40g breeder build(ucf)

gbot9000

New member
:hmm2:im beginning the next stages of my build and want to drill some holes. 2 on the bottom for drain and return(1" and 3/4" bulkheads). The diagram shows the basic setup i want to use, but i know it probably wont be enough flow with just the mag 5 return. I cant decide what to use to add flow..ph's or closed loop? or any other suggestions?
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stand in progress... its hard building in an apartment
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current 20g high
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Lmao at the wu-tang sign. I personally don't like closed loops so I am going to say use some ph. What did u plan on keeping (sps,lps,etc?). And it looks like your off to a good start
 
moved from "Nano tanks"? lol there is no place for us 40gallons...

thanks jeff209, i plan on keeping mostly lps, maybe some easy sps. I like the clean look of a closed loop, have a closed loop on that 20g. But i think it was more effort and money so ill prob keep a couple koralia2..

is anyone running a 40g without the black trim on top? really wanting a rimless tank....
 
1. Use a mag 7 for your return. You'll be happier with it
2. I'd beef up the stand a bit. I'd put a second 1x4 on each leg on the inside. You already have the space eaten up by the frame for the top and bottom, you might as well get the extra strength from it.
3. be sure to brace the back somehow. A diagonal brace or some plywood on the back will do the trick. It'll keep it from racking side to side.
4. Drill the back glass if the bottom is tempered. I'm not sure if it is, but I drilled my back w/o issue. I didn't look into the bottom.
5. use a pair of Koralia Evolutions as wave makers on an RKL. I'd get the 1050's if they're your only PH. Put one on the left and one on the right and have them on alternating timers. I'd cycle them every 3 mins or so. Coupled with a mag7, you should have plenty of flow. An mp40 or pair of mp10's would be damned nice too, but they're pricey.
6. I don't know if lighting has come up, but 4 bulbs is plenty. I have a Tek 6 bulb light and it's too much. I'm only using 4 right now. Front to back coverage is just fine and the intensity isn't too much for my LPS like I noticed burning 6 bulbs. I'm running ATI bulbs wiht a fiji purple.
 
FWIW I bought a mag5 just the other day and promptly returned it because it was ridiculously loud. Not sure if I got a bad one but swapped it for a SICCE and all is well :)

I run two 1050's on my 40B as well. They are just enough flow for a mixed reef IMO but mine are not on timers so that might be the defining touch.

I would not recommend removing that trim unless you eurobrace the tank with some thick glass. Not sure I would even try that.

Agree 4 bulbs is enough for just about anything provided its a good fixture with quality ballasts and reflectors. Assuming you are considering T5's.
 
I'm curious about chopping the rim off of the 40 breeder as well. I'd love to go rimless on mine...and not have a wicked flood
 
i have an aqueon 40b, i am running an mp20 and am very happy with it, i have a 6 bulb nova extreme pro and i am thinking that it is too much light as well...but i think i will keep it for awhile and see how it goes.
 
Sorry for the delay. My semester got the best of me =) Now that i have some free during my winter break, its time to get back to work. first i need to finish my stand.

Thanks for the replys guys,

I guess ill leave the black trim on..lol

still deciding on a return pump but im probably going to get a vortech, you dont think 1 mp10 would be enough?
 
The frame now has skin on it, 1/2" plywood, still need to finishing up the edging. Its going to come put pretty nice i think. Once i get all the edging on i can start sanding. =)

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If you don't want to go with a Mag pump, I can vouch for Ocean Runner. I have an OR2500 as my return and it's slightly less powerful than a Mag7 (I've tried both). It does use quite a bit less power, therefore transfer less heat to the tank. I've had mine running for a couple of years now without issue. They make a size or 2 bigger if you want it, but with a vortech it won't really be needed.
 
i Just upgraded from a 20 to a 40 as well, your going to love the extra space. I run a mag 7 and wouldnt run any less than that. As far as Powerheads go I have a K750 and a K1050 which works great for a mixed reef but as i move more toward SPS I wish i had gotten two 1050's or maybe even a 1050 and a 1400
 
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