6ft Shallow Reef

[craig shipley]

Hey all,

So I have caved and brought a larger reef tank.
I purchased a new 6ft tank.
dimensions are 72x18x14 with 1/2inch glass.

My updates to this will be, dual center overflow with dual returns at ends
the sump will be a Promax so sump
200g skimmer and parts.
lighting the tank will be 3 ai primes with reef bites as supplements.

my plan for the tank is to have 2 - 3 small islands and lots of open sanded for swimming area.
Livestock will be a blue tang, scopes tang, 2 clowns, 3 lyretail ( all current stock).
looking to add maybe another 5 lyretail anthias, 2 other tangs and a nice wrasse.

lots to come!!!!

Craig

 

[craig shipley]

Inside painted with white marine paint!
Exterior needing some trim and finishing.
Plumbing is 75% ready

 

[craig shipley]

how the tank looked when got it

 

[Jason Bell]

Looking good Craig, I do like a long shallow tank.

 

[TORX]

Shallow tanks are awesome. I look forward to seeing where you go with this.

 

[Salty Cracker]

Looks great. May you never have a flood on that nice hardwood....

 

[craig shipley]

Looks great. May you never have a flood on that nice hardwood....

Agreed. Wood is shit anyway! but will have check valves and such to avoid

 

[Cliff]

Looking great! I love shallow reefs they make for a awesome top down look

 

[Luke.]

Happy you stayed in the hobby !

 

[craig shipley]

so got some work done today.
Trim added, column ends and ledge.
primed white prior to painting with enamel for a rock hard smooth white stand.

I am not going to have a check valve as I am going to ensure the locking is about water line and avoid siphoning.
Plumbing should be concluded by early next week.
Overflow should be delivered by end of week for weekend install!

 

[Jason Bell]

Stand looks great, want to see how the finish turns out, I want the smooth look and gf demands it be white.

 

[Luke.]

Can’t wait to see this set up !

 

[craig shipley]

Stand looks great, want to see how the finish turns out, I want the smooth look and gf demands it be white.

Working on this now.Looking for the best enamel paint to use on the stand
Thinking a cabinet paint that would give you that thick luxurious finish. also the protection.
I will post what I use of course.
Also a very thick enamel paint will hide any major imperfections in the stand

 

[craig shipley]

some primer and closer to finish product

 

[TORX]

Looking great!!!

 

[Jason Bell]

Mine being steel, I plan to have smooth covers with magnets countersunk in them, I figure 1 each end and 3 across the 72" span

 

[Jason Bell]

That and I'm not good with wood

 

[Kevin Tran]

Looking good buddy

 

[craig shipley]

Well got some doors finally on it.
Want so magnetic doors holders to ensure the doors stay closed tight.
going to do black hardware for some contrast and white enamel paint for a lux. finish.

Question for some. I don't want to do a check valve so worked on buying longer return locking to ensure a siphon is reduced. any tips to improve and avoid excessive draining during pump off times?

 

[craig shipley]

Closer and closer