Polyppal’s Project ‘Biocube32 Glow-Up’

[polyppal]

For some reason I’ve always wanted to gut and build out a Biocube, so when I had the opportunity to pick one up for cheap ($100), I snagged it up.



This was hands down the foulest smelling tank I’ve ever been around (the previous owner on FBM stored it in their garage with dirty sand and water in it) - So it got a very thorough clean-up all around. I’m pleasantly surprised how good condition both the tank and stand are in after they’ve been cleaned!



The current plan is to build out a nem tank for a pair of clowns and a CSB, along with a branch of Zoas.

Current Build-Out:
Biocube 32 (Gutted)
AI Blade Grow 12”
AI Axis 90 Centrifugal Pump
Innovative Marine Helio 200w Heater
Innovative Marine Hydrofill ATO

Aquascape
Tropic Eden Morroca Branch
Tropic Eden Morroca Shelf

Current Livestock:
ORA Mocha Storm Pair
ORA Blue Mandarin

 

[polyppal]

Ive had good luck securing rock with Acrylic posts in the past, so I created a platform from some scrap acrylic and secured the branch and shelf rock.

Sanded down some flat spots on the branch rock to easily secure future frag plugs. The rocks are removable for future access/cleaning.

 

[polyppal]

Wanted to go sandless, but seems like BB always causes stability issues for me. So because it’s going to be a nem-focused tank, I put in a thin layer of special grade.

I’m moving end of the month so I will probably let the tank sit and mature as-is before doing much more in the next few weeks

 

[TheWB]

Wanted to go sandless, but seems like BB always causes stability issues for me. So because it’s going to be a nem-focused tank, I put in a thin layer of special grade.

I’m moving end of the month so I will probably let the tank sit and mature as-is before doing much more in the next few weeks

I really like the scape. Are you going to make an aluminum profile stand for it or go with something different? Your article on the stands was great.

 

[Johnd651]

Following along

 

[polyppal]

I really like the scape. Are you going to make an aluminum profile stand for it or go with something different? Your article on the stands was great.

Thanks, no this one came with the standard bio cube stand so I’m using it. I just recently built a little stand for a IM15 I’ll put somewhere else in the new place if/when I repurpose that tank

 

[Johnd651]

Thanks, no this one came with the standard bio cube stand so I’m using it. I just recently built a little stand for a IM15 I’ll put somewhere else in the new place if/when I repurpose that tank

nice. is that metal? i ended up using 2x4 and 2x6 and its indestructible but bulky.

 

[TheWB]

Thanks, no this one came with the standard bio cube stand so I’m using it. I just recently built a little stand for a IM15 I’ll put somewhere else in the new place if/when I repurpose that tank

Nice!! I have a Tenecor 17 gallon prototype peninsula tank that they ultimately did not make part of their line up laying around that will eventually need a stand. I may bug you for some advice. Those little 15 gallon IM tanks are sweet.

 

[polyppal]

Nice!! I have a Tenecor 17 gallon prototype peninsula tank that they ultimately did not make part of their line up laying around that will eventually need a stand. I may bug you for some advice. Those little 15 gallon IM tanks are sweet.

Hard to beat a Nuvo15 for $100!

 

[polyppal]

I ended up gutting the hood internals and mounting an AI blade Grow 12”. Should be sufficient for anything I want to keep, but I might mount a blade Glow if I find one cheap…

 

[Johnd651]

I ended up gutting the hood internals and mounting an AI blade Grow 12”. Should be sufficient for anything I want to keep, but I might mount a blade Glow if I find one cheap…

I'm curious to see how much more fluorescence there is out of the glow.

 

[polyppal]

nice. is that metal? i ended up using 2x4 and 2x6 and its indestructible but bulky.

Aluminum quick frame and acrylic, similar to T-Slot.

Yeah I used to build custom wood stands and I still prefer wood if the furniture look is desired, but aluminum can be really sleek and modern

 

[polyppal]

I'm curious to see how much more fluorescence there is out of the glow.

Same, I hear the violets give a reefbrite-like pop that I don’t get with the grow alone