The 6 foot Shallow Reef project
I absolutely love my fusion 30L reef, however it has quickly become packed due to my slight coral addiction… Now i could just sell some frags but thats just not as fun.. so what to do?
Current Tank:
Well im in the process of planning a 6′ long shallow reef. The tank will work out to 90-110 ish Gallons. IM looking at 5.5-6′ x 18″ x 18″. Still lots to plan and figure out but I will update this as i go and plan.
My new concept tank (so far)
The lights will hopefully be 3x Ecotech XR15 Pros. (as i already have 2 and would just need 1 more)
I’m hoping to have an L shape bar to mount it all. Im still trying to work out the pipe size to support the weight and prevent sag. I belive 1″ aluminum bar would work..however i may need to add a little support bar at the 90 degree corner.
The overflow will be at one far end as this will be a peninsula style tank. For now it will be against a wall but later on I may move it upstairs to replace the banister at the top of the stairs so im trying to design the tank to work in both places. (planning for the future)
The back section will be a removable U shaped black plastic or glass to hide allthe over flow and still allow easy access.
Bean style overflow
I will likely have a Mp40 on the side wall for flow (and probably an MP10 since i already have one!
For the overflow im debating between just adding one onto the tank when its built or going with the synergy. The synergy overflow looks very sleek.. The only possible issue is the overflow is 16″ wide leaving 2″ ish inside on the edges with likely isnt enough space for the bulkhead for the return line.. I may need to but the width up to 20″ or just get an overflow made with the tank..
For the return pump im going to use one of the new Ecotech Vectra
Update: With the bean Animal overflow you want a constant flow rate… so as lovely a vectra is I would not be able to take advantage of most of the features.. I will likely go with a Jabeo DC pump for now.
Potential Sump design (many revisions later)
On Boxing Day I ordered 80lbs of marco premium key largo rock. after many revisions of the aquascape i think i have the first structure for the most part worked out
Something amazing finally happened… My tank has arrived!!!!!!!!!!