I have been stuck on cube tanks for the last few years. They are easy to light, compact, and have a clean look. My previous system consisted of a 60g and 30g cube plumbed together. This was ok but I knew that I wanted a bigger tank all along.
I was lighting my 60 cube with a 400w Sfiligoi fixture which is capable of lighting a much larger cube. The plan was to keep the light for the new tank, whatever that might be. After looking around at stock 93 cubes and stands, I decided that it's not worth the upgrade. I didn't want a very low stand, and the sfiligoi can illuminate a larger space.
I called my buddy Mark from Reefomaina in early september and told him that I wanted him to build me a cube 3 sides starphire. After some contemplation, I decided that 32x32x26 would fit the space well and give a decent water volume. The tank Came out perfect! Mark is a perfectionist.
The problem with a 32" cube is that it won't fit through a standard door frame of 29" unless it is built very low. I am 6'2" and don't want bad posture from bending down to see my reef
. I was left with 2 options. Either I build the stand in the room, or have it professionally built in 2 parts to clear the doorframe. Since I don't have woodworking tools, and don't really know what I'm doing, the decision was easy
I gave local stand builder and reef member tttony a call. Tony made a bunch of beautiful stands for guys in my area and I was confident in his ability.
I told him the dilemma with the door clearance, and that I wanted it in 2 parts for an overall height of 37". My wife and I also decided to go with a rustic finish, especially after seeing DBarsotti's 105g Cube thread(thanks for the idea). Tony was up for the challenge and ended up building exactly what I had in mind. I know this style isn't everyones cup of tea but it matches our decor. I think it looks cool
We made the bottom "booster piece" into a draw to optimize usable space. I still have to add hardware but I find it extremely difficult to pull the trigger on something lol
IMG_6502 by rich.colombo, on Flickr
IMG_6501 by rich.colombo, on Flickr
New Tank in Place
IMG_6503 by rich.colombo, on Flickr
I was lighting my 60 cube with a 400w Sfiligoi fixture which is capable of lighting a much larger cube. The plan was to keep the light for the new tank, whatever that might be. After looking around at stock 93 cubes and stands, I decided that it's not worth the upgrade. I didn't want a very low stand, and the sfiligoi can illuminate a larger space.
I called my buddy Mark from Reefomaina in early september and told him that I wanted him to build me a cube 3 sides starphire. After some contemplation, I decided that 32x32x26 would fit the space well and give a decent water volume. The tank Came out perfect! Mark is a perfectionist.
The problem with a 32" cube is that it won't fit through a standard door frame of 29" unless it is built very low. I am 6'2" and don't want bad posture from bending down to see my reef
I told him the dilemma with the door clearance, and that I wanted it in 2 parts for an overall height of 37". My wife and I also decided to go with a rustic finish, especially after seeing DBarsotti's 105g Cube thread(thanks for the idea). Tony was up for the challenge and ended up building exactly what I had in mind. I know this style isn't everyones cup of tea but it matches our decor. I think it looks cool
IMG_6502 by rich.colombo, on Flickr
IMG_6501 by rich.colombo, on Flickr
New Tank in Place
IMG_6503 by rich.colombo, on Flickr