Mark's 40 Breeder build

[Aframomum]

This is my first reef in 5 years - had to take down my old one when my son got a year old and started really getting into things. Now I feel he's old enough to help me put one together and enjoy a little slice of ocean.

Tank is an All Glass Aquarium (Aqueon) 40 gallon breeder from Petco's $1/gal sale, drilled for a 20H sump. Stand is a DIY build from a template provided by RocketEngineer in the DIY section. Lighting will be from a single 175 watt MH mogul pendant hanging above the tank - if I feel its insufficient I will either up it to a 250 watt or add a second MH. Skimmer is a ReefOctopus 110-INT. Return pump is a Mag 9.5 and will also run a PhosBan 150 reactor. Rock will be coming from Tamba Bay Saltwater and corals will be mainly softies.

Nothing put together yet but this is what I have so far:

Mark

 

[nmotz]

Looks great! I love the feeling/sight of getting all kinds of new equipment. I just set up my 40B for the first time in about 2 years and it's a great little tank, especially for coral/inverts. For fish it's somewhat limiting because of the relatively small water volume, but the footprint just can't be beat. I wish all tanks came with this exact LxWxH ratio. I eventually want to have my tank drilled for a sump too so I'll look forward to seeing how this turns out.

 

[Aframomum]

Hit Home Depot and Lowe's today for a new miter saw and some lumber to get started on my stand framing in the morning.

Unfortuately nmotz, I don't think the wife was all too thrilled when the after 4th of July sales stuff started showing up.

Mark

 

[Aframomum]

Started work on the framing of the stand. Was able to get the pieces cut today and just need to screw it all together. Then do the sheeting...still haven't decided if I want to stain it or just do the black paint route. Probably start off with a stain first to see how it looks.

Mark

 

[borderreef]

I'm in the middle of a 40b build myself. I'll definitely be following along.

 

[Aframomum]

Started with some frame assembly today. Didn't get as far as would have liked but at least its moving forward. Decided that I'm going to use poplar boards instead of plywood to do the sheeting and then do a minwax stain, been eyeing the colonial maple color.

Also had the chance to order my pendant, 14K bulb, Koralia wavemaker, and Koralia 425 nano today. Christmas in July!!

Mark

 

[Swope2bc]

Looking forward to seeing the progress! I've been following both of rockets tanks for some time now. He is the one that got me hooked on TBS!! looks like your planning TBS too, which is very cool! Anyhow, keep it up. [emoji3]

 

[Aframomum]

Thanks borderreef and Swope2bc - you both are light years ahead of me in tank progress! Congrats. :wavehand:

Swope2bc, yes - when I'm ready I will be making a drive to Tampa to pick up my rock in person. I have been reconsidering my 20H as a sump and thinking of changing to a 29 so I can incorporate a refugium into it. Main reason is I know I will get some hitchhikers in the rock and would be nice to have a place to put them so they can live. Will also give me an excuse to bring my dive gear and maybe get a dive while I'm there.

Mark

 

[Swope2bc]

That would be sweet! Maybe you could talk them into diving for your own rock lol [emoji3]

 

[Aframomum]

Yes, cherry picked rock to find the ones with the most corals on it! :celeb3:

Today I was able to do a mock assembly of my stand and see how the 29 fits. It really takes up most of the space in the frame so not much left on either side.

I was rather hoping to do the electrical setup inside the stand but looks like I will have to come up with a plan B. My electrical idea consist of a distribution center made out of a flat panel with 5 or 6 GFCI outlets with individual switches for each outlet. I want the ability to have each outlet isolated and to turn each outlet on/off individually.

Another thing I discovered was one of the leading 2X4's on the top is a bit warped and so I need to replace it so everything is square and level.

Nevermind the messy living room as my son is on summer vacation. :wildone:

Mark

 

[moondoggy4]

I am building a 40 b SPS tank as well. Keep the pictures coming One tip on staining if you use the all in one stain make sure you stir it often or it will lay down a skid mark probably on the front piece.

For the wood I like using either wood for patio covers grade A or the man made lumber, never warps or at least non of the stuff that I got, holds a Gregg screw no problem unlike the dried would from the big box stores.

 

[Aframomum]

Thanks for the tip moondoggy4. I'll be using the Minwax Wood Finish stain. I guess its an all in one so I'll keep in mind to continually stir it before applying.

I think I just got one bad 2X4 as the rest of the frame sections are straight and level so just need to replace the one warped section. Only bad thing about the big box stores is you have to go through 15 boards just to find 1 good one.

Mark

 

[Devaji108]

looking good mark!
I'll also be using TBS LR but sadly I cant go cherry pick mine lucky...haha but good for you sir I hope you document your journey there for all us reef nerds.

 

[RingingEars]

subbed.
looking great so far.

 

[kzeller]

Mark, what size did you drill your tank for your drain and return lines?

 

[Aframomum]

Sorry kzeller I missed your question - the holesaw is 2 3/8" for a 1 1/2" bulkhead and my return plumbing will be using 3/4" pvc going over the top of the tank, so no return drilling.

Devaji108 and RingingEars, glad to have you along! Rather excited hearing about CuzzA's dive experience with Rich.

An update: no real work on the tank, just some minor rework of the stands frame. I did get my last order in and have most of my equipment now, including the pendant for my lighting. Now I can figure a way to hang it over the tank, and unfortunately from the ceiling is not an option so from the wall it will be.

I did a test with my new ballast and had that beautiful blue MH glow illuminating my kitchen, absolutely wonderful!

Mark

 

[Swope2bc]

Love the equipment, now get to building ;-)

 

[Cosmojo]

40b's are great little tanks, what are your stocking plans for fish/coral?

 

[Aframomum]

No kidding Swope, I feel like I've been futzing around with this stand for forever! :hammer:

I am planning to drill for the overflow today - cordless drill charging now.

Cosmojo, planning to do a mixed tank of softies and a few favorite LPS (trumpet and Frogspawn) - fish, a clown and some gobies (really like the rainford goby). Of course everything is subject to change so nothing is set in stone!

Mark

 

[cody6766]

I wouldn't jump to a 250w if the 175 is not enough. You'll be just fine with a second 175 and you won't have to raise them up as high as you would a 250 to get your desired spread. Lower lights equal less light spill into the room...or your eyes. A pair of 150s would also be perfectly adequate if you can't work out matching 175s.