Pros and cons to a cube tank

[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