40 Breeder Build

Cdodge1 · 08/21/2013, 10:27 PM

Hey guys, this will be my 3rd marine tank now and I was never completely satisfied with my first two (30 Hex, 20 Long). This build, I'm going to be spending a lot of time on the details, and I'd love any thoughts and opinions during the build!

My current set up 20L:
(I think) 85 watt PC, 1300 gph power head, skimmer (got a long time ago, no idea what kind)
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40 Breeder I got a while ago at the dollar per gallon sale (actually ended up being $65) I picked a 40 because my brother suggested it due to it's unique dimensions. I plan on having some awesome aquascaping.
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Thanks for reading, will update soon!

igot2gats · 08/22/2013, 09:34 AM

I would add a sump this time. That way, you can hide most of your equipment.

Reefmedic79 · 08/22/2013, 11:45 AM

Did you take the top brace off the 20L????

+1 drill the 40B and put a sump under it. It's the same set-up I've got.

matt.fhm · 08/22/2013, 12:10 PM

I drilled a friend's tank a month ago with half inch glass. It wasn't nearly as nerve racking as you would assume. GO FOR THE DRILL! :]

greech · 08/22/2013, 01:03 PM

Add a sump via a HOB overflow at the very least if you are unable or unwilling to drill it.

They are great tanks, have been very happy with mine over the years. Congrats on the upgrade!

Cdodge1 · 08/22/2013, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by igot2gats

I would add a sump this time. That way, you can hide most of your equipment.

Yes! Definitely, I want as little equipment in the tank as possible!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefmedic79

Did you take the top brace off the 20L????

+1 drill the 40B and put a sump under it. It's the same set-up I've got.

Haha, nooooo, I'd have to have be crazy to remove a brace on anything bigger than a 20 gallon. From what I see, most new 40 Breeders don't have the top brace anymore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt.fhm

I drilled a friend's tank a month ago with half inch glass. It wasn't nearly as nerve racking as you would assume. GO FOR THE DRILL! :]

Haha, for sure! I've got the drill bits being shipped! Can't wait! I've personally never drilled glass, but I've done a lot of work with wet saws and drills.. hopefully this will come in handy

Cdodge1 · 08/22/2013, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greech

Add a sump via a HOB overflow at the very least if you are unable or unwilling to drill it.

They are great tanks, have been very happy with mine over the years. Congrats on the upgrade!

Thanks! I can't wait! I actually scooped up some drill bits on ebay; they should be here this weekend hopefully. Going to go with a Herbie style overflow.

Cdodge1 · 08/22/2013, 01:16 PM

So, my current plan for the tank is to drill the glass (once I get those drill bits), find the spacing I need between each hole, and drill using some plumbers putty. I've ordered the bulkheads, and I'll start drawing some plans for a sump. Should I go with a 10 or 20 gallon sump? I also ordered a 230 gph return pump for my tank; will that be enough?

I wanted to build my stand with 3/4" plywood using biscuit joints, however, since I'm in a 3rd floor apartment and lack some of the tools to do it correctly, I'll settle for buying one pre-made

Reefmedic79 · 08/22/2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdodge1

Haha, nooooo, I'd have to have be crazy to remove a brace on anything bigger than a 20 gallon. From what I see, most new 40 Breeders don't have the top brace anymore.

I was talking about the first pic you posted of the 20L.

Reefmedic79 · 08/22/2013, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdodge1

So, my current plan for the tank is to drill the glass (once I get those drill bits), find the spacing I need between each hole, and drill using some plumbers putty. I've ordered the bulkheads, and I'll start drawing some plans for a sump. Should I go with a 10 or 20 gallon sump? I also ordered a 230 gph return pump for my tank; will that be enough?

I wanted to build my stand with 3/4" plywood using biscuit joints, however, since I'm in a 3rd floor apartment and lack some of the tools to do it correctly, I'll settle for buying one pre-made

I would and current use a 20L for my sump. A 230gph pump will likely only be a trickle once you calculate head pressure. I use an Eheim 1260 rated at 665 gph.

I'm not a carpenter or an engineer, but I don't think biscuit joints will not cut it using plywood. solid wood would need to be used.

dcampbell · 08/22/2013, 07:25 PM

I agree about drilling the tank. I have a 40 breeder D.T. and a 40 sump/refugium. I am pretty happy with it. I have diy pvc overflows and plan on drilling before I add any livestock. My tank is cycled and doing great ! I love the tanks dimensions for the space I have. good luck !

