60 gallon cube

[Mr_Cool]

I'm getting ready to set up my new 60 gallon cube. I have just about everything I need, or at least I know where to get it. I just have a few questions.....

1. The tank is leak-testing on the back porch now. It's been holding water for 3 days now, so I think it good, huh? When I get ready to start it up, I'm planning to use the sand from my old tank. But, it's been sitting in buckets for about 2 months. It had water in it, but when we moved into the new house, I left them in the garage. It seems like the water has evaporated by now. I gave it a really good rinse when I tore down the old set up. So, what (if any) problems with this sand give me? I plan to use my old live rock, which has been in circulating water, as well. Should I expect a cycle? If so, will it be a long one, or will the live rock keep things pretty much in check?

2. I'm planning to go with t-5 lights. Again, I used them on my old tank and just love them. But, the problem is the 60 cube is only 2 ft long, and I used to run 4 ft bulbs. I know that the smaller t-5 ballast (like you get in a retro-fit) will fire 2 24 watt bulbs. But, will my Workhorse 7 fire 4 24 watters? It works for 4 54 watt bulbs, but something tells me that ballast is just too much for 4 24 watt bulbs. I'm planning on running 6 bulbs in the cube and want 2 of them on a separate ballast for actinics. I was just hoping I could use the Workhorse 7 so I don't have to get another ballast. (One more ballast = one more plug, and I may be running short there.)

3. How big of a sump should I be running with a set up like this? I used to have more water under my display tank than in it, but that just won't work here. Is there a general rule of thumb on sumps? (Sump should have a certain % of the display tank's volume?)

I'm sure there are things that I haven't thought of, too. If you think of something I'm missing, feel free to point it out. I'd like to start a build thread, but I don't know if I'll have the time. We'll see....

[ACE]

I have a 60G cube. Your welcome to come by and check it out. LMK

[RayAllen]

Rob Id go with something around 15-20g for the sump. There is no rule on how big the sump should be. The key is to be able to fit all the equipment you want to fit in the sump (Skimmer, pump, heater etc....) You may not have room for a auto top off so you will have to be creative on that one. You will have a cycle, most likely a small cycle but you will have one.

[Mr_Cool]

Thanks for the offer, ACE. I don't know if I'll be out that way, though.

Ray (this is Mike, not Rob.): A small cycle is what I was thinking. That should be okay.

[txav8r]

Thanks for the offer, ACE. I don't know if I'll be out that way, though.

Ray (this is Mike, not Rob.): A small cycle is what I was thinking. That should be okay.

Man Yall get that alot! Twice this week!

[RayAllen]

Sorry Mike its the "Mr" that threw me off.