Frans's Ultra Shallow Reef

FransSny

FransSny

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After the comments on my other thread , plus loads of reading (on the internet though...so taking at face value), some measuring etc etc I have decided on going the shallow route.

Here is what I have in mind:

DT (if you would call it that)

1600 l x 700 w x 300 h (water at 280), slim overflow at 700 side

Sump

1500 x 600 x 600

Going to try and squeeze another 200 L from here

Skimmer

Either the ReefOcto Orca 80 (not worried about rating as I will be using Microbelift dosing as well loads of biological filtration)

OR

Skimz 121....

Flow

2 x Tunze fitted on the opposite side of the overflow to create "wave effect"

Lighting

Will be T 5, thinking 4 x 80 W..suggestions ????

Inmates

Some schooling fish, cardinals, chromis (although they would probably stop schooling when grown) , MAYBE a flame angel , MAYBE a dwarf lion

Lots of Zoas on the rocks, some LPS and a nennie squat square in the middle

Stand will be 1 mtr high for viewing from seated position

Lets see how this goes :blush:
 
Sounds good ... I see the shallow route is in fashion nowadays ... Damn ... no more place for a shallow one by me ... Anyways all the best with this build ..... Keep the pics rolling in as it progresses ....
 
Wow that sure is shallow Frans, sounds cool though...will definately get some hectic wave action with a tank that shallow I think.

You going to grow some mangroves and let them grow out the DT? :p

Good luck with this! :)
 
sounds great just do your planning carefully if you go witha wave, i would think that in a shallower tank the wave might be more pronounced and you might need additional clearance, but im not certain as ive never bothered with wave boxes before.
 
Sounds good mate :) .. Its like a frag tank lol
 
crispin said:
sounds great just do your planning carefully if you go witha wave, i would think that in a shallower tank the wave might be more pronounced and you might need additional clearance, but im not certain as ive never bothered with wave boxes before.
Click to expand...

That was my feeling as well, as my vortech sits about 10cm from my tanks surface and when I have played around with it and tried to get a strong flow and wave I have landed up with spillage...and I imagine with a tank 300mm high your pump would be sitting at roughly the same hight so in theory the same result.
 
My old shallow tank was 380 and water level at 350. Aquascaping was difficult as there is no space for corals on top of live rock after building a cave or two. Swimming space for fish also less above the rock formation.
 
Sounds good dude! Tank is wide though, how about 6-8 T5's? It will be more evenly dispersed, what you rekon?
 
Waiting in anticipation on this one... May the force be with you!!!
 
I have frag tanks that are 1200x600x300 its really low for a reef tank. Watching this one closely. I recon 6 T5's will be best I have 4 on the tank mentioned and it aint enough..
 
Thanx for the comments guys....quite exited to try something new :)

Stand is done so will finish the tank over the weekend and keep you posted

Mek & Sims , I agree 6 x T5 will probably be better...thanks for the advice
 
sounds good franssny i see lots of guys are building shallow reefs :thumbup:
 
Small update

Stand is in its place....tank built ,sump ready.

I decided to go for a smaller sump @ 1,2 mtr as I want to leave space for my brine shrimp hathcery and whatever else :p

Tomorrow I will play with scaping ideas and fill .....due to water restrictions no time for FW test ....
 
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