Cdodge1 · 08/22/2013, 08:48 PM

Reefmedic- Thanks a bunch for your input! Also, sorry I misread your first question about my current tank. Yes, I took the top brace off, well, my brother did and it's been running for almost a year now and it's been doing great.

My other brother is an Engineer and I always check with him about anything I plan to build. True plywood (not pressed or particle) is actually very strong and I've seen it used for tanks much larger than my own. So with a 40B I would trust it haha.

As for the return pump, I read on another thread that someone with a 40 breeder was using a 200gph return pump... I'll keep an eye out for something bigger.

Dashylock · 08/22/2013, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdodge1

Reefmedic- Thanks a bunch for your input! Also, sorry I misread your first question about my current tank. Yes, I took the top brace off, well, my brother did and it's been running for almost a year now and it's been doing great.

My other brother is an Engineer and I always check with him about anything I plan to build. True plywood (not pressed or particle) is actually very strong and I've seen it used for tanks much larger than my own. So with a 40B I would trust it haha.

As for the return pump, I read on another thread that someone with a 40 breeder was using a 200gph return pump... I'll keep an eye out for something bigger.

I have a 40b with 20L sump - running 665 gph return pump which is traveling a vertical distance of 60"

Cdodge1 · 08/23/2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcampbell

I agree about drilling the tank. I have a 40 breeder D.T. and a 40 sump/refugium. I am pretty happy with it. I have diy pvc overflows and plan on drilling before I add any livestock. My tank is cycled and doing great ! I love the tanks dimensions for the space I have. good luck !

Thanks! Good luck with your tank! Are you saying you cycled your tank before drilling it??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dashylock

I have a 40b with 20L sump - running 665 gph return pump which is traveling a vertical distance of 60"

How is it? What brand? How is the noise level? I am searching for a return pump now haha. Not sure what I'm going to do with the 200 gph one...

Cdodge1 · 08/23/2013, 11:17 AM

Ever since I purchased the 40 Breeder, I could not find a stand. I found on craigslist a 40 breeder setup with stand for $120 which I think is a steal. SO now I have two 40 breeder tanks. The stand is welded steel and the tank has never seen water. They painted the background glass black, but it's starting to flake in one corner. Not a huge fan of the stand itself but I don't have many options..

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The stand itself is just the metal frame. The kid who had it fashioned some 1/8" particle board panels with magnets. It's a good Idea but I may re-make them in the future.

Sweatervest13 · 08/23/2013, 01:30 PM

A stand is a stand. How much room is under there?? And can you hang/drill/attach any equipment off of the stand (like a BRS reactor or power strip)? I am thinking with it being metal framed that might be tough. But if the skinned wood held by magnets is solid you may be able to drill into that to attach equipment.

For drilling the tank research the 45 degree method. It will help a lot.

This should be a fun build. Good Luck!!!

Cdodge1 · 08/23/2013, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweatervest13

A stand is a stand. How much room is under there?? And can you hang/drill/attach any equipment off of the stand (like a BRS reactor or power strip)? I am thinking with it being metal framed that might be tough. But if the skinned wood held by magnets is solid you may be able to drill into that to attach equipment.

For drilling the tank research the 45 degree method. It will help a lot.

This should be a fun build. Good Luck!!!

The inside of the stand is actually pretty roomy. It'll fit a 20L sump underneath comfortably and there is more than enough clearance for the skimmer and any reactors I may get in the future. I've got the tools to drill metal if needed, although, I'd like to avoid it. I'll check out that method of drilling, sounds interesting. Thanks!

Cdodge1 · 08/23/2013, 04:20 PM

Here's some more detailed pics of the stand. Where the heck should I drill for the overflow?
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It's nice and spacious

I really wanted to get a DJ switch panel... is it worth it?
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Cdodge1 · 08/26/2013, 07:20 PM

Woo! finally starting to get parts delivered! Two 1" bulkheads and one .5" bulkhead.

Also ordered a Mag 5 for return pump...should be in by next week!

Still waiting on those glass drill bits... -.-

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Cdodge1 · 08/29/2013, 11:56 AM

So apparently, my package containing the glass drill bit has been lost at my apartment office. After 30 min of holding for the shipping companies customer service, they said they would investigate.

The tracking number says it was delivered the 23rd of August. It's an $8 dollar drill bit, I'm pretty frustrated and may just order a new one.

So in my long days of waiting I decided to fill the tank up with water to see if it had any leaks.

Cdodge1 · 08/29/2013, 12:04 PM

I only left the water in the tank for a little while. the tank was not level and it was making me uncomfortable. I leveled the tank out as best I could, I'll have to fill it up again soon to run a longer test.

