My shallow 42 gallon reef

[Fishy 1]

Hey everyone, the reason I'm doing this tank is because I'm sick and tired of the horrible scratches on my 67 gallon DT from the previous owner. I have tolerated them up to this point but no that I'm really getting into reefs, I really need a tank that has zero scratches - so I can actually watch my reef and not the scratches on the glass:facepalm:. I have also taken a serious interest in shallow reefs, so when I had the chance to move to this tank I jumped at it. The 67 will stay up and running until I have finished the build on the 42 and everything is ready to move over to the new setup. I got the tank free from a friend when he was mowing the grass and the mower shot a stone at the tank and broke the front panel(the tank was empty when it happened), he was going to take the tank to the dump but I said I'd take it and do something with it instead.

So this is the equipment that I have for the tank.

Tank: 46"+18"+12" 42 gallon shallow.
Stand: custom
Sump: 51 gallon
Skimmer: Aqua one G216 pro skim
Lights: I'm currently looking at some T5's
Circulation: Aquatopia 5000lt wave maker.
Return pump: Resun king f4 fountain 4800lt pump(It is safe for saltwater) and a smaller 1000lt that I'll plumb in as a backup.

And that is about it, pretty simple system hopefully. The tank will have a external overflow with a BeanAnimal overflow. I will be stoking it mainly as a LPS tank with some softies and maybe even some SPS down the line.

I'm looking forward to this one:bounce1:

 

[Fishy 1]

First question for you guys. What size holes should i drill for the BA overflow - as I have little idea about what size holes I should drill. So what size hole in millimeters?

 

[Mark9]

No idea what size you "should" drill, but this page lists all the dimensions in inches and mm, and even says what drill bits you need.

BRSLink

 

[Fishy 1]

Thanks Mark, what I meant was what size holes to what size bulkheads will keep up with 4500lt though the BA overflow.

 

[T.louderback]

Took me a minute to get what BA meant lol. for that size tank I would use 3/4in, it should be more than enough for that size TANK, not the pump. In my opinion that pump is waaay too powerful for a 42 gal. I run about the same flow on my 62 gal shallow reef and I split half of it off to a fuge.

 

[Fishy 1]

Took me a minute to get what BA meant lol. for that size tank I would use 3/4in, it should be more than enough for that size TANK, not the pump. In my opinion that pump is waaay too powerful for a 42 gal. I run about the same flow on my 62 gal shallow reef and I split half of it off to a fuge.

OK thanks, I thought the pump might be a bit much, so I'll put a bypass on the pump so it's not to much flow for tank.
I like 1" PVC, so would I use a 1" bulkhead to fit the PVC?

 

[whiteshark]

OK thanks, I thought the pump might be a bit much, so I'll put a bypass on the pump so it's not to much flow for tank.
I like 1" PVC, so would I use a 1" bulkhead to fit the PVC?

Yes. A 1" bulkhead is for 1" PVC. That said, the hole you drill will be bigger than 1" which will be listed in the link above.

FWIW, on my build I used 3/4" for the BA. It is way more than enough. 1" I think would be overkill even if you have a very high turnover.

 

[Fishy 1]

Yes. A 1" bulkhead is for 1" PVC. That said, the hole you drill will be bigger than 1" which will be listed in the link above.

FWIW, on my build I used 3/4" for the BA. It is way more than enough. 1" I think would be overkill even if you have a very high turnover.

OK thanks whiteshark I'll go for 3/4" then as it seems most people suggest it:thumbsup:.

 

[Fishy 1]

Yesterday I placed an order for the replacement glass, so that should be ready in a few days, then I can start rebuilding the tank again:bounce1:.

 

[Bello]

Awesome dimensions Fishy, you'll love the width :thumbsup:

I'm a sucker for shallow tanks :lol:

 

[Fishy 1]

Awesome dimensions Fishy, you'll love the width :thumbsup:

I'm a sucker for shallow tanks :lol:

Hey buddy how you going? Good to here from you again:beer:. I agree with you on the dimensions, I really, really like this tank and am so stoked to get this tank going. I'm going to take my time on this build and plan things out and do the job properly, so I can enjoy the tank when it's done and focus on getting some awesome colors from my corals. I'm sooooo excited about this:bounce:

 

[glaukos]

Good luck fishy
Dimensions are indeed awesome!

