SAWFISH 90 Gallon Shallow Tank

[SAWFISH]

So this year I started to get the itch to get back into the aquarium hobby. I bought a used 24 gallon biocube set up and got everything set up. I was disappointed when I realized how limited my fish options were especially in the wrasse area. I decided to just jump to a larger aquarium and try to do things on a careful budget.

I managed to find this shallow frag tank from one of the local Ohio coral vendors. I like shallow tanks a lot and liked the dimensions 4ft by 3ft by 1ft, so I went ahead and bought it. Picture of the tank are attached. My plans are to build a stand and canopy for the tank, and buff out the small scratches in the aquarium.

 

[ScottR]

Welcome back to the hobby and welcome to R2R. Share more pics later. What lights are you going with? So many options these days.

 

[SAWFISH]

The first thing I did when I got the aquarium was build a simple stand for the aquarium and put the aquarium on it. The results are below. My plan moving forward is to use magnets to place stained birch veneer plywood on the front of the cabinet to give it a modern finished look. I also started some of the polishing of the acrylic. The previous owner of the tank gave me a polishing kit but I think I am gonna try the Novus polishing kit.

 

[SAWFISH]

I am going with the Ocean Revive T-247. Not super expensive but the owners I have talked to loved them for the most part. I actually bought one of the lights brand new and another one for 50$ from a local hobbyist who couldn't get the lights to work.

I broke out the multimeter and found the problem in an hour or two and got an almost new unit for a quarter of the price!

 

[SAWFISH]

The novus polish actually worked even better than expected. After using all three steps with a drill and a polishing bad all of the scratches in the tank were completely gone.

After this I decided I would prefer having the intake and outtake to the tanks go through the bottom of the tank. To accomplish this I drilled three holes into the bottom of the aquarium and bought a few pieces of black acrylic for the overflow box I would create. I used the acrylic to cover up the existing holes on the tank.

I was actually pretty please with how this turned out, even though the overflow had to be slightly offset from the center of the tank in order to cover the existing holes.

 

[SAWFISH]

My next step was to mount the lights over the tank. Because I do not own the house I live in I wanted to avoid hanging the lights from the cieling. Additionally because I plan to eventually run the tank as a peninsula in the future I did not want the lights mounted from the back wall.

What I decided to do was to build a cantilever to extend from the overflow area to the other side of the tank. I built the frame with 2x4s and some 8" metal brackets for additional support. Below are the completed pictures with the lights and a pair of Jebao WP60s which I plan to use for circulation.

Additionally because this tank is getting set-up in my bed room I am using a sicce return pump as they are known for being quiet



As with the stand I am planning to place a birch veneer plywood over the canopy. I will permanently close the top, both short sides, and one long side. The last long slide will be held on with magnets so that I can easily access the lights if needed.

I am trying to determine if a thinner or thicker piece of plywood would be better. It has been about a week since I built the cantilevered canopy and so far it has not sagged at all. I am concerned that the added wait of the plywood might change this. At the same time though the plywood could also add some rigidity to the structure. Still I am unsure if I should use 1/4", 1/2", or 3/4" plywood. Any opinions are welcome.

Also when using plywood with stain is it normal to stain the inside as well or is that typically left bare, or painted?

Thank You In advance for any suggestions
SAWFISH

 

[Easy Reefing]

Nice frag tank !

 

[Reefkeeper14]

nice tank, what are you planning to stock it with

 

[SAWFISH]

Nice frag tank !

Thank You, I am hoping to use the tank as a display tank, but I will definitely focus more on corals than the fish!

 

[SAWFISH]

nice tank, what are you planning to stock it with

I still have not decided what type of fish I want to put in the tank. I am for sure planning to have a school of blue/green chromis, a few wrasse, and a tang. I am leaning towards a yellow tang but I am uncertain if this would be a good fit for the shallow tank!

 

[DaneGer21]

That canopy makes me nervous!

 

[SAWFISH]

That canopy makes me nervous!

If it makes you feel any better I added additional 2x4's to the main vertical beams, as a reinforcement. I will have to upload pictures with the additional beams.

What about it makes you nervous? Just that the canopy would collapse into the tank? I have been trying to make measurements of the canopys height on the end to ensure it is not slowly sagging and so far it has not moved in the slightest. I will keep a careful eye on it and if necessary I will just add additional supports to the opposite side!

Also if you have any suggestions on how to make it even stronger while maintaining the cantilever design I would be open to suggestions!

Thank You!
SAWFISH

 

[joshyross70]

Love the tank. Following

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

KEWL and welcome back!

 

[SAWFISH]

The next thing I needed to get for my tank was the sump. I managed to find someone with a 20 gallon long which they had converted into a sump using one of the kits you can buy online. Once I purchased this I laid a plastic layer down over my carpet. Under the tank. I plan to staple it to the 2x4s so that if there is ever a small leak it will hold at least some amount of water, rather than letting it just go onto the floor.

Once this was done I went ahead and plumbed the tank. I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. A lot cleaner than my previous builds.

Here is a combination of pictures showing the plastic lining and the sump.

 

[SAWFISH]

I also bought a used Bubble Magnus D8 Curve skimmer from a local reefer (its in the picture without the cup). I have seen somewhat mixed reviews on this protein skimmer but I am hoping that I can get it tuned in well and see good results.