Installing a Mini-Refugarium in the Back of A Cube?

[brittant]

After doing some reading recently, and having to pay $1/gallon for water at the grocery store (as a trip to the LFS is a rare thing) I'd like to scrape out the inside section of my cube and install a light to grow some chaeto. Unfortunately, my tank is already cycled, and I'm worried about causing a mini-cycle by drying it out for several hours while setting everything up. Any tips? Should I still use the BioCube filter pads, if I'm going to be running a skimmer rated at 35 gallons along with the new refugarium?

Also, would my one fish and inverts be okay in a temp tank for several hours, if I used their current water and equipment?

(For anyone familiar with my recent posts, this would be in addition to my new Hydor Slim Skim skimmer, and at least a week or two after my move, to ensure that everything is stable. My end goal is to have a mini-ecosystem that needs minimal maintenance as a sign of its health and stability.)

 

[little_fish]

Adding a fuge wont decrease your need for water changes, also Im pretty sure you can add a fuge section to your biocube without removing the tank contents

 

[Bifferwine]

Yes, why would you be taking everything out of your tank just to add a fuge? Just remove whatever is in the fuge section now and replace it with chaeto. You don't need to drain any water or disrupt your animals at all.

 

[lilmatty5dimes]

Here's probably exactly what you're looking for. It'll have everything or gives you the idea of what you need for what you're looking to do. They have a 10w light that you put back in the middle chamber there also. Hopes this helps. It's got instruction for everything.
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