Setting up 24Gal Aqua Pod

[danmc00]

I got the AP 24 Gallon in today.
I already modified the lights from the two 32W to two 40W. I also added two stealth 60mm fans in the canopy.

Should I leave the sponge, bio balls, and ceramic rings in the aquarium while it is cycling? I have Filter Floss, Chemi-Pure and Purigen ready for after it cycles.

Here is what I have in it so far:
20 lbs. of Fiji Pink Live sand. (should I add more?)
Maxi Jet 1200 w/Hydro Flo
Visi Therm Stealth 100W Heater
Coralife Digital Thermometer


My question is that I have done my research on this site and others and I have read that most AP 24 only come with one fan. I was surprised when I opened mine up and saw two.

I also went ahead and added 25lbs of LR today. I will post pics tonight.
What should I put in the two chambers?
_________________

 

[danmc00]

I also liked the JBJ stand better than the Aqua Pod stand, so I made a top to fit the Aqua Pod on the JBJ.

Let me know what you guys think of the aquascaping and what I should put in the two chambers. I have heard to put LR rubble in one. Should I put it in there loose or in a bag?

 

[reefman5511]

Nice job on the aquascaping. IMO - keep the sponge filter & pull the rest. replace it with the LR rubble. Putting it in would make life considerably easier should you need to remove it at some point.

 

[KidNano]

I have a 12 gallon and I put LR rubble 2 of the back chambers. I've heard people say this isn't necessary and I probably have to agree with them. The LR in the main display is plenty to take care of the job. I'd recommend getting some underwater LED's and turning atleast one chamber into a refugium. It's a pain in the butt cleaning out the LR rubble from the back chambers. It just collects all kinds of junk and I'm sure is hurting the system more then helping it.

I used Chemi pure once and liked it for the first few weeks. Didn't last more then a month though. Not worth the money when you can just use a good activated carbon.