50 Gallon Low Boy™ Frag Tank

[Joeb1983]

My local fish store had these on a pallet in the middle of the store for $150 a pop.

Dimensions are GREAT; not to mention the price!

The weren't "flawless" and where comparable to a Marineland tank IMO.

They aren't rimless or RR, but are all constructed of non-tempered glass, so drilling is not an issue. Again, LFS has them listed @ $150.

Dimensions are a nice 48x24x10"

Saved a few bucks and had my buddy order me two. (I believe wholesale is like $89...)

They will sit side by side and share a sump. One will have sand and LR being a regular shallow reef and the other will be a BB frag grow out.

The distributor said he heard they don't ship well, thus he never ordered them in before. (We will see when they arrive)

I asked the LFS in regards to the above and they said they all came in just fine; so that's a plus.

They are made by ZooMed; known for terrariums and reptile equipment, so there are different versions:

BFT-50F being the frag tank

All others are terrariums and from what I heard/read/seen; the top brace is the only difference between the terrarium and frag tank; (Beefier on the frag tank) along with whether it comes with a screen top or not.

So be sure to order the BFT-50F

Here is the link for those interested:

http://zoomed.com/db/products/EntryD...tzOjE6IjAiO30=

[Joeb1983]

I don't remember how I got the or why I have them, but I have two Marineland curved overflows I am going to cut down and use on these lowboys.

I have this weird built in desk/cabinet area in my kitchen that just collects junk.

Here is the plan from my head to paint.

I need to mount the 52's as high as possible, but have the base of the cabinets to contend with.

I cant mount "under cabinet" style so I have to utilize a rail system that will let me gain the most height as possible.

I looked at t-slot, etc...

Best and cleanest way Ive come across is five 18" EXT rails... Comes out to 104' in length with the fixtures. I have a tad over 103" to work with wall to wall wise, so it will have to be trimmed. (Easy enough)

[Joeb1983]

I only have ~30x24" to work with where I want the sump.

Was at Lowes and came across a Brute 20 gal brute bin. (~27x18")

[Joeb1983]

Made a sock holder out of a used piece of PVC I had used for another project.

[Joeb1983]

Test fit the skimmer.

[Joeb1983]

Cut out the skimmer pattern out of the Brute lid.

[Joeb1983]

Came out pretty clean. Need to sand the edges.

[Joeb1983]

Sock holder, heater (300w) will be 500w, skimmer and return pump all fit.

[Joeb1983]

Lid drilled for returns/overflows, chords, etc...

[JonezNReef]

I really like these tanks. I have seen these tanks before in the past and have been wanting one but cant find one locally... I will be following this build.

[Joeb1983]

I couldn't believe it honeslty! Had to jump on them.

Still waiting on the planet tanks and my current frag is beyond full and requires daily attention.

Was told 6 weeks (lowboys) for them to come in as my buddy has to wait to put in another big dry goods order.

In the meantime, like I said, I'm still waiting on Planet to deliver...

[Joeb1983]

Apparently there was/is a shipping issue with these tanks.

At least that's what I'm being told and have picked up...

If a order is placed, there is a chance the "old shipping method" pallets will be received. No individual boxes or straps; resulting in more than half the shipment being damaged.

So, the local supplier doesn't want to risk it. (Understandable)

The LFS that had them in stock has 3 left. (ones shipped the "new" way). Might spend the additional $ and pick them up.

[Joeb1983]

Got a refund, went to the LFS and spent the extra cash.

Pick them up today after work.

[JonezNReef]

Originally Posted by Joeb1983

Got a refund, went to the LFS and spent the extra cash.

Pick them up today after work.

That's awesome. Can't wait to see them set up. I am up on the fence with these and depending on how your build goes will help me decide if I want to search around locally and get one or two, or just go the custom route.

[Joeb1983]

Originally Posted by JonezNReef

or just go the custom route.

Two lowboy 48x24x10" tanks were $326 with tax retail. Obviously, not reed ready or rimless.

One custom 36x18x10", (same footprint as a 40 breeder, just shallow) reef ready, "custom overflow" with vinyl was $410.

I pick them up today. Ill be sure to update on quality and or any leaks or blowouts. lol!

[JonezNReef]

LOL yea if I was to go with a custom I would be me making it. So it would be the price of glass with shipping and silicone. Mostly because I enjoy the DIY side of things. But if these are worth it I might elect to be lazy and buy it pre made

[Joeb1983]

Picked them up today after work.

[Joeb1983]

Test fit.

[JonezNReef]

Looking good! Now the fun part of drilling the tanks and modifying your overflows to fit. When you get them going do you plan on having fish in the tank and if so what kind? Also are you going to have SPS in one and LPS in the other so you can have higher flow in one tank or just a mix of whatever you have?

[Joeb1983]

I'd love to make my own tanks, I have the skill set, just not the cojones. lol!

Drilling is not an issue, as I've drilled multiple tanks without problems (Knock on wood) and I'm no stranger to silicone.

A table saw would be ideal to cut down the overflows. I threw them in the tanks and they look pretty nice!


I honestly do not have a clue what I am doing with these tanks...

The plan was to have one be a mixed reef w/ sand and LR and the other a BB frag.

The more I think about it, the more I want to just make them both reef tanks with lots of open space for "the look" (given the dimensions) and of course coral...

The plan is to use two mp10's on each, but gyres have crossed my mind. However, I hate cords and I already have the mp's...

[Joeb1983]

Cut down the marine land overflows.

[Joeb1983]

Silicone, drill and paint thins weekend

[Joeb1983]

Holes drilled yesterday after work.

I also picked up a 48x96" "garage mat" and cut out tank sections for them to sit on. I know it's rimmed/braced, but for how much they cost and the cabinetry; can't hurt.

I'll silicone in the overflows today and paint tomorrow once set.

Think I should paint the backs or the backs as well as the sides given the layout?

[JonezNReef]

Nice I like the mats under the tanks. If you went bare bottom it will be easier on the eyes not seeing the wood top of the stand.
I personally would paint both the back and sides. You won't be able to view from the sides except in the middle where the 2 meet and even then you would be looking into the other tanks overflow if not painted.

[Joeb1983]

Exactly what I was thinking.

One overflow being installed now.