Help! Tank Size.

JamOn86 · Jun 15, 2020

Hi. I need some advice. I'd like to upgrade my tank. Currently have a mixed reef in a 16 gallon Biocube. I've upgraded to the Radion XR15 G5 Blue Light, and the Vortech MP10 powerhead. I'd like go to bigger, but not looking to have to add another XR15 or MP10. Anyone have any suggestions on how big I could go with my current equipment?

Spare time · Jun 15, 2020

How bout a cube tank. Something like a 24x24x24 would work well

jeffrey750750 · Jun 16, 2020

I have the 60 cube, 24x24x24 and I run the xr15 gen4 pro and it covers all corners well

HaveFishWillTravel · Jun 16, 2020

JamOn86 said:
Hi. I need some advice. I'd like to upgrade my tank. Currently have a mixed reef in a 16 gallon Biocube. I've upgraded to the Radion XR15 G5 Blue Light, and the Vortech MP10 powerhead. I'd like go to bigger, but not looking to have to add another XR15 or MP10. Anyone have any suggestions on how big I could go with my current equipment?

Are you going to build a sump and set your new aquarium on a cabinet? Or, will you be pumping from the back or side of the tank?

jeffrey750750 said:
I have the 60 cube, 24x24x24 and I run the xr15 gen4 pro and it covers all corners well

JamOn86 · Jun 16, 2020

jeffrey750750 said:
I have the 60 cube, 24x24x24 and I run the xr15 gen4 pro and it covers all corners well

Thanks! Who makes your cube??

JamOn86 · Jun 16, 2020

HaveFishWillTravel said:
Are you going to build a sump and set your new aquarium on a cabinet? Or, will you be pumping from the back or side of the tank?

Not sure yet. I would prefer going to a sump.

FinsFan13 · Jun 16, 2020

JamOn86 said:
Hi. I need some advice. I'd like to upgrade my tank. Currently have a mixed reef in a 16 gallon Biocube. I've upgraded to the Radion XR15 G5 Blue Light, and the Vortech MP10 powerhead. I'd like go to bigger, but not looking to have to add another XR15 or MP10. Anyone have any suggestions on how big I could go with my current equipment?

I think you could keep the cube shaped aquarium, and go up to 40 gallons or so. You could always go bigger, and add more equipment at a later date too.

HaveFishWillTravel · Jun 18, 2020

JamOn86 said:
Not sure yet. I would prefer going to a sump.

The size of your new aquarium and where it is relative to the pump will drive the Pump GPH and Pump Head Pressure. Rule of thumb is 6-7 gph per every 5 gallons based on the pump and the tank being at the same elevation. When you are ‘pumping up’, you need to more than double the gph.
I would definitely look into it, if gph or head pressure is drawn into question when you are making your decision.

Calculate GPH: https://thepetsupplyguy.com/aquarium-pump-gph-calculator/

Calculate Head Pressure: https://www.marchpump.com/blog/how-to-calculate-total-dynamic-head-for-industrial-pump/