Zatch's Mega Mod BC29 Build

[zatch]

This thread is to document my new super custom bio cube 29 Build. By 'super custom', I mean the only thing about this tank that's still a bio cube is the shell and the stand...

You might ask why someone would build out an old/obsolete bio cube??? I've had bigger and far more elaborate tanks over the years - but for some reason I've always had a thing for the bio cube aesthetic. I really like the fully enclosed lid design - which I've seen in my other bio cube means there is nearly zero evaporation (although some salt creep does build up around the lid) eliminating the need for an ATO. I've really liked not having to top off the water at all between water changes (though I do run them with an air stone to assist in gas exchange). The other thing I really love is how quiet/nearly silent I can get them to run. And the 30-ish gallon capacity is right around the nano tank size I like to keep/maintain. I've also been lucky enough to pickup all of my bio cubes (brand new or slightly used) for pennies on the dollar (because they are so readily available in my area on Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist)

So here goes the build thread for my MKII bio cube project. I'm essentially modifying this tank with the lessons I've learned on my other heavily customized BC. Ill then transfer all of the livestock from that tank over to this one - then down the road, refit that older tank for an SPS setup in the future.

 

[zatch]

TANK/STAND:
Oceanic Biocube 29
Generic Oceanic/Coralife Biocube Stand (Old Design)

LIGHTING:
AI Blade Grow 12"
AI Blade Glow 12"

FLOW:
AI Axis 90 Centrifugal (925 GPH) @ 40-50%
Custom Locline Directional Returns

FILTRATION:
Mechanical: Reef Diaper Filter Socks/ Bubble Magus MiniQ Nano Skimmer
Biological: Marinepure Media/ Chaeto Refugium
Chemical: Carbon/ LaCl (when necessary)

AQUASCAPE:
Tropic Eden Morroca Shelf
Tropic Eden Morroca Branch
Bare Bottom (CS Special Grade in Refugium)

LIVESTOCK:
ORA Orange Storm Pair
ORA Yasha Goby
ORA Derasa Clam
Colorado Sunburst Anemones
Zoa: Grand Master Krakatoas/ Little Shop of Horrors/ Exospheres/ Death Stars/ White Zombies/ Grand Master Strats/ Utter Chaos/ Rainbow Yodas/ White Walkers/ AOIs
Stylocoeniella: Looney Tunes/ Electric Daisy
Cyphastrea: Bizzarro/ Alien Pox
Chalice: Space Invader/ Bubblegum Monster/ Golden Eye
Grafted Setosa
Holy Grail Micromussa
Favia of the Gods
Red Montipora Cap

 

[zatch]

Found a brand new sealed box bio cube 29 w/stand (still labeled Oceanic!) on Facebook marketplace that I picked up for a little less than $200. I figure the tank has to have been sitting in these peoples garage for over a decade (I believe they stopped producing them around 2012) but it was sealed in plastic, and the silicone is still like new.

Besides the prehistoric PC lighting setup in the canopy, I noticed the major difference in the old 29 vs the modern 32 is that the tank itself is about 3 inches shallower. The hood also does not have a hinge - but it does have a nice rear opening feature that I'm surprised they didn't keep on the current design.

First major modification is removing the filtration/rear chamber and replacing it with a custom acrylic baffle setup I designed. It will eliminate the wasted space, add a full 4" filter sock for mechanical filtration and create a massive chaeto refugium (which I attribute to my other bio cubes incredible stability and easy maintenance).

 

[zatch]

After lots of razor work, I removed the silicone holding the rear wall in place and cleaned up the tank. Waiting now on the custom cut acrylic panels to arrive to reassemble the new filtration chambers.



The new rear chamber will be 3 total compartments w/baffles - And will extend the chamber width from the stock 3" to 7". It will slightly reduce the width of the display, but double refugium space and allow for the install of a standardized filter sock.

 

[zatch]

Gutted the PC fixtures and circuitry from the hood. Now its just a shell of its former self

I will mount the AI Blades I have in my other BC hood to this one when its ready for livestock. Interestingly, the waterproofing shield/bolt pattern looks identical to the setup in my newer cube.

 

[rajah]

Cool! Following along...

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

This is awesome def. Following along as well.

 

[zatch]

Setup the heater control, a Johnson Controls A421 single stage temperature controller tied to a BRS 100w heater core. I shrink wrapped the temperature probe with about 12" of wrap to protect from the effects of saltwater and calibrated it. The controller is housed in a big plastic box... I debated mounting it inside the cabinet but I like to be able to see the temp when I walk by the tank.

 

[zatch]

Pretty much finished with the aquascape, which is mostly repurposed Tropic Eden Morroca shelf and Branch. I was going for a look of branch rock holding the plate and protruding up through it. Drilled in some holes to secure frag plugs without removing the stems.

This was the first time I used the Tropic Eden 'moldable rock' epoxy, and I loved it. Like anything else Tropic Eden, ill never go back to the alternative (glues/epoxy)! You do need to use quite a bit though. I bought the big jar and ran out when about 80% complete, so I had to order a bit more from Premium Aquatics to finish securing some joints.

 

[TheRealChrisBrown]

I have a 29BC project I’ve been thinking about/working on at a snails pace. But I removed the factory baffles and the back glass, replaced with thicker glass and drilled holes for overflows to sump and a return line. So it would be a sumped version, rimless and hoodless. Always thought it would be cool.

 

[zatch]

The filtration/baffle system came back from the laser and fit pretty good! Siliconed in place last night, going to flood the tank with tap water and do some 'sea trials' today...

 

[zatch]

I have a 29BC project I’ve been thinking about/working on at a snails pace. But I removed the factory baffles and the back glass, replaced with thicker glass and drilled holes for overflows to sump and a return line. So it would be a sumped version, rimless and hoodless. Always thought it would be cool.

They're fun to screw around with!

 

[zatch]

Used the same marine silicone to attach the refugium light to the black glass. Its a 'ACKE' 12w grow light off Amazon that was like $30. Ill get some black paint or vinyl to cover over the rest of the exposed glass and cover the additional filtration area on the side glass.

 

[zatch]

Pulled the two 12” blades (1 grow 1 glow) from my other canopy and mounted them in the Oceanic canopy. I just use heavy duty double sided tape to attach them to the clear cover, and drill a hole for the cords out the back of the housing. Siliconed up the cord opening to make it air tight.

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

Looking good