10lbs. or 2pcs. bout 5-6 ea. Just a guess so don't hold me to that. good luck:)

[spiffish]

Thanks for the input animal.

It seems like the biocube 29 kit is the easiest/cheapest way to get a FOWLR going at $399 with the stand. DIY for a similar sized tank seems like it takes more work, costs more, but ends up being custom/better.

DIY so far looks like:

$100 tank
$30 materials to make overflow
$200+ light in custom canopy
$50 sump
$70 pump
$50 misc/tubing
$50 stand materials

Also, anyone know of any sites where I can find cheap glass tanks/supplies, aswell as lighting kits?

Something like that for arount ~30 gallons seem right?

If I did go DIY any reccommendations on light kit? Can I do T5 instead of MH for corals?

If anyone has any more feedback on the biocube that is appreciated too!

[tamableanimal]

diy stones are a mixture of cement, argonite sand and crushed coral. Argocrete works very well but takes time. 27 days to cure after making then rincing for 30 days to make sure that all of the powdered dust is removed.

[salty420]

i have a 29g bio-cube, standard - no upgrades. it supports softies great. here's a fts from a little while ago...
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s254/keboehm/dadsfts.jpg
i like the bio-cube a lot, just have to make sure to keep the water level up in the pump area in the back chamber. i really like the look of the rounded corners tho the mag-float doesn't like them that much :)