What is better 8frame med or 5 frame deeps, Where to start?

[weldingfreak6010]

I have been hearing about all the benefits of the 8f med but isn't a 5 frame just same surface area what are the pros and cons of each, because i am digging on the 5 frame nuc boxes as starter boxes for my packages this year.

[sfisher]

What size frames do you want in your hives, mediums or deeps?

[CtyAcres]

Rick, Yes a 5fr deep is the same as a 8fr medium. Two double deeps should yield you honey and will overwinter just
fine in Iowa. I use them exclusively.

[weldingfreak6010]

thanks I was wondering about it. and the 5 frame deeps should be cheaper too to build buy cool thanks

[Michael Bush]

You can grow all eight frame mediums into a stable hive. If you grow five frame deeps as tall as a booming hive requires, they blow over easily.

[weldingfreak6010]

You can grow all eight frame mediums into a stable hive. If you grow five frame deeps as tall as a booming hive requires, they blow over easily.

Thank you for bringing that up, yes that could be a problem being top heavy. I figured on if I stacked the boxes side by side then they would not be such a problem or strapping them down which is what I am planning to do anyway, the only problem I am seeing it the entrances being too close, but would that really be such a problem with them? curious

[rail]

Rick, Yes a 5fr deep is the same as a 8fr medium. Two double deeps should yield you honey and will overwinter just
fine in Iowa. I use them exclusively.

How many frames does the brood nest in this setup cover; all 5 in the bottom deep?