Thoughts on a future tank build 36x36x18

[Reefer Rob]

I think 18" would be a bit shallow for an SPS tank. Unless yo keep the rock work really low the corals would be at the surface in no time. I'm really liking my 48"X30"X24" tank, it gives room for the fish to swim above the corals. But if you have short arms it might not work

[Reefer Rob]

Another thing to think about is if you go for a 36" cube, it's difficult to get a stand taller than about 34" through most doorways.

[SoloSK71]

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

Another thing to think about is if you go for a 36" cube, it's difficult to get a stand taller than about 34" through most doorways.

Two part stands.

Charles

[ashr]

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

I think 18" would be a bit shallow for an SPS tank. Unless yo keep the rock work really low the corals would be at the surface in no time. I'm really liking my 48"X30"X24" tank, it gives room for the fish to swim above the corals. But if you have short arms it might not work

You make some good points..
I do have shorter arms as well haha

I would really love to just run 1 ATI 8 bulb.. Maybe the Cube is not the way tog go.. I also love the 48x30x(20-24)

[SoloSK71]

Originally Posted by ashr

You make some good points..
I do have shorter arms as well haha

I would really love to just run 1 ATI 8 bulb.. Maybe the Cube is not the way tog go.. I also love the 48x30x(20-24)

I think a cube tank is the best compromise of all the benefits of tank sizing. You get the same 'depth of field' from any side you look at the tank. Yes, you do need either a large open space or long arms, but there is so many more options for creating your own look, short of going to a giant tank.

Charles

[xenon]

Originally Posted by ashr

I would like to stick with ATI bulbs and an ATI 8 bulb fixture might do the trick.

We have a 36" 10 bulb ATI Powermodule for sale if you are looking.

[Aquattro]

I choose to go 22" on my tank, 18 was a bit low, 24 is wet armpits. 22 works just perfect.
The stand thing is important. Most doorways are under 32"36x36x30 tall would work. But keep that in mind during design.
I finished building my last stand in place, but when I tore it down, I had to cut the stand apart in place too.

I avoided that with my new build.

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

The stand thing is important. Most doorways are under 32"36x36x30 tall would work. But keep that in mind during design.
I finished building my last stand in place, but when I tore it down, I had to cut the stand apart in place too.

I avoided that with my new build.

That's why stands should be made from extruded t-slot aluminum.

They can be built in place and taken apart anytime.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by xenon

That's why stands should be made from extruded t-slot aluminum.

They can be built in place and taken apart anytime.

That is an option, but I find it easier to skin a wooden stand vs metal. Done both, choose wood for my last 2 builds. Just easier from a DIY stand point

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

That is an option, but I find it easier to skin a wooden stand vs metal. Done both, choose wood for my last 2 builds. Just easier from a DIY stand point

It certainly is challenging to find the right hardware to attach panels to metal but once you know what you need, it's soooooo easy.

I expect the material will be used more often in our hobby in the future.