Pros and cons to a cube tank

[Reeferluke]

So I'm doing a upgrade and im thinking of a 30x30x24 deep cube. I'm running a 72 gallon bowfront mixed reef sps dominated now. so anybody with a cube wanna chime in with what they like or don't like about it would be great. I'm not stuck on those dimensions either could go bigger. Thanks luke

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I have that exact same cube tank. LOVE it. Gives me 93g of volume but in a small footprint (no need to devote 4'). Fits in a space right next to my desk so I get to watch my fish and corals all day as I work at home.



Here's the 93g starfire cube.



My RBTA with clown(s)

[jason604]

Give me ur dendros Anthony lol

[straightrazorguy]

Originally Posted by Reeferluke

So I'm doing a upgrade and im thinking of a 30x30x24 deep cube. I'm running a 72 gallon bowfront mixed reef sps dominated now. so anybody with a cube wanna chime in with what they like or don't like about it would be great. I'm not stuck on those dimensions either could go bigger. Thanks luke

I have a Marineland 3 ft cube. I love it, but there are some drawbacks too.

I like:
- The proportions. It gives a sensation of space that narrower tanks don't
- The depth. I like the look of it and the fact that it offers the opportunity to layer it with high light (SPS) corals at the top and lower light (acans, zoas) lower down.
- Lighting is easy because fo the compact footprint.
- Aquascaping a cube can be a lot of fun; I have a tall island in the middle, with tunnels and pass-throughs. You can also leave some negative space in the front to add to the perception of depth

I don't like:
- The fact that I get wet armpits when trying to reach the bottom. Some lower areas in the middle fo the tank are out of reach without aids.
- The cube dimensions makes water circulation difficult. I have debris and algae accumulate in certain spots just because it's tough to get good circulation. Gyres anyone?

[jordsyke]

i find it hard to get good flow in all of ur tank w/ a cube.... They look nice though

[Reeferluke]

Originally Posted by straightrazorguy

I have a Marineland 3 ft cube. I love it, but there are some drawbacks too.

I like:
- The proportions. It gives a sensation of space that narrower tanks don't
- The depth. I like the look of it and the fact that it offers the opportunity to layer it with high light (SPS) corals at the top and lower light (acans, zoas) lower down.
- Lighting is easy because fo the compact footprint.
- Aquascaping a cube can be a lot of fun; I have a tall island in the middle, with tunnels and pass-throughs. You can also leave some negative space in the front to add to the perception of depth

I don't like:
- The fact that I get wet armpits when trying to reach the bottom. Some lower areas in the middle fo the tank are out of reach without aids.
- The cube dimensions makes water circulation difficult. I have debris and algae accumulate in certain spots just because it's tough to get good circulation. Gyres anyone?

The water circulation is my only real concern. I do run 2 wp40s already so maybe just add another to the mix. What about the sump? I have to keep it under the stand

[duncangweller]

I have a 93 cube too and I would agree with the circulation issues. I have a gyre and I still seem to have a low circulation patch directly below it which seems to accumulate a bit of algae.

I also agree with the wet armpits thing. Sounds like an odd thing to complain about but 24" is a deep tank and it is annoying to work in.

Sometimes I do miss a longer aquascape but the bigger volume and a small foot print is a huge plus.

[xenon]

We are in the middle of building a cube (24x24x18) and the biggest "con" would have to be the footprint under the stand. Its really tough to fit everything needed to run a proper reef under the stand.

You need room for sump, skimmer, reactors, return pump, doser, dosing containers, auto-top-off, powerbar, etc...

It can be done, it just requires careful planning.

[freezetyle]

I agree with xenon. I have a 24*24*20, and shoving things under it are a pain. And as others have mentioned flow.

When placing your tank make sure you can see all three sides equally!

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I have a 24x24x 12" sump and it works well for me inside the stand.