40 Breeder Build

[marblesojecki]

I'm starting a new build that'll hopefully take the place of some of my more ghetto setups. This build will use both new and older technology...because I have both on hand at the moment, and because I want to try something a bit different. Being on the smaller side, I'll be focusing on the more tiny reef inhabitants. I will also be focusing on an actual design/aquascape...meaning, that I'll attempt to commit to an overall look while trying to avoid any impulse purchases... This will also be a mixed reef with the idea that it may not get all the attention it needs all the time. I hope to consistantly add to this thread in the hopes that it will become a journal of sorts on how the build/idea progresses.

I hope to include the following.

The older Tech:
Oceans Motions 4-way
Biorocker
Older/Smaller hang on skimmer
Red Dragon return pump

Newish:
an Algae Turf Scrubber - they've been around for a long time but seem to have become somewhat popular recently

New:
LED lights - not certain on which type yet
Bean Animal overflow design
"ghost" overflow box

 

[marblesojecki]

I started by building a stand to fit the dimensions of a sump that I build some time ago. I will eventually build a better looking stand. Right now, I'm not willing to invest in a super nice stand as this hobby is expensive enough as it is...and I have many other hobbies...

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I then drilled the tank to accommodate the slim overflow & painted the back of it black.

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[marblesojecki]

I drilled the holes as high up on the aquarium as I could. The overflow went right up to the plastic rim on the aquarium.

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[marblesojecki]

My lovely stand & my drilled tank.

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The sump fits perfectly.

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[marblesojecki]

On the Oceans Motions I'll be using some irrigation fittings for the unions/transition to tubing.

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[marblesojecki]

I did not drill the back or bottom of the tank for the four returns. I think I was taking a big enough chance with drilling the huge holes for the overflow. Instead I opted to go the only other route...over the top of the tank.

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The Oceans Motion will be at a bit of an offset given the location of the overflow & its plumbing.

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The Red Dragon return pump will be in the left rear chamber of the sump. The sump water flow will be from right to left.

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[marblesojecki]

I'll be adding a nice gate valve to the bean animal overflow along with some more of the irrigation unions.

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[marblesojecki]

I'll be adding an evaporation container that I made out of acrylic awhile back.

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The evaporation container will be plumbed to the return chamber of the sump via a float valve.

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[marblesojecki]

The Biorocker (biological filtration) will be plumbed to the second overflow of the bean animal overflow. I'll get a better picture of the Biorocker. It's pretty cool..or at least I think it is.

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Almost done with the plumbing. The majority of the water will flow into the front of the sump (and then to the return section) while the remaining flow of the second overflow will go through the Biorocker and into the section to the right of the return section.

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[marblesojecki]

I used flexible PVC tubing to plumb the Biorocker to the overflow. This way I have some flex in the pipes in case I have to detach it or if there is any motion transfer to the overflow box itself from the Biorocker.

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A better view of the Biorocker.

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I also opted to add a gate valve to the return pump in an effort to have more control over the flow in the tank. The clownfish seemed to notice...

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[Jayreefer]

Looking good! Whats the bio locker good for? less live rock?

 

[spscrackhead]

Interested in the rocker as well.

 

[marblesojecki]

Yeah, the Biorocker is basically a place for bacteria to colonize = greater surface area for them to live on and keeps a high-oxygen environment.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Kent_Mar...ter_Aquariums-Kent_Marine-KM1845-FIFR-vi.html

 

[marblesojecki]

You can see here that the main overflow goes to the front of the sump. There is a full siphon, and the tank is very quite.

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I've also added two powerstrips to the system. I think the controllers are great, but again...that's a lot of dough for what I want to do. Trying to keep this a low tech as possible. I know that'll be a somewhat difficult challenge.

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[AZBigJohn]

Where are you going to house the Algae turf scrubber?

I have a lot of interest in potentially using one, but not sure how to fit it in with my system.

 

[marblesojecki]

For the aquascaping, I started with a crude drawing and went from there.

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I wanted to create a bit of depth to this small tank. We'll see if I can achieve that once I start adding livestock. I started with dead rock & sand. I'm trying to keep the hitchhikers to a minimum (dumb this to say, right?). I'm going to be feeding a lot and the unwanted tend to get out of control with increased feeding. I'm namely trying to avoid aiptasia. I know that'll be a tall order... I broke up larger rocks & attached then back together in the shapes I wanted with waterweld & marine epoxy. The marine epoxy was used sparingly to cover up the cheaper white water weld.

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Once I was happy with the scape, I began to add the natural seawater I purchased. I've never gone this route and wanted to see if it'll make it easier or more difficult than boxed salt. Time will tell.

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I have some older LED lights that'll do for now.

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[drtrash]

I have a canopy frame for sale it will cut down on light spillage, will sell for cost of oak material