40 Breeder "The Beginning"

[JaGGed]

Hey everyone its finally time to start the build on my first reef tank. This forum has been nothing but great info and full of great people willing to help. If you have any pointers or suggestions it would be appreciated

Specs:
40 gallon breeder w/ 20L sump-possible in sump fuge but leaning more towards gravity feed seperate fuge.
Skimmer- Vertex- IN180
Return- Reef Octopus 2000L/hr to T off to run reactors and gravity fuge in the future
Flow- two hydor koralia 750gph, possibly a single mp10 later on
Overflow- Glass-holes 300 with 1/2" Return
Lighting- 4 bulb t5 retro with an icecap ballast not sure on color combo yet
Water Supply- 5 stage BRS RO/DI unit

 

[JaGGed]

Got most of the stand done today as well as drilling the tank. Wayyy easier than it seems. One I'm not sure of is the backside of the stand. I don't know if I should leave it open or put something like a half wall for splashing up.

I have found that putting tape on the inside of the tank over the holes to be drilled it really minimizes chip out.:thumbsup:

 

[TundraGuy]

Looks like all the ingredients to make a good reef start. What kind of reef are you going to target? Can’t wait to see more info and pix. I love 40 breeders I think they should be everyone’s first reef.

 

[JaGGed]

I really was sold on it with the dimensions I like the deep tanks theres sooo much more you can do with that bigger footprint. For starters I am aiming for mainly LPS and want to step into SPS further down the road.

 

[ange062]

Looks like a good start. Not a nano though:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1582993

 

[JaGGed]

Yep just saw the sticky. My bad, please move if need be

 

[JaGGed]

Got everything rounded together today. Got 30lbs of reefsaver rock from BRS. Must say I'm impressed with the quality and minimal breakage during shipping.

\

 

[Chris Lakies]

Looks good so far! I love 40B's!

 

[JaGGed]

Well we have water!!!!! Got everything set up and running but had a setback. The magnet for the needle wheel on the skimmer broke so thats out of comish. But I dont need it for my cycle so not too hurt about it. Also heaters have been moved to skimmer area instead of how they are in the pic.

 

[ReefPharmer]

very nice start, I did notice you stuck eggcrate from back to front completely. As your sand moves around, eggcrate will expose itself. If i was redoing my tank, i would cut the eggcrate to be just under the rocks (shape it). I got that idea from another guy that did that so its not mine but i will use it nonetheless.

 

[JaGGed]

Well cycle complete. Tests show 0ppm ammonia 0ppm nitrite and 80-160ppm nitrate. Had an ammonia spike of 4ppm and it went crazy fast after that. Changed the aquascape around a little bit to make more room for corals down the road. Did a 50% water change to bring the nitrates down a bit and added a small CUC just to make sure the tank can handle the bio load. 2 emeralds, 2 turbos, 5 nassarius snails, a cleaner shrimp, and 5 small hermits. Ive been feeding the tank a few flakes of flake food every other day and 3-4 pellets every 3-4 days to give the critters a little something other than algae to munch on.

 

[JaGGed]

Well cycle complete. Tests show 0ppm ammonia 0ppm nitrite and 80-160ppm nitrate. Had an ammonia spike of 4ppm and it went crazy fast after that. Changed the aquascape around a little bit to make more room for corals down the road. Did a 50% water change to bring the nitrates down a bit and added a small CUC just to make sure the tank can handle the bio load. 2 emeralds, 2 turbos, 5 nassarius snails, a cleaner shrimp, and 5 small hermits. Ive been feeding the tank a few flakes of flake food every other day and 3-4 pellets every 3-4 days to give the critters a little something other than algae to munch on.

 

[Waggs]

If you are looking for a new impeller for your Vertex protein skimmer, check this place out. They have the best price, unless yours is still under warranty and you can get it replaced that way. http://www.fishnreef.com/protein-skimmers/vertex/cat_3135.html Talk to Nick. BTW your tank is looking great.

 

[JaGGed]

Oh yea forgot to add I ordered in a new impeller and it is working great now! A little hard to dial in but i finally got it after overflowing the cup 3-4 times. The girlfriend loved that...lol

 

[Waggs]

Check out the company I told you about is case you need another in the future. They have some of the best prices I've seen on what they carry.

 

[fish042099]

Lookin good! What corals are you gonna put?

 

[JaGGed]

For sure a hammer, one of my favorites. Maybe a few acans or favia, possibly a chalice on the island on the right side of my tank. Still up in the air a bit so we will see.

 

[reeferstace]

I love the footprint of 40B. I think your rockwork looks great. Too many people pile rocks to the top of small tanks and it takes away from the aesthetics, IMO.

What fish are you considering?

 

[JaGGed]

For fish I leaning towards a pair of firefish, maybe a starry blenny, neon goby. Nothing solid yet on the stock list for fish yet tho.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I see you!!!

haha the setup looks great. Nice aquascaping.