Cdodge1 · 08/30/2013, 12:57 PM

I'm debating my possible fish choices..In my 20L currently have (I'd like to keep all of them):

1x Red Firefish
1x Purple Firefish
1x Cleaner shrimp
3x Hermits

For the 40 Breeder I'm considering an additional:

1x Cleaner shrimp
3x Threadfin cardinal fish
1x Acropora Crab
1x Porcelain Crab
1x Zebra dartfish -or- Helfrichi firefish (SUPER EXPENSIVE) -or- a Blue Gudgeon Dartfish
1x Red Sea Star
1x Ocellaris Clownfish -or- Yellow Eye Tang -or- Tomini Tang

As much as I'd love a Tang, I'd feel bad keeping it in a 40 gallon even with minimalist aquascaping. The Threadfin cardinals really seem cool because they will school together. Has anyone had them in their tank before? For the most part, these fish are peaceful and If I add in the dart fish first, the clowns/ tangs last, there won't be any problems with aggressiveness.

Cdodge1 · 08/31/2013, 08:44 PM

I'm pretty sure I've got it after lots of sketches haha

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dantdodge · 09/09/2013, 09:35 PM

This is looking good I would change the return as we discussed over phone

Cdodge1 · 10/03/2013, 07:49 PM

Hello reefers,

Being a college student means working with a college student budget on this... so needless to say, the build has been slow. FINALLY got the drill bits and drilled the tank! This was my first time drilling a tank. I've purchased most of the PVC but I'm sure there will be 10 more trips to HD.
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I filled the tank about half way up and let is stand for a few hours. Not a true test but no leaks so far!

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Cutting the glass was nerve wracking. You may also notice that the .5" return bulkhead is so close to the other bulkhead it makes me cringe! I was lucky.

08/21/2013, 10:27 PM	#1
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	40 Breeder Build Hey guys, this will be my 3rd marine tank now and I was never completely satisfied with my first two (30 Hex, 20 Long). This build, I'm going to be spending a lot of time on the details, and I'd love any thoughts and opinions during the build! My current set up 20L: (I think) 85 watt PC, 1300 gph power head, skimmer (got a long time ago, no idea what kind) 40 Breeder I got a while ago at the dollar per gallon sale (actually ended up being $65) I picked a 40 because my brother suggested it due to it's unique dimensions. I plan on having some awesome aquascaping. Thanks for reading, will update soon!

08/22/2013, 09:34 AM	#2
igot2gats Deeeetroit Basketball! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 1,063	I would add a sump this time. That way, you can hide most of your equipment. __________________ Jeff Stop being lazy, and use the search function. Seriously. Current Tank Info: 75g DT / 20g sump / 20g QT - Eheim 1250, Tunze Osmolator 3155, GHL Profilux 3, 2 Tunze 6095, Tunze Wavebox, Aqua Illumination Hydra LEDs

08/22/2013, 11:45 AM	#3
Reefmedic79 Life and Reef Saver Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tavares, Florida Posts: 6,202	Did you take the top brace off the 20L???? +1 drill the 40B and put a sump under it. It's the same set-up I've got. __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> How much deeper would the ocean be if it didn't have sponges? P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sid Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder, 20L Sump, 10G Fuge, JBJ A.T.O, 4" Reef Octopus, DIY Stand & Canopy, RapidLED Dimmable 36 Kit on 3 6" MakersLED Heatsink, MP10es

08/22/2013, 01:03 PM	#5
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	Add a sump via a HOB overflow at the very least if you are unable or unwilling to drill it. They are great tanks, have been very happy with mine over the years. Congrats on the upgrade! __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

08/23/2013, 11:17 AM	#15
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	Ever since I purchased the 40 Breeder, I could not find a stand. I found on craigslist a 40 breeder setup with stand for $120 which I think is a steal. SO now I have two 40 breeder tanks. The stand is welded steel and the tank has never seen water. They painted the background glass black, but it's starting to flake in one corner. Not a huge fan of the stand itself but I don't have many options.. The stand itself is just the metal frame. The kid who had it fashioned some 1/8" particle board panels with magnets. It's a good Idea but I may re-make them in the future.

