Cube Tank Owner - Shout Out Thread

[jimsflies]

I've always been a big fan of cube tanks of all sizes. I'm planning on my next tank being a cube. I've noticed a lot of members also have cubes. I thought I would start this thread for owners of cube tanks...post 'em if you got 'em. A pic or two would be great as well as the size. (This should be a great reference for me to get some ideas on my new build. :D)

Besides astehtically looking nice and not taking up a ton of space, I think there are potentially some efficiencies with lighting and flow that can be taken advantage of with a cube tank.

Also if there was a particular reason that made you decide to go cube, I'd be curious to know.

[ReeferRob]

Cool idea Jim.

Would love to hear your take on the lighting and flow topic? I think that these topics present a a very big challenge for cube keepers.

I choose my cube for some of the exact reasons you mentioned. Large volume, small foot print. I also choose it for its depth for unique aquascaping.

My only regrets with this tank and or suggestions. I wish I went bigger to a 30x30x25, and I suggest taking your time with designing your sump/fug. Limited space under the stand doesn't offer many options. I regret not being able to keep a bigger skimmer.

Here is a link to my tank
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5412

[ReeferMike]

ive had alot of different size tanks in the past.... had a 55gallon hexagon, standard 55gallon, standard 75gallon, 46bowfront, 60x18x24, 48x24x22, 24x12x12, and now my current 24x24x18.

i feel like the tank i have now is the perfect size for a reeftank. im a fan of t5ho lighting.... with the shallow dimension im getting away with running a cheap 4bulb current fixture and getting good color and even some growth out of sps with it. planning on getting another 2bulb fixture to help with growth and even then ill only be running 144watts...so... theyre cheap to light!

as for flow... 2 powerheads(streampumps)... one in each corner slightly angled to the middle will give a nice flow-rate throughout the tank (water bounces off the front wall and back up to the overflow) you can fine-tune it from there... so... flow is also cheap and easy to accomplish.

the 2x2 footprint also suprisingly gives alot of room for aquascape. not sure im happy with mine currently but i have a few ideas to improve its looks, and efficiency... you can definately pack alot of corals in there, or let a few get huge...whatever your goal is.

i really like it sofar, only thing i would do different is i would have bit the bullet and got a rimless star cube. still might in the future, i just didnt know how well i would end up liking it.

thats my view on it after owning one for a short while anyways. click the link on my signature for pics:)

[jimsflies]

Rob- I'm thinking about going sumpless. An idea very similar to what Mike has done. Here was my concept drawing:

http://www.jimsflies.com/reeftank/new_tank.jpg

For lighting, I'm thinking about going with a single halide. I just would like some sort of dusk to dawn. I like the look of the "disco" light that current offers, but I'm not sure it will give enough light for a 2x2 tank (haven't entirely ruled out the solana tank, but I'm afraid I might not be happy with the size).

http://www.current-usa.com/files/images/solana_sideimg.jpg

I also have put some heavy research into LED options. But I'm not sure I am comfortable enough with the longetivity of the technology to pay the premium that it costs.

[jimsflies]

Mike- Who made the tank you have? Is that a Great Lakes tank?

[Sir Patrick]

I have been a big fan of cube tanks for a long time. I had a 37G column style, but the foot print wasnt big enough, and it was too tall. I downgraded to a 34 gallon 24l x 18w x 18t.

It has been a great tank for a few years now. Its plent of room for lots of coral, good base to aquascape, Lighting is inexpensive, and still takes little space.

Heres a pic of mine when the aquascaping looked good-

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/new%20cam%20fish/Picture011-3.jpg


Only drawbacks on the smaller cubes for me is the fish selection to keep, and they are easy to outgrow.

[speedstar]

Besides astehtically looking nice and not taking up a ton of space,

.

hmmmm 50X50 took up a bit of space.

http://home.comcast.net/~murphyjjr/set3.jpg

I'm actually looking a another cube, if I can sell off a pin.

[ReeferMike]

Mike- Who made the tank you have? Is that a Great Lakes tank?

its a great lakes tank

[ReeferRob]

hmmmm 50X50 took up a bit of space.

http://home.comcast.net/~murphyjjr/set3.jpg

I'm actually looking a another cube, if I can sell off a pin.

Is this yours speedstar? Wheres the build thread on that baby?



Jim that looks like a very very good design! But why take up valuable space in the DT? The tank is going to be on a stand right? Why not put a sump in the stand?

[igot2gats]

60G cubes seem to be the latest trend with cube reefers these days.

[Mike]

Here is a pic of my old cube.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand063.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand161153.jpg
20*20*24

[jimsflies]

Jim that looks like a very very good design! But why take up valuable space in the DT? The tank is going to be on a stand right? Why not put a sump in the stand?

I'm looking to simplify, reduce energy consumption, and increase reliability. I think a lot of complexity, wasted energy, and potential issues are introduced with a sump. I will still essentially run a closed loop for various reactors. But with the in tank sump it won't lose the head pressure like happens with a sump. No chance for overflows should the drain line get plugged. Less equipment (hoepfully) there will hopefully be less cord clutter and equipment maintenance.

Basically, I'm looking to do exactly what reefermike did with his cube.