60 gallon shallow SPS reef

[tmc1313]

Hi, I recently downgraded from a 144 gallon reef to a 60 gallon shallow SPS aquarium. I enjoy all the threads and forums here on RC, but there are a handful that I continually look at without fail. Mostly, Leonardo's tanks, Denadai, and Chingchai. I love the clean artistic layout's they have created and that's what I'm going to try and emulate with this new reef. A few pieces are still browned out from the move, but are coloring up slowly with great polyp extension. As long as they continue this trend I think all will be well in a couple months time. My picture taking skills are lacking, so that's not helping either. An example is the pink birdsnest in the center. In reality, it is a deep dark pink, but that doesn't come across in the photos (I will have to work on this). I haven't added any fish while I'm still waiting for the corals to settle in. I want to go with a single species and would like some suggestions as to what. I'm thinking cardinalfish, but not sure which ones. Anyway, the tank has a long way to go, but here are some shots of its humble beginnings.

Initial scaping

Full tank shot

Center island

left island

right island

Another full tank shot

 

[stevedola]

are you asking a question?do you want comments?

fish suggestions--> Ive always loved anthias...could do a few different species too. That way you get a slight contrast in color/shape

 

[tmc1313]

are you asking a question?do you want comments?

fish suggestions--> Ive always loved anthias...could do a few different species too. That way you get a slight contrast in color/shape

Absolutely, I do welcome comments. The fish selection is my biggest dilema right now. The three species I've gone back and forth about are:
Green Chromis or blue reef chromis
Anthias (not sure what type)
and cardinalfish (not sure what type)
I guess it comes down to whichever will work the best without killing each other. I would be happy with any of these choices.

Thanks for your suggestion

 

[Throttle]

I barely saw this tank why has this not been updated?! Looks great man I would love to see growth progression. Or is the tank in your sig the new one?

 

[trueblackpercula]

Very nice system and its going to look outstanding in a year when it fills in.
Here is a new fish for you. What about a bunch of neon goby's they would like insane on the little islands you created.

 

[tmc1313]

I barely saw this tank why has this not been updated?! Looks great man I would love to see growth progression. Or is the tank in your sig the new one?

Hi, yes I had to move everything into a new 120gallon. The center brace broke on the 60 and I didn't trust it. The footprint is exactly the same just much taller on the new tank. I rescaped with a two island "bonsai" style and everything is doing really well. I'll try to update when I'm able to snap some new pics. Thanks for looking

Very nice system and its going to look outstanding in a year when it fills in.
Here is a new fish for you. What about a bunch of neon goby's they would like insane on the little islands you created.

Thanks, I think that's a pretty cool idea. I'll have to think about that one.

 

[milsaltnewbie07]

dang tank looks sexi as hell`