SPS 40 Breeder[s] Project

[suppressivefire]

This is my custom SPS tank, with center frag tank, and sump.

The tank info: 2 brand new 40 breeders with (2) 3/4" returns each and each has a custom over flow with (2) 1" drains. Tanks drilled and worked on by kmagyar aka Keith.

Overflow shot

Getting ready for paint.

here some more pics
Tek 36inch light t5ho frag tank lighting.

Got the new dart pump.

Almost done with the stand here are some progression shots.

 

[suppressivefire]

The plumbing is mostly done and dry fitted.

new reflectors.

 

[suppressivefire]

Full stand shot

middle tank

top tank

inside shot

behind inside shot

hood front

hood back

Custom over flow covers

Brand new Ice Cap 660 for actinic.

 

[suppressivefire]

new skimmer!
box and inbox pic

lid

pump

 

[suppressivefire]

This is to simulate a power outage.

sump to show no water in yet but showing how even with water ill have more than enough room for drain off.

top tank

middle tank

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Sump baffles siliconed in.
"Southard Style baffles"
:lol:
For higher flow sump to slow down the water and help micro bubbles to rise, Also the gaps are all different and in place to evenly distribute the water if you know what I mean. (this is done because the left side would have rushed in to the pump bulkhead quicker than the far side so that had to be compensated.)

More pics to come and I will need your critique as it will be my first large setup:rollface:

 

[suppressivefire]

Now this was a collective post of all the pics from a reef club thread seen here:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1250896

I wanted to start a new thread under the sps forum because since this is going to be a very dominated sps tank I felt it need to get your guys ideas, because after browsing this sps forum and seeing all your beautiful corals and tanks I just wanted to make sure mine can thrive!

 

[mixed_reefer]

I like it! I think it will be pretty darn cool once complete. The only thing that stands out is the unfinished stand. Do you have plans to give it a finished look? Maybe trim out the tanks and put some type of corner molding on.
Is one tank t5 and the other MH? Pretty neat idea...
Lookin good, keep posting updates.

 

[suppressivefire]

Well as far as the stand goes i was planing on going black with a modern look. (clean edges)

 

[sailfintang]

Looks real nice. I especially like the plumbing work, Can't wait to see it in action.

 

[volcom69]

Great work so far love the look of the plumbing very clean and nice.

 

[suppressivefire]

Heres the flow for the top tank (mainly sps tank) I used a air pump to show the flow. What do you guys think?
Remember I need to get you input because I have not really kept sps and im trying to make a killer setup.
Thanks,
-Chris

p.s.
taken with a camera video so its the best I can do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku11VqrX4VU&feature=related

 

[suppressivefire]

Bump and what is your guys thoughts on lighting?
2- 175's
or
2- 250's
either or will have actinic.

 

[OnlyCrimson]

I would go with 175's and just use 10k bulbs if you are going to have extra actinics.

 

[coseal]

love the sump baffles!do they feel solid siliconed in?

 

[FunkieReefJunkie]

I like it. Can't wait to see the stand coated with paint. It's going to look slick.

 

[FEEDERFISH]

I like the nice and clean plumbing, usually that is a massacre, and I would like to see how those DIY baffles in the sump work

 

[suppressivefire]

Thanks,
I was leaning towards 2 175's with the 15k iwasakis but all other bulbs are crap. Now im thinking 2 250 xm 20k's.

 

[suppressivefire]

What do you guys think?

 

[FunkieReefJunkie]

I think if you want to be able to try out other bulbs in the future the 175 watt is going to frustrate you. The AGA 40 is only 18 in high? If you go with a 20K 250's which is the way it looks like your leaning, you will like how the colors pop and wouldn't have to worry about photo-inhibition.

 

[shred5]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11961915#post11961915 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by suppressivefire
Bump and what is your guys thoughts on lighting?
2- 175's
or
2- 250's
either or will have actinic.

I had one 250 halide over my 40 breeder and hated it because it was a 3 foot tank and the ends were dark and the corals allways grew toward the center of the tank. I would honestly go 2 150 d/e halides. Two 250 is alot for a shallow tank and it is only 3' long so you have overlapping.. If it was a 4' tank two 250's would be fine but it would still be ok in your tank. Why are you opting out of the tek t-5... T-5 lighting to me is best for a 3' tank/odd length tanks. Provides a nice even coverage.

Dave