Prepare for a semi-long post, but I am in need of guidance from those who have come before. All your help is greatly appreciated.
OK...
I am in the mood to upgrade to a larger tank, however dimensions are important because space is limited. I basically have a 30" x 30" square area to work with. Leaving room on either side gives me a 24" x 24" footprint for a tank.
This is why I am looking for a 60g cube.
1. Does anyone know where I can buy a new 60g cube (preferably glass) tank? (EDIT: I see that www.glasscages.com makes a 60g cube!)
2. Now...I found a used 60g Oceanic cube from online. The tank is approximately 10 years old and has been in use the entire time. The current owner tells me there are some scratches on one side of the tank and 2 sides are painted. I figure I can razor off the paint and turn the scratched side to the back. No problem.
I have not seen this tank in person. Do these older tanks need to be resealed? Assuming it is in good condition, should there be any worry about this tank? The guy on the phone seemed quite competent in his description...he didnt sound like a "wannabe". He used it for saltwater for a while and now he uses it as a FW planted tank...so he does have some idea on what good equipment is. Sounds like a nice guy too.
3. Ease of maintenance. For the next few years I will be doing significant traveling for my job so my fiancee will be in charge of the tank. I am strongly considering a FOWLR tank, perhaps some zoas for color. Basically nothing that needs careful calcium and lighting requirements. I will likely do a "contained box" approach with a hang on skimmer and powerheads...no water leaving the tank. Again...I dont want any plumbing so that I can avoid potential problems that may occurr while I am away. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.
I am considering:
(1) 200w heater OR (2) 100w heaters
(2) Nanostream Tunze pumps
(1) AquaC Remora Pro with Mag 3 and Prefilterbox (to hide pump)
??? Lighting: possible a PC or T5 fixture for now, perhaps MH pendant in future
Considering a hang-on refugium...but again, trying to keep it simple.
(any opinions on what is more important...skimmer vs fuge? I have my own thoughts...)
I want this tank setup so all she needs to do is run the magnet cleaner across the glass, feed the fish, empty the skimmer cup and dump a gallon of fresh water in every week.
4. EVAPORATION! My main reason for staying away from MH. Again...sometimes BOTH my fiancee and I are away for extended periods of time (week or so). In the past I have had auto-top offs but with this tank I would have no room for water storage unless I did a small setup in the stand.
I am considering a glass cover because of this. I would have to get one made, but I feel this would significantly help with evaporation. Of course, raise the temp. But I would rather spend the $$ on a chiller that I KNOW will work than take a chance with the water evaporating and a top-off failing.
If I had the heat under control I would even consider MH lighting for the asthetic appearance.
5. Sump. I am leaning away from the sump...again, simplicity.Worked with sumps in the past and things can indeed get complicated.
So, thats about it.
- Anyone have info on a 60g cube?
- Any thoughts on the used tank?
- Any comments on my KISS plan?
- Any thoughts on how I can KEEP this tank easy to maintain?
- Any thoughts on the equipment I listed above?
- Any other advice?
FINALLY...anyone familiar with another sized tank that would work for me? 60g Hexagon? Never seen a hex reef in person so not sure how they look.
Thanks for taking the time to read. Look forward to your advice!
OK...
I am in the mood to upgrade to a larger tank, however dimensions are important because space is limited. I basically have a 30" x 30" square area to work with. Leaving room on either side gives me a 24" x 24" footprint for a tank.
This is why I am looking for a 60g cube.
1. Does anyone know where I can buy a new 60g cube (preferably glass) tank? (EDIT: I see that www.glasscages.com makes a 60g cube!)
2. Now...I found a used 60g Oceanic cube from online. The tank is approximately 10 years old and has been in use the entire time. The current owner tells me there are some scratches on one side of the tank and 2 sides are painted. I figure I can razor off the paint and turn the scratched side to the back. No problem.
I have not seen this tank in person. Do these older tanks need to be resealed? Assuming it is in good condition, should there be any worry about this tank? The guy on the phone seemed quite competent in his description...he didnt sound like a "wannabe". He used it for saltwater for a while and now he uses it as a FW planted tank...so he does have some idea on what good equipment is. Sounds like a nice guy too.
3. Ease of maintenance. For the next few years I will be doing significant traveling for my job so my fiancee will be in charge of the tank. I am strongly considering a FOWLR tank, perhaps some zoas for color. Basically nothing that needs careful calcium and lighting requirements. I will likely do a "contained box" approach with a hang on skimmer and powerheads...no water leaving the tank. Again...I dont want any plumbing so that I can avoid potential problems that may occurr while I am away. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.
I am considering:
(1) 200w heater OR (2) 100w heaters
(2) Nanostream Tunze pumps
(1) AquaC Remora Pro with Mag 3 and Prefilterbox (to hide pump)
??? Lighting: possible a PC or T5 fixture for now, perhaps MH pendant in future
Considering a hang-on refugium...but again, trying to keep it simple.
(any opinions on what is more important...skimmer vs fuge? I have my own thoughts...)
I want this tank setup so all she needs to do is run the magnet cleaner across the glass, feed the fish, empty the skimmer cup and dump a gallon of fresh water in every week.
4. EVAPORATION! My main reason for staying away from MH. Again...sometimes BOTH my fiancee and I are away for extended periods of time (week or so). In the past I have had auto-top offs but with this tank I would have no room for water storage unless I did a small setup in the stand.
I am considering a glass cover because of this. I would have to get one made, but I feel this would significantly help with evaporation. Of course, raise the temp. But I would rather spend the $$ on a chiller that I KNOW will work than take a chance with the water evaporating and a top-off failing.
If I had the heat under control I would even consider MH lighting for the asthetic appearance.
5. Sump. I am leaning away from the sump...again, simplicity.Worked with sumps in the past and things can indeed get complicated.
So, thats about it.
- Anyone have info on a 60g cube?
- Any thoughts on the used tank?
- Any comments on my KISS plan?
- Any thoughts on how I can KEEP this tank easy to maintain?
- Any thoughts on the equipment I listed above?
- Any other advice?
FINALLY...anyone familiar with another sized tank that would work for me? 60g Hexagon? Never seen a hex reef in person so not sure how they look.
Thanks for taking the time to read. Look forward to your advice!
Last edited:
