Hi guys,
I just started my Biocube (29 gal) build two days ago, and I have a question for you. From what I am reading about the filter in chamber 1 of the biocube is to toss it because it clogs fast and at $3 a piece they can get expensive to replace. So, I modified my filtration system as follows:

Chamber 1
-Tossing the original filter it came with
-putting purigen and heater in this chamber

Chamber 2
-taking out bioballs
-putting filter floss on drip tray and chemi pure in section below drip tray

Chamber 3
Leaving sponge that came with the tank, and the pump is in this chamber as well

Here are my plans:
1. I am planning on leaving the original filter in Chamber 1 until it is ready to be changed, and then tossing it. Then I will add the filter floss to the top of chamber 2. However, I am not going to add the purigen or chemi pure until the tank has cycled (this was recommended to me by a friend with a saltwater tank) . Then I will do a %20 water change and add them.

Question= Is this a good plan? if not....please give me any suggestions.

I am now on day 3, and everything seems to be doing its thing. I will be flying to NC for a week (in 2 days), and am hoping when I get back the tank will be cycled. I will test the water once I get back and go from there.

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Chris

Quick question: What are you using to kick off the cycle? What is producing ammonia to get your cycle started?

I just want to make sure so you don't waste that week you'll be away.

I have the live rock in there. To my understanding you can use fish(a damsel) to start the cycle, a piece of shrimp, or if you put live rock and sand the cycle will start as well.

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Chris

I used the damsel strategy for all of my tanks, worked like a charm

Also, while the filters may not be the best, you can find tutorials on how to "reuse" biocube filters with your own storebought carbon and filter media which I am planning on doing. I love what carbon does for my tank and wouldn't run a tank without it

I took a sample of my water to the LFS to get it tested, and all the readings are normal except the PH is low. So, got a buffer to put in the water to bring it up to normal. This was day 5 of the cycling process. The guy at the store said either the tank hasn't started cycling yet (which he doubts), or it has already cycled. I will be away for a week, so when I get back I am going to test the water again, and if all is good I will do a water change, and put a CUC in there. Then after a couple of weeks start putting fish.

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Chris

Also, from what i have been reading, and all the advise I have been given..........almost everyone who has a biocube takes out the filter in chamber 1 and tosses it cause it clogs fast, and they are pretty expensive at $3-$5. Most people then put filter floss(very cheap) on top of the drip tray in chamber 2.

I was going to use Purigen in Chamber 1, Filter floss and chemi pure in chamber 2, and leave the stock sponge in chamber 3, but the guy at the LFS said he wouldn't use both chemi pure and purigen. He thinks it is over filtering will both plus the two other filters. Anyone have any advise on that? Now I am considering just using Purigen along with the filter floss, and the sponge in chamber 3. His advise kinda makes since because the live rock does a lot of natural filtering, and it is possible to over filter I guess.

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Chris