Cube Manufacturers In The Uk

[Bloo]

Who makes cube tanks in the UK ?
I can seem to find any info

 

[@ombomb]

I'm getting one made by AC Aquatics.

www.acaquatics.co.uk

What are you planning to use it for btw?

(apologies for the nosiness!)

 

[Bloo]

thanks not entirely sure yet - I might do it as a planted tank (similar to Jimboo's). I'm doing some furniture reshuffling soon, and (will) have the ideal space for a cube. Or perhaps African Cichlid. Not sure yet - keeping my options open !

 

[Lateral Line]

Mer Aquatica make to order all sizes, any shape. Be aware that cubes are notoriously difficult to light, so if you are serious about a real planted tank, cubes may not be the way forward.

Their tanks are great, but the build quality of the stands is "robust but inelegent" according to reports. If I was in the UK now, I would buy from them, (tank only).

 

[Bloo]

Why are they notoriously difficult to light ?
Surely I can add tubes to hearts content ?

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> Why are they notoriously difficult to light ?

They are like Hex tanks, generally very deep relative to their surface area. Yes, you can add lamps, but there is a limit to the number of lamps you can physically fit in a relatively small hood.

It's the old Watts/Length business. A tank that is 2 feet long is generally limited to fluorescent lamps less then 2 feet long to fit. 1 foot 10 Watts, 2 feet 20 Watts. Deep tank more Watts. A regular shaped tank is always easier to light.

A home brewed hood with a load of CF's is quite viable for planted tanks of course.

 

[Bloo]

Ahhh thanks for the tip. I'm quite tempted to go African and I already have one planted tank (very costly ). But first to move the furniture and then to get the tank.

Thanks guys

Ps: @ombomb, where are they based ? Looked at the site and prices are good. Are you getting it delivered ? Is delivery reasonable ?

 

[@ombomb]

delivery is costing almost as much as the tank

based in gateshead

 

[Siamese Fighter05]

www.tankbuilduk.com (don't know why they chose.com)
They do a 24'' cube but i think you can request to have any other size you want
i'd say lighting a 24'' cube would be easy and it would be a lifesaver for a planted or nano tank because you could fit four tubes over it easily with an luminaire

 

[littleimp]

150w halide or T5 compacts would light a 24" cube nicely. Halides & T5's have greater penetration power over standard lamps.

 

[@ombomb]

Finaly price for delivery is going to be £50 for the tank and a sump.

Not bad.

 

[jimbooo]

hiya bloozoo2, i have no idea who made my cube, bought it second hand.

as to lighting mines a 50G 2 foot cube. you can easily fit 6 x 18W tubes in the lid giving you about 2WPG.

i have 2 x 20W and 2 x 18W. seems to do the job fine (with CO2). the 20W tubes have to be fitted diagonally though as they are just too long (about 2 inches) to fit horizontally in the lid.

i was going to suggest mer aquatica, they are down the road from me, here in hertford. the tanks are fine but the stands are really horrid, it's the lid more than anything. they over lap the top my about 10cm, way too top heavy and ugly. damn cheap as a tank only option though and the quality is fine.

let me know if you want a pic inside my lid and i'll take one for you.

 

[Bloo]

Thanks a lot everyone !

Jimboo, what do you control the ligths with ? Surely you don't have 6 individual control units ?
or do you only have the 4 ?

Ps: yes, please can you post a piccie of your lid

 

[@ombomb]

Why not go for compact T5s?

You can get a 2 X 55W starter unit (21" tubes) for about £35 from aquatics-online.co.uk.

 

[jimbooo]

Thanks a lot everyone !

Jimboo, what do you control the ligths with ? Surely you don't have 6 individual control units ?
or do you only have the 4 ?

Ps: yes, please can you post a piccie of your lid

hi mate,

i only have 4 tubes running off two twin ballasts. one ballast does 2 tubes so only 2 timers needed. i still have room for more though but haven't upgraded further because of the plecs. i dont think i need any more light anyway. things seem okay as they are.

i'll take a pic tonight and post here (along with the loach pics as per the other thread)