Dwarf Lion 40 Breeder build help

[duoc9119]

I have a 40 breeder sitting around and thinking to set it up as a dwarf lion fish tank.

Only problem is there is already an existing 1" bulkhead in the top left corner. So I want to build a drain system around that.

(1) my first thought was to drill a 1" bulkhead under the pre-existing bulkhead, silicone a section of pvc around the two bulkheads for an overflow, and run it as a herbie style with the pre-existing hole as a backup.

(2) my second was to silicone a small section of pvc around the pre-existing bulkhead for a simple overflow box. But my concern with this method is noise from gurgling.

I'm open to ideas on how to use this hole. My plans are to get a few dwarf fuzzies, zebra, and antenna, possibly a mombassa also.

 

[Cicatrix]

I had a similar tank design. I made a simple overflow box out of acrylic and siliconed that around the existing bulkhead. Then I took a 90 degree PVC elbow and inverted it (opening facing downward). For noise control I drilled a hole in the top of the PVC elbow (at the bend) and inserted a plastic screw. This worked as a venturi valve allowing some air in to alleviate any gurgling sound. My return was a simple over-rim style with loc-line.

Good luck.

 

[Wistler]

I have a 40 Breeder acting as a add-on refugium next to my reef with some Cheato, rubble and a few gorgonians. I drilled a bulkhead on the rear and made an acrylic overflow box and siliconed it in the corner. It is almost silent and works great...

My wife fell in love with a beautiful blue eyed Dwarf Fuzzy lion and for a lack of a better spot we put him in the Fuge. Just bear in mind that these grow fast and even though they are supposed to max out at 6-7 inches I think your plan for a "Few" fuzzies is going to be crowded. I am going to likely have to set up a dedicated 72 bowfront when the lion gets past 5 inches. Just my opinion.....

 

[DoubleM 10]

it would not work to keep more than 2 of the dwarf species in the tank IMO.

your best bet IMO would be to find a m/f pair of fuzzy dwarfs. or a fuzzy and a zebra MAYBE

antenna and the mombassa would both get to large for that tank.

In the long run the tank will need to be upgraded significantly. if it were me i would just get a bigger tank before i get to involved in a tank that will not work long term

 

[duoc9119]

I will do the m/f dwarf fuzzy then. And get an intense skimmer.

How about a few chromis to complete the tank? Something simple but will give the tank a full look?

 

[DoubleM 10]

I will do the m/f dwarf fuzzy then. And get an intense skimmer.

How about a few chromis to complete the tank? Something simple but will give the tank a full look?

The chromis might work.

Anything that can get close to fitting in their mouth they will try to eat it. Lions are not the most active fish if that's the goal. Most of the scorpionfish family don't move to much.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

 

[duoc9119]

Should I go with a commercial sump or keep it as simple as a 10 gallon tank with a skimmer and return pump in it? Skip the baffles

 

[randomfishguy85]

ive tried a sump without baffles once and hated it. It was so much harder to control water levels and i had microbubble problems. I would get a 20 long or 29 gallon tank and build a sump with baffles. I never kept lions before so i dont know how teritorial they are, but i would think with a larger sump you could keep more fish. Maybe a pair of fuzzies, some chromis, and some leaffish, or adwarf eel, or an indigo hamlet, or harlequin bass.

 

[duoc9119]

ive tried a sump without baffles once and hated it. It was so much harder to control water levels and i had microbubble problems. I would get a 20 long or 29 gallon tank and build a sump with baffles. I never kept lions before so i dont know how teritorial they are, but i would think with a larger sump you could keep more fish. Maybe a pair of fuzzies, some chromis, and some leaffish, or adwarf eel, or an indigo hamlet, or harlequin bass.

I'm looking around for Petco sales for a tank. I've tried building a sump and never turns out right. Lol A 29 sounds like a nice sized sump, could using 2.5 and 5.5 gallon tanks work for compartments?

I think I want to keep the livestock focus around the lions. Maybe an anthias for a bit of color.

 

[DoubleM 10]

if you have a skimmer then you will need baffles.

skimmers need to be at a constant water level to perfom best. performance will be poor if the water level keeps going up and down.

HTH