Can't wait for the start buddy!

 

[Bello]

I have a 23 x 23 x 12, that I use for a coral grow out system, filled with flubber and a few bits of SPS, can post a pic if you want... It has the ice rink bottom , so pretty easy to clean so far

 

[Fishy 1]

Good luck fishy
Dimensions are indeed awesome!

Can't wait for the start buddy!

Thank you Mike:beer:. I can't wait to get it wet but I'm not going to rush either.

I have a 23 x 23 x 12, that I use for a coral grow out system, filled with flubber and a few bits of SPS, can post a pic if you want... It has the ice rink bottom , so pretty easy to clean so far

Sounds great bello, mind posting some pics for us? We all know how much Biggles like's ice rinks in his tank:lolspin:, I'm still deciding whether I'm going to add sand or not but I'm leaning towards no sand so I don't have algae problems like he last tank and I have a cool idea that I want to try out. It involves growing encrusting monti's and other similar types of spreading corals on the bare bottom and placing small pieces of rock rubble around the coral so it spreads over the rocks, and then when it gets to the edge of the rubble I'll put more around it so I'm growing a coral carpet. I don't know how well it would work but I'd like to give it a try. I probably wouldn't make the whole glass bottom a coral carpet, but more like hand sized patches. The person that gave me the idea was Mike, when I saw a picture of his corals growing along the glass I thought it looked really cool, so thanks Mike:beer:
What do you guys think, would it work?

 

[whiteshark]

I think a rubble bottom for corals to grow over would look nice. I considered it myself actually, but had to go the complicated route lol.

 

[Fishy 1]

I think a rubble bottom for corals to grow over would look nice. I considered it myself actually, but had to go the complicated route lol.

Yeah you faux sand bed looks great whiteshark:thumbsup:

 

[Fishy 1]

pictures of progress

pictures of progress

I did a bit of work on the tank today and I'm pleased with how the build is going so far. I drilled the tank today and for a first time attempt I'm pleased to report the drilling went without a hitch. I drilled seven holes, two for the water to go from the weir to the external overflow box, two for the inflow and three for the BA overflow. The glass hasn't arrived yet, so I can't rebuild the tank yet(obviously). I started to sand the stand back to bare metal in preparation for a fresh coat of paint and extra bracing.

Pics everyone like pics.

The tank


The internal weir


The stand


Safty equipment is always a good idea


Fresh holes

 

[Fishy 1]

I've just been looking at some T5's and I like the look of this one, I think the length will be fine but is it enough for SPS?
http://http://www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/lighting/t5-light-fittings/t5-aquarium-light-4x39w-h-o-910-long-individual-reflectors.html
http://http://www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/lighting/t5-light-fittings.html
I just can't seem to get the links to work for some reason.

The unit I was trying to show you is a T5 HO and it's 39w 910mm + 221mm + 45mm and it's a quad bulb unit for $121 plus shipping.
The other option is a 8 bulb T5 HO unit that is 910mm + 341mm + 45mm for $195 + plus shipping.
I'm not sure whether 8 T5's would be too powerful for such a shallow tank? Or would 4 T5's be enough for SPS? It's a shame they don't sell a 6 bulb unit:sad1:. Also the price of replacing the bulbs every year is going to be quite pricey(probably more expensive than the light unit is worth!).

 

[G_Sanab922]

You are moving on up fishy! haha
I like those shallow reefs! Looking to do something similar soon for my mangrove project.

I think if you want to go SPS you will need LED or MH. T5 wont be enough

 

[Fishy 1]

You are moving on up fishy! haha
I like those shallow reefs! Looking to do something similar soon for my mangrove project.

I think if you want to go SPS you will need LED or MH. T5 be enough

Hehe lol I'm trying to make a half decent system so hopefully this is the one:beer:. OK, the problem is that the LED's are soo expensive to buy:eek1:.