Got suckerd into buying a 37 cube

[EWC88]

Well guys, I went to my lfs that I only buy tanks from and I was going to get a 10g but then I was looking around and my mom was like hey why don't you get this 20g with all this crap with it. So I was looking then I saw this 37g cube that I thought it be great for my room since I don't have the biggest room. So my mom bought me the tank. So I just spray painted the back of it black and will be looking at filter wise and the light cause the light it comes with sucks, so I bought the tank and glass hood. So what type filter you think I should get? I'd like something quiet. and also what type light and heater size?? I'll have pictures up tomarrow for you guys tomarrow.


( I sound like I'm 12 but I'm not..lol just my mom loves fish too so she buys alot of fish things for me )

[saltycreefer]

Is cost something you're worried about? I would probably go with the biggest hang on Refugium that will fit on the back of the tank and a powerhead or 2.

[Biogirl361]

lighting - I have a 37 cube and I like the coralife and outer orbit lighting fixtures for it. They fit perfectly and have legs so you don't have to deal with hanging a pendant. the 150 halide and 2x65 actinics will give you enough light to go a while without needing to upgrade. I got the outer orbit because I think the design is a bit better quality than the coralife, but if I was doing it again I'd probably get the coralife because you can get the adjustable legs for it which would be super convenient for tank cleaning and all that. good luck and have fun with the new tank :)

[Hopeful Reefer]

For filtering, do not go with mechanical...go with live sand and live rock...and, if you can do a sump...maybe still buy that 10g or 20g tank and make it a sump in the stand below the cube...the natural way to filter a tank with live rock and live sand is so much more healthy for your fish, invertebrates, corals, etc...

As for lighting, you can consider some Power Compacts (2 of these) and a Metal Halide (70w HQI) or T5s...T5s put out as much light as a MH so they are really popular with some people...anything you need MH for you can keep under T5s...

There are tons of setups shown here in the forums...just surf around and learn all that you can from people's tanks...be very patient with it all and above all else have fun and enjoy your new tank...Good Luck...

[EWC88]

Alright guys, haven't got any pictures yet. I just sprayed painted the back of the tank black now so I'll be posting pictures up asap. But thanks for all the info. Hopeful Reefer I'm quiet mad cause I may not be able to make a sump now due to the fact it is prob going on top of a book case so I was looking at maybe canister if I can't do the sump. Would a Fluval be ok you think?

[matt_schultz]

with my 29 nano i have a cascade 700 and a power head with a skimmer and have never had any problem. the live rock and live sand is really important tho. i have 25 lbs of live rock and 14 lbs of dry rock. then i got sand on the bottom and put 2 lbs of live sand on top of it. as far as the light it depends. if your not worried about money then i wouldn't do a retro fit. a retro will prob only save you about 80 bucks. i like biogirls lights they sound like plenty. i'm sure you'll figure it out that is just some ideas.

[Hopeful Reefer]

Just be careful putting a tank that will be as heavy as this on just a bookshelf...they aren't designed to structurally support the weight of a tank...I know, how heavy can it be? Well, just remember water weighs a little over 8lbs per gallon, so just the water along (with no rock, sand, etc.) will weigh 300lbs! :eek1:

I would spend the money and get a stand...then you can do the sump...if you have to do a bookshelf as a stand then you can do a canister, although it isn't necessary...if you do a 3g or so water change weekly, then just live rock and live sand are enough filtration...no need for the canister filter...you can even get or make a hang on the back refugium to help polish the water further...

[EWC88]

The bookshelf is pretty sturdy cause I use to have my 40g on there so I thought it be good. It isn't one of those POS bookshelves one of those thick wooden ones. But I was thinking I might be able to put a sump in a spot. I'm going to take pictures right now and show you what I was thinking

[EWC88]

Also what should I start to get first..Filter..Heater..Powerhead..??

[EWC88]

Now I was thinking on my 3rd picture thats the bookshelf it is on. You can see that little space between the book shelf and a dresser. Now I was thinking if I move over my desk and shelf to the left more I might be able to put the sump there and just use plumping instead of hose. Would that work? would that be to loud? I want the quietest!!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p299/EWC88/372.jpg




http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p299/EWC88/371.jpg




http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p299/EWC88/373.jpg

[EWC88]

anyone?

[Hopeful Reefer]

The amount of noise you have is going to be dependent on your return pump...some are rather noisy and some are very quiet...

[EWC88]

You know of any names of the quiet ones?? Also would that work you think with the plumbing to the side?

[TriniReefer]

Doesnt it suck when ur mom suckers u into buying something for ur tank?lol i know exactly how u feel.You should go with a 20 gal sump/fuge if you could find a place for it.

[EWC88]

haha oh yea, sucks!! trinireefer lol and the only place i think would be on the side like on the third pic you see a little opening i can make it biggier by moving things.

[EWC88]

Like is this possible? Yes its horrible but hey its Paint..lol


<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p299/EWC88/possible.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

[Grey Reefer]

edit: sorry wrong post

[smatter]

Ditch the sump idea and get yourself a Tunze Nano Reefpack.