Cube Tanks- Pros & Cons

algaeguy · 04/12/2006, 07:37 AM

Hi everyone:

I'm in the process of desigining a new system, and one of the configurations that I am considering is a cube (40"x40"x24")-probably glass (I'm taking a break from acrylic for a while). I've see a bunch of threads now and then on setting up new cube tanks, but I'm wondering how "cubekeepers" feel about their tanks now that they have been up and running for a while.

Are they easy to work in? What kinds of challenges do they present in terms of flow design, plumbing, lighting, and aquascaping, compared to more "conventional" rectangular aquariums? Any regrets, or are you just as stoked about the configuration as you were when you set it up?

I'd just like to hear some opinons. Any comments would be appreciated, as would pics!

Thanks!

Scott

fishpimp69 · 04/13/2006, 02:03 PM

bump

Giovanni · 04/13/2006, 03:01 PM

IMHO, I think smaller cube are better. If you get a large one, you have a lot of space in the middle that is just rock supporting the stuff on the out side edges for viewing.

horkn · 04/13/2006, 04:48 PM

the taller and wider cubes might make those with short arm reaches wish they didnt have a tall wide cube. however, this is the only drawback i can see, besides having no premade stands,and canopies available. I would rather make my own stand and canopy anyway.

SaltyMember · 04/13/2006, 06:29 PM

I agree with the others. The cubes work out as really nice nano reefs. Larger cubes are a challenge to aquascape IMO.

Timothy01 · 04/13/2006, 08:07 PM

imo cubes are great for for aquascaping because they will provide you will more depth then the average tank

Pyrrhus · 04/13/2006, 08:55 PM

Any tank wider than 24-30 inches allows some excellent aquascaping opportunities, but also makes it harder to access unless you have a really good reach or go shallow.

algaeguy · 04/14/2006, 06:04 AM

Thanks for the input, everyone!

I was debating on going 24" or 20" high....Access is a big deal to me. You're right, there are no stock stands and canopies, so it's all a custom deal.

I was going to make my lighting canopy hinged on two sides, so it would be 13" from the front to the first hinge, 14" of top area with no hinge, then another hinge with 13" of space to the other end of the tank. This should ovecome the vertical access issue, I think.

I guess the aquscaping being difficult or easy is all in the way you look at it. I've always been a bit of a minimalist with rock and I think that this system will be no different. Although the primary focus will be seagrasses interspersed with a few rock structures. I guess the real challenge of aquscaping a cube is that you truly have 3 or 4 fully viewable sides!

Thanks again for the input.

Scott

newnano · 04/14/2006, 07:04 AM

i have a 24x24x25 cube. as far as height its not bad. to get to the bottom you just need a small one step stool. my stand is about 30" high

Beach Native · 04/14/2006, 01:51 PM

While I don't own one, I'm not sure on the issues stated here about aquascaping. One of the LFS's around here has a cube and the rock is laid out in a horseshoe shape running up about 1/2 way on each side wall and completely across the back creating kind of a little canyon. Because it is square, they are able to create "depth" in the canyon not possible in rectangles. I think it's one of the most pleasant layouts I have ever seen. Just my 2Ã‚Â¢ worth...

04/12/2006, 07:37 AM	#1
algaeguy Over-The-Top- Reef Geek Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 809	Cube Tanks- Pros & Cons Hi everyone: I'm in the process of desigining a new system, and one of the configurations that I am considering is a cube (40"x40"x24")-probably glass (I'm taking a break from acrylic for a while). I've see a bunch of threads now and then on setting up new cube tanks, but I'm wondering how "cubekeepers" feel about their tanks now that they have been up and running for a while. Are they easy to work in? What kinds of challenges do they present in terms of flow design, plumbing, lighting, and aquascaping, compared to more "conventional" rectangular aquariums? Any regrets, or are you just as stoked about the configuration as you were when you set it up? I'd just like to hear some opinons. Any comments would be appreciated, as would pics! Thanks! Scott __________________ "Tear down the wall!" Current Tank Info: 14,000+ gallons of saltwater!

04/13/2006, 03:01 PM	#3
Giovanni AKA Flippa Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: KY Posts: 2,207 Blog Entries: 8	IMHO, I think smaller cube are better. If you get a large one, you have a lot of space in the middle that is just rock supporting the stuff on the out side edges for viewing. __________________ Giovanni Most of My Money I Spent On Whiskey, Women and Reefing, The Rest I Just Waisted! Current Tank Info: 180 Mixed Reef

04/13/2006, 04:48 PM	#4
horkn Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: milwaukee wisconsin Posts: 4,125	the taller and wider cubes might make those with short arm reaches wish they didnt have a tall wide cube. however, this is the only drawback i can see, besides having no premade stands,and canopies available. I would rather make my own stand and canopy anyway. __________________ people write stupid things in this space Current Tank Info: 200g DIY wood reef, 2x 250w SE 10k MH 2x80 t5ho, 75g sump, Geo Ca RX, ASD 6" recirc skimmer

04/13/2006, 08:55 PM	#7
Pyrrhus Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,713	Any tank wider than 24-30 inches allows some excellent aquascaping opportunities, but also makes it harder to access unless you have a really good reach or go shallow. __________________ Severe Knowledge In Plumbing

04/14/2006, 06:04 AM	#8
algaeguy Over-The-Top- Reef Geek Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 809	Thanks for the input, everyone! I was debating on going 24" or 20" high....Access is a big deal to me. You're right, there are no stock stands and canopies, so it's all a custom deal. I was going to make my lighting canopy hinged on two sides, so it would be 13" from the front to the first hinge, 14" of top area with no hinge, then another hinge with 13" of space to the other end of the tank. This should ovecome the vertical access issue, I think. I guess the aquscaping being difficult or easy is all in the way you look at it. I've always been a bit of a minimalist with rock and I think that this system will be no different. Although the primary focus will be seagrasses interspersed with a few rock structures. I guess the real challenge of aquscaping a cube is that you truly have 3 or 4 fully viewable sides! Thanks again for the input. Scott __________________ "Tear down the wall!" Current Tank Info: 14,000+ gallons of saltwater!

04/13/2006, 02:03 PM	#2
fishpimp69 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: philly Posts: 509	bump

04/13/2006, 06:29 PM	#5
SaltyMember Premium Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 1,355	I agree with the others. The cubes work out as really nice nano reefs. Larger cubes are a challenge to aquascape IMO.

04/13/2006, 08:07 PM	#6
Timothy01 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 292	imo cubes are great for for aquascaping because they will provide you will more depth then the average tank

04/14/2006, 07:04 AM	#9
newnano Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NWI Posts: 720	i have a 24x24x25 cube. as far as height its not bad. to get to the bottom you just need a small one step stool. my stand is about 30" high

04/14/2006, 01:51 PM	#10
Beach Native Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: RB Posts: 517	While I don't own one, I'm not sure on the issues stated here about aquascaping. One of the LFS's around here has a cube and the rock is laid out in a horseshoe shape running up about 1/2 way on each side wall and completely across the back creating kind of a little canyon. Because it is square, they are able to create "depth" in the canyon not possible in rectangles. I think it's one of the most pleasant layouts I have ever seen. Just my 2Ã‚Â¢ worth...