17ish gal Nano and first reef

[OllieNZ]

Hi All,
I'm embarking on my first reef project and it's starting with this

Which has spent most of its life so far as a planted tank


I went to do a rescape a few weeks back and one of the seams split so the tank has been sat in the garage awaiting me to get off my lazy butt and remove and refit the end pane. While I'm at it the plan is to drill the tank for a herbie and generally get it reef ready. This is going to be a slow time project but I'm hoping to have it up and cycling by Christmas (unless I crack the bottom drilling it) I'm going to document my progress in the hope that my diying may help and inspire others. I'll have plenty of questions along the way as my reef experience is nil but I'm slowly getting my head round the basics.

If you've got this far thanks for putting up with ramble there will be plenty more to come and hopefully the occasional pic too.


Regards

Ollie

[Fishy 1]

I look forward to the build. I cringed when I saw the tank resting on the two bits of wood, while full of water

[OllieNZ]

Originally Posted by Fishy 1

I look forward to the build. I cringed when I saw the tank resting on the two bits of wood, while full of water

Cheers,
As for the tank on the two bits of wood.......(shugs) I've seen worse, most of the small tanks you buy are supported only around the bottom edge, so seeing that didn't bother me.

I've made a small amount of progress in my lunch times this week.


Starting to remove the end pane using .020in stainless locking wire



End pane out




Showing the leftover silicone residue after scraping with a blade



After silicone removal


Any way that's all for today

[OllieNZ]

Got it glued up yesterday (no pics sorry) I'll let it sit till Friday then water test time As long as there is no leaks I'll be ordering the bulkheads, piping and drill bit.
I'm thinking 3/4in will be plenty with a herbie, the plan is to use a couple of wave makers for flow and keep things slower through the sump.

[OllieNZ]

Well water test is looking good, no immediate blow out and no other leaks so far.
I'm struggling with what to do light wise, do I go with a 4x24w t5 unit or an ocean revive t247? The luminaries are very close price wise but my main issue is I can't suspend the light and have a 2in gap to fit it in. So any other options or ideas would be appreciated.