08/22/2013, 12:10 PM	#4
matt.fhm Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 64	I drilled a friend's tank a month ago with half inch glass. It wasn't nearly as nerve racking as you would assume. GO FOR THE DRILL! :]

08/22/2013, 01:16 PM	#8
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	So, my current plan for the tank is to drill the glass (once I get those drill bits), find the spacing I need between each hole, and drill using some plumbers putty. I've ordered the bulkheads, and I'll start drawing some plans for a sump. Should I go with a 10 or 20 gallon sump? I also ordered a 230 gph return pump for my tank; will that be enough? I wanted to build my stand with 3/4" plywood using biscuit joints, however, since I'm in a 3rd floor apartment and lack some of the tools to do it correctly, I'll settle for buying one pre-made

08/22/2013, 07:25 PM	#11
dcampbell Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 77	I agree about drilling the tank. I have a 40 breeder D.T. and a 40 sump/refugium. I am pretty happy with it. I have diy pvc overflows and plan on drilling before I add any livestock. My tank is cycled and doing great ! I love the tanks dimensions for the space I have. good luck !

08/22/2013, 08:48 PM	#12
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	Reefmedic- Thanks a bunch for your input! Also, sorry I misread your first question about my current tank. Yes, I took the top brace off, well, my brother did and it's been running for almost a year now and it's been doing great. My other brother is an Engineer and I always check with him about anything I plan to build. True plywood (not pressed or particle) is actually very strong and I've seen it used for tanks much larger than my own. So with a 40B I would trust it haha. As for the return pump, I read on another thread that someone with a 40 breeder was using a 200gph return pump... I'll keep an eye out for something bigger.

08/23/2013, 01:30 PM	#16
Sweatervest13 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: The Mitten Posts: 23	A stand is a stand. How much room is under there?? And can you hang/drill/attach any equipment off of the stand (like a BRS reactor or power strip)? I am thinking with it being metal framed that might be tough. But if the skinned wood held by magnets is solid you may be able to drill into that to attach equipment. For drilling the tank research the 45 degree method. It will help a lot. This should be a fun build. Good Luck!!! __________________ 125g tank. 65g sump Current Tank Info: 125g DT, 65g Sump, Reef

08/23/2013, 04:20 PM	#18
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	Stand pics! Here's some more detailed pics of the stand. Where the heck should I drill for the overflow? It's nice and spacious I really wanted to get a DJ switch panel... is it worth it?

08/26/2013, 07:20 PM	#19
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	Woo! finally starting to get parts delivered! Two 1" bulkheads and one .5" bulkhead. Also ordered a Mag 5 for return pump...should be in by next week! Still waiting on those glass drill bits... -.-

08/29/2013, 11:56 AM	#20
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	So apparently, my package containing the glass drill bit has been lost at my apartment office. After 30 min of holding for the shipping companies customer service, they said they would investigate. The tracking number says it was delivered the 23rd of August. It's an $8 dollar drill bit, I'm pretty frustrated and may just order a new one. So in my long days of waiting I decided to fill the tank up with water to see if it had any leaks.

08/29/2013, 12:04 PM	#21
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	I only left the water in the tank for a little while. the tank was not level and it was making me uncomfortable. I leveled the tank out as best I could, I'll have to fill it up again soon to run a longer test.

08/30/2013, 12:57 PM	#22
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	I'm debating my possible fish choices..In my 20L currently have (I'd like to keep all of them): 1x Red Firefish 1x Purple Firefish 1x Cleaner shrimp 3x Hermits For the 40 Breeder I'm considering an additional: 1x Cleaner shrimp 3x Threadfin cardinal fish 1x Acropora Crab 1x Porcelain Crab 1x Zebra dartfish -or- Helfrichi firefish (SUPER EXPENSIVE) -or- a Blue Gudgeon Dartfish 1x Red Sea Star 1x Ocellaris Clownfish -or- Yellow Eye Tang -or- Tomini Tang As much as I'd love a Tang, I'd feel bad keeping it in a 40 gallon even with minimalist aquascaping. The Threadfin cardinals really seem cool because they will school together. Has anyone had them in their tank before? For the most part, these fish are peaceful and If I add in the dart fish first, the clowns/ tangs last, there won't be any problems with aggressiveness.

08/31/2013, 08:44 PM	#23
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	Sump Design! I'm pretty sure I've got it after lots of sketches haha

09/09/2013, 09:35 PM	#24
dantdodge Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tampa Posts: 308	This is looking good I would change the return as we discussed over phone

10/03/2013, 07:49 PM	#25
Cdodge1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tampa Palms Posts: 649	Thread update!! Hello reefers, Being a college student means working with a college student budget on this... so needless to say, the build has been slow. FINALLY got the drill bits and drilled the tank! This was my first time drilling a tank. I've purchased most of the PVC but I'm sure there will be 10 more trips to HD. I filled the tank about half way up and let is stand for a few hours. Not a true test but no leaks so far! Cutting the glass was nerve wracking. You may also notice that the .5" return bulkhead is so close to the other bulkhead it makes me cringe! I was lucky.