Nightster's shallow 50g build

Made some progress tonight on the tank. Tore down the standard 55g that was in the way and moved the shallow 50 into its new spot. Got all the plumbing attached and filled it up. Putting my mp40 through its paces mixing up the salt in the tank. There is nothing in the tank atm except salt and water. Couldn't find my extra hanging chain for the metal halide so I'm gonna have to make a trip to Lowes tomorrow. The sump was very well designed in that the manifold is hard mounted to it. The return pump power the reactors and also provides flow to the fuge. I'm extremely pleased with the set up so far. The daunting task of scaping kinda has me nervous but I should be ok. My planned livestock list so far is 2 clowns, yasha white ray goby, and a pistol shrimp. Gonna see if I can keep my bio load light. Haven't decided on a skimmer, I keep changing my mind. I know I want one for at least 150g, guessing to the size of the sump the actual volume is probably closer 85-95 gallons. Haven't sat down and measured everything out yet, but the sump isn't too much smaller than the dt. Excuse my poor photography as I'm using a camera phone.

 

Looking good

 

Im gonna have to figure out a way to be able to run a filter sock on this set up, it doesnt feel right without one. Set my mp40 to short pulse mode with the throttle all the way down and its creating a nice wave action. No sand in there yet, I'm going to try and hang my light later tonight. Before taht though I'm planning on breaking down the other 55g and taking the livestock up to a LFS for some store credit, that way when I'm ready for the livestock I want Ill be able to get it there.

 

cool looking tank shape/size I love shallow wide tanks. I hear Led light cannon calling

 

The sump does look very well designed.

Shallows seem fairly easy to scape, two islands or out crops. (let it be known I fail at scapes).

Very exciting, love the tank, so wish something like that around here would surface on craigs list.......

 

I got lucky getting this one, initially I wanted a skimmer he had then saw the picture of the 50. Immediately changed my mind, I do still want that skimmer though lol. I think I want to try a horseshoe type scape, but idk have small enough rock for that. Eventually I want to upgrade from my metal halide to a Kessil 350.

 

Didn't get as much done tonight as I wanted. My lfs said they have too much stock and can't take any in for credit. No biggie, might trade it all for some more live rock. Did get the metal halide hung.

 

Nice! I love it

 

Mp40 @40% on short pulse mode. Mini wave!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Bjlk9lLp4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

In the corner of your sump, where the overflow drops into it, what does the acrylic piece that connects like a triangle to the sides do for the overflow? Thanks