Official Biocube Thread

[kcrossley]

I created this thread so owners of Oceanic Systems Biocube aquariums can share problems and solutions they are having with their tanks and equipment, especially when it comes to its use as a freshwater planted aquarium. Here are some link which may be helpful to Biocube owners:

Oceanic Systems: http://www.oceanicsystems.com/
Biocube Resource Guide: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...26tbs%3Disch:1
Upgrades and parts: http://www.nanotuners.com/advanced_s...x=0&search.y=0

[kcrossley]

I'm having problems with micro bubbles in my Biocube 29. The water in the pump chamber is near the maximum level. Does anyone know why this is happening and how it can be stopped?

UPDATE:
I swapped out the stock Biocube filter for some pond filters cut down to size. http://www.carealotpets.com/Products...dia__3605.aspx I also added one 10 oz. bag of chemi-pure: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...fm?pcatid=4177

That seems to have helped the micro bubble problem. I'm also thinking about upgrading my OEM pump to a Max-Jet 900, which is suppose to help with the micro bubbles, plus you can adjust the output flow: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=18989

[kcrossley]

Oops! I spoke too soon. I noticed more micro bubbles today. Apparently, this is a widespread problem with the Biocube and its design. I'm going to try upgrading the pump sometime this week.

[kcrossley]

This is a diagram of how the stock Biocube filtration system works. Have any of you Biocube owners made any modifications to your stock filtration system?

Orlando from GLA told me he has, so hopefully he'll post the mods he made to improve upon this design. One thing I think he did was replace the Bioballs with
Ehfisubstrat Pro: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...tid=8983&r=619

[kcrossley]

Here are some mods another Biocube owner made to his tank: http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...ers-unite.html

I'm trying to get in touch with him so I can find out what worked and what didn't. In the meantime, if you're a Biocube owner and you've modded your tank for planted freshwater use, I would love to hear what you did and why.

[kcrossley]

And here's an inexpensive DIY CO2 diffuser that some Biocube owners, and other aquarist, seem to be having some success with as a way to reduce the CO2 bubbles in their tanks and improve overall water clarity: http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...2-reactor.html

I may attempt to make one of these and report back.

[kcrossley]

I'm getting ready to swap out the 37db fans on my Biocube with SilenX 16db fans. How can I tell which wire on the SilenX fans is positive and which one is negative? Both wires are the same color (silver).

Also, what the best way to cut the tin light reflector housing to accommodate the additional thickness of the fans? http://www.nanotuners.com/images/BC_29g_Canopy.jpg

[kcrossley]

Originally Posted by kcrossley

I'm getting ready to swap out the 37db fans on my Biocube with SilenX 16db fans. How can I tell which wire on the SilenX fans is positive and which one is negative? Both wires are the same color (silver).

I just found the answer to one of my questions. The SilenX fan I purchased also came with a PC power adapter. Here is a diagram showing which leads are which. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molex_c...r_Connector.29

UPDATE:
I just confirmed with a 9V battery that the pins needed to power the SilenX IXP-34-16 fans I purchased are pin 1 (positive) and pin 2 (negative). I'll replace the fans later today when I do my 50% water change. Now, all I need to do is figure out how to cut an opening in the tin reflector to accommodate the taller fans (25mm deep vs 10 mm deep).

[kcrossley]

Last night I finished my Biocube fan mod. Here are the specifics: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ta...ml#post1051751

[isuchopper]

kcrossley-

Just wanted to let you know that other folks are looking at this thread. I'm moving my 12-inch acrylic cube to my BioCube 8 over the next couple of weeks, so it's good to see that others on the forum are using the BioCube as well. Thanks for posting.

Thanks,

Mike

[kcrossley]

Hey Mike,

That's good to hear. We can definitely use some more Biocube owners on this forum. Welcome aboard!

Kelly

[insta]

I wish I'd seen this earlier. kcrossley, ditch those SilenX fans. They don't tolerate heat well and are far noisier than other fans with higher decibel ratings (!).

The industry-standard way to measure fan noise is in an anechoic chamber, one meter away on all 6 faces of the fan, then average the results together. SilenX advertises the quietest number (generally from a side). Look for Yate Loon, Noctua (after the ultra-silent resistor mod -- included), or a few others I'll go look up if you really care. I'm very into silent PCs, so I've got some hookups and real-world experience

[kcrossley]

Actually, I like the SilenX fans. Much quieter than stock. I am interested in your suggestions though.

Thanks,
Kelly

[TeamTeal]

no love for nanocubes?

[Kingsfan]

Originally Posted by TeamTeal

no love for nanocubes?

no love for sharks either!