Marquise O's Shallow 36"x24"x16" Reef Tank

[Marquiseo]

I love the look of shallow reefs. I like the look of IM Nuvo SR 60 tanks but I dislike AIO. So my original plans were to get a custom tank built. I soon realized that a custom tank was not going to happen due to the sky high quotes from several big name tank builders. So my next best thing was DIY. Knowing that the IM SR60 had the exact dimensions I wanted, I checked everywhere for a used tank and finally stumbled upon one. Luckily, the person just wanted it gone so, she gave me a "Once in a life time" deal. I ended up with her complete setup.

I now have the tank at home and have begun my modifications to it.


Part 1: Breaking the IM Nuvo SR 60

Removed the acrylic overflow.

Started breaking the AIO glass portion.

Minutes later......

My next step will be to remove the silicone left from the AIO section glass.

 

[WilRams]

Oh wow you really broke it down. Is the rear non tempered on these? Cool build

 

[Marquiseo]

Oh wow you really broke it down. Is the rear non tempered on these? Cool build

Yep I did. I was informed it isn't. I will drill slowing just in case it is. Thanks for browsing. Look forward to more photos tomorrow.

 

[Marquiseo]

Removed the silicone and have started cleaning her up.

 

[kevindo123]

You just increased the value of that tank!

Great idea.

 

[kevindo123]

The IM tanks looks to be well built. I have two of the nano but the SR tanks are even better with thicker glass and black silicon injections are perfect with no bubbles.

 

[kevindo123]

AIO are great for small tanks but it's difficult to clean the overflow area in the larger tanks. You get so many worms, snails and sponges that build up over time that it's so gross to even put your hand in.

Again great idea. I'll be eyeing one and convert it to be my FWLR tank or frag tank.

 

[revhtree]

Nice clean up job!

 

[Marquiseo]

Can anyone guess what just arrived at my door?

 

[revhtree]

Ummmm......Overflow possibly...

 

[Marquiseo]

`

Ummmm......Overflow possibly...

Yep!

 

[BetURWrasse]

nice, i'll be following. Maybe have to swing by and check it out one day.

 

[Marquiseo]

For this build, I will be going back to LEDs. I love T5's but replacing bulbs sucks and the energy costs are noticeable. So a question I would like to ask is, do you think (2) AI Hydras 52 HD + (1) AI Hydra 26 HD would be overkill? The lighting will be placed linearly in the tank. The goal is to provide enough light spread to cover dark spots. The lights will, also, run parallel to my future aquascape which will be coming soon. The tank is 36x24x16.

 

[Marquiseo]

All drilled and cleaned. Next step is to paint the bottom (outer) and back of the tank black. Then install the 16" Synergy Reef Overflow. My bulkhead for the return should arrive tomorrow along with my plumbing material.

 

[ethridge78]

looking good

 

[Marquiseo]

I got the tank bottom and back painted. Installed the ghost overflow. I had to take a pic from the side because from the front, you won't see the overflow well because it blends in with the back wall too well.

On another note: UPS let me down with my plumbing. They usually bring the package all the way to the hub near my home but decided to stop travel of my package an hour and 53 mins away at another hub. I was going to go pick it up from the hub near me today instead of delivery Tuesday but that plan failed.

 

[Marquiseo]

Here is a small hint for this tank build since I won't have anything new to post until Tuesday night:

This tank will include at least 6 of this fish:

Image Source: Google Image Search

 

[dball711]

Tagging along, can't wait to see how this progresses. That overflow looks sweet!

 

[Jonandjo]

cant wait to see final tank.

 

[Ariton]

Awesome set up !!