been a while - getting back into the saltwater tanks

[f3honda4me]

Hey everyone,

Several years ago I had a thriving and wonderful 90 gallon tank with fish, live rock, lps, sps, and an RBTA with two clowns. I had to sell it all when we moved about 3 years ago. I'd like to get back into the game, but before building a dream tank, I'd love to have a small tank with just two clowns, a gigantea, and live rock. This will be my first tank at our new home, before later probably doing a custom in wall 300 gallon type build.

What I can't decide upon is building my own 40 gallon breeder with a 20 gallon sump OR going with something like a 40 NUVO all in one or MAX E-170 all in one system. I've been reading up on these setups, but I am hoping for some feedback from the great people here at RC that is more specific to what I'm putting in the tank. I'm rusty since I haven't been near a tank in 3 years so I truly appreciate the guidance.

 

[Cliving1]

I have the innovative marine 40 and very much like it. Back area has room for heater, protein skimmer. I like having the socks as well. I dont see a lot of cords either. However having the 40 and sump is a lot more volume. Also the cube limits some swimming fish. My wrasse seems bored sometimes just hangs around a rock, not much cruising.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I have IM40 as well. There are Tunze 6040 and 6020 in it. It's barely enough flow for a gig. I'm thinking about getting a stronger pump.

 

[ginpang]

I also have one of those IM 40 and I changed the stock pump because besides sounding like a plane is landing in my living room 24/7 , I found it's sucked of sh*t ... I use it for mixing my salt buckets now and it keep jamming because the lid doesn't hold the shaft tightly enough.
Maybe something to watch out for if you decide to get one.


I find the aquarium small even for just a pair of clownfish and gobies ....but because of couple's compromises and all that beautiful stuff... Yet another tank would'nt fly at my house...

Besides that, it's pretty and everything tucked in...looks neat and tidy . Most likely won't have to put it in the basement or the garage [emoji38]


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[Cliving1]

What kind of pump did you replace the stock with? Mine is also annoying and I want to throw it into a wall

 

[CoralsAddiction]

What kind of pump did you replace the stock with? Mine is also annoying and I want to throw it into a wall

+1.
I wouldn't mind going with a Sicce or Tunze if they can fit.

 

[ginpang]

I was about to buy a sicce pump and the nice lady from my preferred Lfs suggested a pond pump... It's not super strong but it's fairly quiet and about a half of the price of the other pump I was looking at.

Black water pump 529 . I was originally looking at sicce synchra 2.0 and 3.0 , but I'm not sure the 3.0 fits in the sump... Maybe if we take down one of the acrylic splitters.
Though if I switch the juvenile clownfish to the community tank and the spawning pair into that IM 40 I will definitely need other power heads to keep that MAG happy.

So I understand your struggle with that gig @ coralsAddiction


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[f3honda4me]

Hmm so if I have to upgrade pumps from the IM40 or maxE then it's probably better to just do my own 40 breeder setup. I've just never done my own return, drilled holes, etc.