Shallow Reef 36"x24"x16" - SPS Dominant Reef

[Revilo]

It all started with a search for a custom tank with the dimensions of 36"x24"x16". Many companies quoted me over a $1000 for just the tank alone with no overflow. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and DIY this build. I started my search for a IM Nuvo SR 60 which is pretty much where the dimensions came from. I lucky enough to find a used one on craigslist for an excellent price and way lower than what I was quoted for a custom. So I proceeded to purchase the tank and brought it home to begin its gutting.

I started with removing the AIO section of the tank. The images below show the process.

The next step was to clean it up by removing the dirt and silicone from the AIO section.

 

[Revilo]

The next step was to drill the tank for the installation of the Synergy Reef Overflow with a single return drain.

 

[Revilo]

In the process, I painted the bottom and back panes of glass black and installed the overflow. I had to take an image of the tank from the side because the overflow blends in well with the back pane of glass.

The next installation was the plumbing and the light mount which was to be made out of aluminum T-slot.

 

[Revilo]

I then started on the aquascape for the tank.

 

[viper12775]

I like it so far

 

[Revilo]

I like it so far

Thanks!


More to come.

 

[Denadai]

Waiting updates...very nice start !!!

 

[BrentH]

looks great!

 

[Revilo]

Lights were hung on aluminum T-slot mount. I have since cleaned of the wiring for the lights but this is the pic I currently have from my other build on others sites at the moment.

I started working on my hidden ATO container. I purchased a gaming chest to hide a 20 gallon tank I purchased during the petco $1 per gallon sale.

 

[drawman]

Looking great so far!

 

[Henry Colf]

Looks good!!! Will be tagging along!

 

[bwhit1406]

Looks awesome!

 

[nyxx]

Awesome job with the scape

 

[SpSChief85]

Great work thus far, can't wait to see this bad boy filled. Edit: noticed the picture with lights on it is filled!

 

[MichaelW]

Looking nice. Great work on cleaning up that tank.

 

[msaba]

looks great--Love the aquascape! I have reeftank with similar dimensions only 48 inches long. I found as corals grew in such a shallow tank, I had wished my scape was closer to the bottom--might be something to consider depending on what acro species you wish to grow... good news is with the height of the tank, you will be also able to grow acros from the bottom of the tank off the glass even if you choose too. Looking forward to the rest of your journey!

Mark

 

[Revilo]

Looking great so far!

Looks good!!! Will be tagging along!

Looks awesome!

Awesome job with the scape

Great work thus far, can't wait to see this bad boy filled. Edit: noticed the picture with lights on it is filled!

Looking nice. Great work on cleaning up that tank.

looks great--Love the aquascape! I have reeftank with similar dimensions only 48 inches long. I found as corals grew in such a shallow tank, I had wished my scape was closer to the bottom--might be something to consider depending on what acro species you wish to grow... good news is with the height of the tank, you will be also able to grow acros from the bottom of the tank off the glass even if you choose too. Looking forward to the rest of your journey!

Mark

Thanks everyone. FTS coming soon. I am waiting on the display to clear up from the particles of the rock I used. I just added a 100 micron sock. It should be cleared up within 48 hours.

 

[scrapz]

Nice! Always nice to save money and have more money to spend on livestock.

Just wondering if the glass thick enough to support everything since you removed the structural baffles.

 

[Revilo]

Nice! Always nice to save money and have more money to spend on livestock.

Just wondering if the glass thick enough to support everything since you removed the structural baffles.

Thanks! Yes, it can support it without issues. It's 10mm thick. It's pretty much no different from having the tank the as the original AIO which is also not braced.

 

[nemodan]

Lights were hung on aluminum T-slot mount. I have since cleaned of the wiring for the lights but this is the pic I currently have from my other build on others sites at the moment.

I started working on my hidden ATO container. I purchased a gaming chest to hide a 20 gallon tank I purchased during the petco $1 per gallon sale.

Can you please provide the data of the gaming chest.

Great job !!!

Thank you
Daniel