The new Starfire Mini-Reef Tank from WilCo Designs are stunning little aquariums for the aquarist looking for form and function from their cube. Coming in three sizes – 22, 32 and 52 gallons – the Mini-Reef Tank is constructed from ultra-clear Starfire® glass on the three visible panels to give it a great rimless look many reefers (and their significant others) are looking for. The edges of the glass are also machine polished to give it a great look and extra strength at the seams. More information and images after the break.
The Mini-Reef tanks are specifically designed to support a sump and come pre-plumbed for the drain and return with a 1 1/2 in. drain line and a 1/2 in. PVC return line. The overflows teeth are laser cut and flame polished to add to not only the look but improve the function easily accommodating up to 1,000 GPH for a return pump. Cut into 1/4 in. thick acrylic the tooth gap is 3/16 in. and 1 1/4 in. deep to provide maximum flow and prevent the little critters from getting sucked through the teeth.
“These tanks were conceived to address two main issues – nano systems not having a sump with the filtering taking place in the back of the tanks requiring weekly water changes to keep them healthy and not being able to take advantage of a good quality skimmer due to physical lack of room,” said WilCo’s Wil Nelson. “Even our 22 gallon nano has a skimmer rated to 125 gallon tanks.”
The M22 Mini-Reef tank is the baby of the bunch holding 22 gallons with an 18 x 18 x 16 in. footprint. If you’re looking for something bigger the M32 Mini-Reef is 32 gallons and measures 20 x 20 x18 in. The big daddy is the M52 giving you 52 gallons while still fitting into a respectable 24 x 24 x 24 in. size giving you the benefit of a larger tank with a good front-to-back depth we find very appealing.
The M22 is priced at $350, the M32 at $450 and the M52 at $550 and can be purchased direct from WilCo. For an additional $80, you can get a closed loop system installed with a strainer, 500 GPH return pump and a spray bar loop to help keep those nasty bits out from under your live rock. You can use your own existing sump or can also buy some sexy models direct from WilCo along with a custom stand to hold your new friend.
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