Shallow tank build

For the past several months I've been sitting on 4 pieces of 32x13.5 3/8 acrylic that I've accumulated. Last week Sabic Polymershapes hooked me up with close to a half sheet they had left over from another job so I could finally attempt to construct something (I needed a top and bottom). I'm not sure if I'm going to use the tank for a frag tank, or I might setup a shallow reef, it really depends on if I am able to build a presentable display.
The dimensions will be 32x24x13.5. Lighting will come from a 250 watt Aquamedic halide pendant.
I want to try a "skinny" bean animal type overflow. Instead of welding it in, I'll construct a box and feed the pipes out the back or sides. If it does not work, I can just replace it with something else. If anybody has experience with skinny overflows, like you see on some of the foreign reef sites, let me know please.
For filtration I may attempt building a protein skimmer, and will definitely run an algae scrubber.
Heres a pic of my progress so far. This is the front half of the overflow sitting on top of the tank walls. I need to install bulkheads before welding the back wall on the overflow. Sorry I didn't photo the cutting and smoothing of the acrylic edges, but I cut the material on my tablesaw, and ran the edges over a jointer.
I welded the seams using the pins method.

Over the next week, I need to buy some bulkhead fittings and install the bottom and eurobracing. If anybody has a suggestions on how wide the euro needs to be please speak up, I was thinking 2 inches since the tank is only 13.5 inches tall.
Build Cost so far
Acrylic from drop bins $65
Aquamedic Halide $coral trade
Schedule 80 plumbing fittings $8
HD

 

Been a slow process, but I got my tank constructed and started on my stand.

I've been thinking of perhaps doing a behind the tank sump and maybe eliminate powerheads in the display.

I've also got some pretty cool coral skeletons I'm going to use as my live rock.

Additional expenses so far
Bulkheads and Uniseals $30
$20 in lumber
$5 screws
Dry Rock was $16.75 or $4000 depending on your accounting practices

 

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Small update on the stand. One of the goals of this build for me is to complete it with as low a budget as possible, while still making a functional, good looking setup. I got to the point of skinning the stand and forgot that 3/4 inch Birch is like $50 a sheet. So I decided to take a look at what I had laying around and came across some hardy backer board that we bought for a tiled table project last summer. I know it does not have the rigidity or strength of the plywood, but thought I would give it a try.
I think the backer board was $8 a sheet and I used 2 and 1/2. For the budget I'll add $24
I am a little concerned about the weakness of the material if everything stays flat and level, I think it will hold up fine. Definetley very little margin for error.

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Not really sure, but since it is used instead of drywall for shower enclosures I think it will be ok moisture wise. My main concern is the strength it is brittle you can put your fist through it if you wanted to. Since it is not really structural I'm hoping that won't be a problem.

It's made from cement so painting should not be a problem.

 

Painted with exterior paint, the front is just a panel of cement board.
Still haven't decided if I will run a sump behind or under the tank.

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Well I built the tank, I finished the stand and then realized I had nowhere to put it. I ended up clearing a spot in the utility room to set it up and get some saltwater in it.
I figure I'll let it run and cycle in its current location for a while before setting it up in a more visible location.


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