What size pump do I need? (1 Viewer)

[aqua-nut]

I have a new cube tank that measures 18 x 18 x 18.

It will be an invert tank, probably keeping anenomes that require lots of water movement.

Anyone know how many gallons this is, and how big of a water pump (GPH) I should allow for?

 

[Guest]

I'd say 800gph, probably no more than 1000gph.

 

[Guest]

Its 25.8G What are you using for a overflow? If you are using a bulkhead and a elbow. All you'll need if a Mag 5 for the return and I would sugest 2 MJ 900 for in tank circulation. Thats what I am using on my 25 which is 24" x 18" x 12" and I have 4 healthy BTAs.

 

[aqua-nut]

I'm building a 4 x 18 x 18 ecosystem in the back of the tank itself.

So, the tank will be 14 x 18 x 18.

One last question, but this time about lighting. I bought a coralife 18 inch 50/50 four bulb PC retrofit for it that's rated at 96 watts. I have enough room to add a second one and bring the total wattage up to 192.

Should I do it, or will it drive up the heat in the tank too high?

 

[Guest]

I have 300w VHO over my 25 and the tank goes between 79 - 82 Depending on the temp inside and I don't use a heater. IME VHOs are hotter than PCs. If you want to keep anenomes I would strongly recommend adding the additional light.

 

[aqua-nut]

Thanks for this tip on lighting. I bought another 96 watt 50/50 retrofit lamp setup, which brought the total up to nearly 200 watts on this 18 cube.

I also fully realized that having this much light, even though it's PC and relatively cool compared to MH, will require a chiller. So, I bought a probe style chiller too and will drill a hole in the back of the sump divider area for that.

This little tank is getting expensive, but I knew that going in.