FijiCube 22.4gal AIO build

[StonesReef]

So here is the first few photos of my 22.4 gal AIO I’m setting up. This is my first saltwater tank, and my first aquascape so go easy on me lol. Would love to hear tips, tricks, or advice you have for me as a new reefer. Cycle started last night, using Fritz and the algae barn ammonia, with a cap of microbacter 7.

 

[JohnBRZ]

I like your setup
Be patience, QT everything, and do lots of research. oh watch BRS 5 minutes guide to get some ideas and general understanding. Welcome and happy reefing

 

[joseserrano]

Very cool. Thank you for sharing, keep posting pics.

 

[dontavo27]

Welcome! Nice little set up, take your time.
I dig the rockscape, well thought out and simple.

 

[thresher]

Good looking start! I am a big advocate for AIO's. The simplicity these systems provide are conducive in keeping the hobbyist in the hobby. Once that initial succes comes it gives a sense of confidence to move into the next step up. Wherever that may take you.

 

[shootingstar_reef]

is that glued together? if not, it might prove a nuisance.

Nothing happens fast - I've had several problems fix themselves with enough patience; don't always jump to act in beginning.

Also: you need less equipment than u think

 

[StonesReef]

First water test June 14th 2024
I still need to buy test kits for calc mag and alk, but was told it wasn’t as crucial while cycling. Thoughts? Also recommendations for good alk calc mag test kit would be appreciated.

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[StonesReef]

@shootingstar no it’s not glued, I considered it but in the event something grows too large and I need to make adjustments, I can do that a bit easier. They’re all stacked in a way that’s pretty stable under pressure from a couple different directions so I felt ok.


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[shootingstar_reef]

for alk i like the tropic marin. it's cheap and works great, but it is colorimetric if u are color-blind. for calc and mag....buy them when you need them. I still don't have them after 4 years haha....

if it's not glued you might want to - I don't have rocks glued, and if I want to pull something or adjust, the whole rock thinks it's funny to start shaking if i so much as gently push. The other coral and fish don't like that too much...but you still have time. See how it goes.

 

[StonesReef]

Day 2 test results June 15th 2024
Things are looking good so far I think? Patiently waiting to add a beautiful pair of clowns. Thinking maybe some black ice or Picasso. If anyone knows a good reputable breeder that sells bonded pairs please share!

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[StonesReef]

Day 2 test #2 June 15th 2024
I was curious to see how much changes in an 8 hour period, so I did another test. Seems like the cycle is happening!

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[StonesReef]

Day 3 Test June 16th 2024
I’m starting to wonder how far will the nitrite and nitrate go before my ammonia drops below 2. I’ve been dosing microbater 7 once per day, and other than the initial dose of NictroCycle by Algaebarn, I haven’t ghost fed the tank at all. So is the consistent 2ppm of ammonia coming from my microbater 7 dosing? Anyway here’s today’s results.

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[StonesReef]

Day 4 June 17th 2024
Nitrates are skyrocketing, my nitrite test only goes to 5 so it could be crazy high as well for all I know, and my ammonia has dropped significantly. Hoping the trend continues with nitrites soon. I still haven’t seen a spec of algae, which is good I suppose but I wish there was something doing anything in there lol. Patience though.

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[StonesReef]

Day 5 test June 18th 2024
Ammonia has finally hit zero! My nitrates are also sky high now, and it seems like nitrites are going down aswell, although this API marine color test isn’t the most accurate. This Hanna nitrate checker is awesome, can’t wait to get some more of these babies! If you’re reading this, can you tell me how my cycle is looking so far? Is a day 5 ammonia-0.0 an incredibly quick cycle or is there something amiss?

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[StonesReef]

Quick post of yesterday’s results. My nitrates were VERY high and I was a bit scared I’d stall the cycle, as they were well above 50ppm so I did a partial water change, and I’m hoping this helps. Probably going to go get another bottle of fritzzyme turbo 900 to bolster the bacteria. These are the two tests from before and after my water change. Any advice? Any input would be appreciated.

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[thresher]

What platform or testing product is that in your screenshots?

 

[StonesReef]

@thresher ; the app is called pocket marine, i test with the API saltwater test kit, and i have a Hanna for my nitrates. I need to get a better test kit that isn’t a color test


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[StonesReef]

Forgot to post the day 7 test results so here they are.

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[StonesReef]

Cycle finally stabilized, tank is looking good! Well, as good as it can look with diatoms in full swing. I picked up a cheap zoa frag, just to get some life in the tank, and it has surprised me greatly! It was just a simple bland looking little cluster of polyps, but within about 20 minutes in my tank it started to stretch out, and color up right away! I still have no clue what kind of zoa he is. I used a lot of the online zoa identification resources and wasn’t able to find a match. Hopefully you guys can help me out, have you ever seen this one?

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[StonesReef]

Picked up a Lawnmower blenny yesterday! He has been super happy in my tank, munching on algae al over the place within about an hour after acclimation. I’m glad I stacked my rock with lots of small caves and channels through the rock like a little blenny subway, and he’s already cordoned off a section with a nice little cave and begun digging out his little condo. Hard to get a good photo of him but here’s one from the LFS! Also, temporary lid from my bearded dragon enclosure, gotta order a custom on to fit the tank and the overflow, but this one is working nicely for now. I lucked out they happened to be damn near the exact same size.

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