EPIC 33 Long Build

[VSVP bet]

Hello all,

I have a beloved 90-gallon reef aquarium at home in Connecticut. However, as a college student, I am not able to transport my 90-gallon reef back and forth from college to home. To satisfy my urge to reef, I purchased an IM Nuvo 20, I like the tank, however, it is just too small. After research, I discovered the 33 long, it is the same footprint as a 55, but shorter. This tank seems like a perfect size, it is 33 gallons (so it is not huge), but will provide plenty of space for fish and coral. I do not want a sump (as I do not have a permanent residence and want to make transport as easy as possible), so I plan on making an in-tank sump box (similar to the sumps on a biocube or IM tank).

I have started building a stand, and once the tank arrives (I ordered it), I will get glass made to build the sump boxes. I have attached pictures, please let me know what you think, any suggestions would be helpful.

Also, to further follow the build (and all my tanks on), check out my Instagram @ruckusreef

(I also attached a picture of my home 90 for your viewing pleasure)

THANKS!

 

[VSVP bet]

and to further clarify, each sump box will be identical on either side.

 

[Awesome Dennis]

Why not put the divider parallel with the back glass? Your loosing a lot of side view.

 

[VSVP bet]

Why not put the divider parallel with the back glass? Your loosing a lot of side view.

its a narrow tank already, I was hoping with this setup, I could put low light lps and mushrooms around the side boxes, and glue caps on the top of the boxes. Since the tank is long, I was planning to put the two ai primes closer to the middle to have no middle shadow, and have the low light sections on either side. The design isn't final, I will definitely consider this change, and if this rationale doesn't make sense to you please tell me! I want to get input to make sure I design the closest to perfect tank I can.

 

[Awesome Dennis]

Maybe rotate the boxes

 

[VSVP bet]

Maybe rotate the boxes

that could definitely work, thanks for the input

 

[VSVP bet]

Got the stand all built.

I ordered acrylic for the in-tank sump. Does anyone have experience adhering acrylic to glass? Apparently, all you have to do is rough the edges of the acrylic so the silicone best attaches? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

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above are the sample filter boxes

 

[Teddy Marshall]

really exited to see how this will turn out!

 

[VSVP bet]

Got the stand completely built. The tank was delivered as well. Now I'm waiting for the acrylic to be cut, last step is to construct the in-tank filter boxes.

 

[VSVP bet]

The acrylic was made (and looked fantastic), got the baffles and boxes all glued in, after a curing period the tank will be water tested. I am curious as to if anyone has done a build similar to this, if you have, please let me know how your tank is running!

 

[Denisk]

This is going to be a sweet tank build! I look forward to seeing the progress.

 

[Jisko]

ooooo i likey...

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Cool! Following!

 

[VSVP bet]

mdbannister, Denisk, and Jisko thanks for the love!

 

[JCM]

Neat idea, I dig it

 

[Kzguns]

Nice work! Looking forward to seeing it filled and running!

 

[Bob the Bass]

Cant wait to see how this comes out

 

[Teddy Marshall]

This is looking great, I've heard the acrylic cement can be pretty nasty stuff though. Did you bond the panels outside?

Also anyone on Instagram please feel free to check my 75G setup @TM_Reef

 

[VSVP bet]

This is looking great, I've heard the acrylic cement can be pretty nasty stuff though. Did you bond the panels outside?

Also anyone on Instagram please feel free to check my 75G setup @TM_Reef

nothing like the smell of cement and silicone in the morning