40g Breeder macro/mangrove lagoon build!

[Amphiprion]

Is the tank going to be just macroalgae and mangroves? If you plan on incorporating seagrasses, I actually recommend a skimmer due the amount of organic matter that they create--especially if you are pushing growth. It may not be a horrible idea with macroalgae, either. At the very least, it will aerate the water and keep the pH from rising so high from the effects of photosynthesis. I don't think you'd need any large, expensive skimmer, however. Even a small one would be a reasonable idea. If you are against the idea, that's okay too, as it should work fine without one--it just may make things slightly easier with one depending upon your goals(and this is from a big proponent of algal filtration methods).

 

[Subsea]

Amphiprion,
Hello to a fellow proponent of algae filtration. A young business friend just did move to Mobile and is opening a reef aquarium store in the Mobile area. He claims that there are no good stores in Mobile.
Five hundred watts is a lot of light over your 40G breeder. What temperature do you run on that tank?
Patrick

 

[Subsea]

While I am not a proponent of foam fractionation, protein skimmers, I highly recommend aggressive surface skimming during lights out. Without photosynthesis, the oxygen demand of bacteria in sandbed can easily deplete oxygen in tank water.
Patrick

 

[Amphiprion]

Amphiprion,
Hello to a fellow proponent of algae filtration. A young business friend just did move to Mobile and is opening a reef aquarium store in the Mobile area. He claims that there are no good stores in Mobile.
Five hundred watts is a lot of light over your 40G breeder. What temperature do you run on that tank?
Patrick

It is somewhat hefty in terms of light, but it works well for seagrasses. I have a 12" fan that blows across the surface at the lowest speed (very quiet), which keeps the tank between 81-82 on most days. On the hottest days, it may be slightly higher.

Interesting about the store. We only have 2 here, and one is somewhat better than the other when it come to corals. I'm excited to see when and where it may open.

 

[kpk]

Another pic

 

[kpk]

Just stuck the light up. Not permanent.

 

[Subsea]

I like the natural looking light in your tank. What is your lighting?
Patrick

 

[Giga]

Your mangrove won't do well or die with no lighting

 

[kpk]

I know. As stated above the picture...It's not permament. I'm going to build a taller rack for the light tight. The mangroves will get light.......

Thanks Subsea. It's just an evergrow white/blue LED fixture. Older type I think.

 

[kpk]

Another pic! About to add a litte prolifera prolly.

 

[Charley Diesing]

looks nice!

 

[sandyland]

Awesome, this will be a fun tank to watch mature.
Please update as things progress.

 

[kpk]

It's still just running. Addeda few snails and hermits, but has some weird slimy looking white algae all over the place! Like hair algae but white. Anyone know what that's about?

 

[Giga]

Have you looked at my guide on the top of the page?

 

[sanchezz]

Looks great, I like the minimalistic approach

 

[blennieluvr]

Have I missed your stocking plans other than the mangroves? I'm curious as I am working on something similar. My mangroves are going in a display fuge.

 

[Bratyboy2]

Any updates?