12g nano cube

[hooked]

I have seen some post already on these little tanks. I just recently purchased mine but will not be putting it up until I build a stand. The factory stand isnt much to look at.

I was hoping people could offer some info on these tanks. I was wondering if anybody has takin out the sponges in the back, if so what if anything did you replace it with. It has 3 chambers in the back but looks like the middle chamber would be the only one you could use to put anything in such as rocks. I was also thinking about replacing the pump with something that has a little more flow, has anyone done this and if so what brand/pump size did you use?

If you own one of these or have set one up for somebody please post changes you have made or suggestions of any kind.

Thanks,

[sammy33]

The JBJ nano cube stand is actually pretty cool. If you are into building one though...

I would take all the filter media out of the back. Stick your heater back there in the middle compartment.

Replace the stock pump. A mini- jet 606 is a good choice with about 150GPH flow. The stock pump is only about 100gph.

Depending on what corals you would like to keep you may want to upgrade the lights? If you plan on softies like Mushrooms and such you will be OK with the stock lighting.

[iamdickie]

Originally Posted by sammy33

The JBJ nano cube stand is actually pretty cool. If you are into building one though...

I would take all the filter media out of the back. Stick your heater back there in the middle compartment.

Replace the stock pump. A mini- jet 606 is a good choice with about 150GPH flow. The stock pump is only about 100gph.

Depending on what corals you would like to keep you may want to upgrade the lights? If you plan on softies like Mushrooms and such you will be OK with the stock lighting.

without a doubt get the mini 606. it is sielent, the stock pump is loun, plus my stock pump went out in under a month. I love the mini jet, A++++ pump, it is a must order with this tank

[darthteddy]

I have one to. The best Aquarium i ever had in my opinion, I have the stock pump in with no problems. But a new one might be a good idea. I also made my own moon lighs for it out of super bright blue LEDs. Leave the stock media in till its done cycling. Then take the bio-balls and the ceramic rings out. I have the sponges and some carbon as my filter. GOOD LUCK

[darthteddy]

srry for the doulbe post but i left this out. I have the same lighting with a different bulb. At DRS. Foster And Smith they sell a good replacement coral bulb for like 25 dollars

[bgi]

Mine has been running for about 10 months now. A minijet 404 pushes the water. It works fine. More flow would abuse the large pulsing xenia. Do remove the bio balls and sponges. Add a small bag of Purigen and carbon.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd seal off the lower return and make an overflow out of the upper return so you get some surface skimming action. Folks have done this and report excellent results. I've also seen a tiny skimmer stuffed inside the back with only a small portion of the collection cup showing.

I bought the factory stand a month ago. IMO it looks fine. It got the thing off of my desk!

Mine houses an Orchid dottyback, hermit, 5 astrea snails, large chunk of LR with a couple rocks in front, a large growth of briareum, large pulsing xenia, some glass anemones, small polyps, shrooms, peppermint shrimp, bubble algae, macro algae, and the occasional aptasia. It's pretty low-maintenance. It has 2-3" of sand. Nitrates read zero. Cool.

[hooked]

I bought a few upgrades.
I went with a 32 watt 50/50 retro kit to get a little more light.
I also purchased the 606 pump and plan to block off the lower
return and make cuts for a overflow.
I think I will go with the stock stand as I would rather not have
it on my computer desk. it will still be in eyes range, hehe.
I will post pics when I get it setup.

thanks,