Suggested model for 40 gal breeder

[Xanth or Bust]

I am in the planning stages of a 40 gallon breeder and was considering a Tunze 7200/2 because I found that recommended in a previous thread on this forum, dated about a year ago.

Is that still the most appopriate model for a tank this size? I am planning to have mostly softies/inverts, and a few fish. This won't be an SPS/LPS tank.

Also, would directing the flow from the Tunze to intersect with my return pump from the sump provide adequate chaotic water movement?

 

[rvitko]

I think this would work well for what you plan to keep and yes, I think if you pulse the pump on the single controller and set up the flow as you plan to it will be sufficient.

 

[ReeferMonkey]

To piggyback on this thread...

I'm torn between a 20L and a 40B. I can set them up for almost the same price. However, I have some equipment that would be usable on the 40B that the 20L could not handle : two Stream 6100s on a 7094.

Obviously, two 6100s is WAY overkill on the 40B, but what about one? I could put it in a Stream Rock, point it at the glass and tune it down if I have to. The tank will be SPS/clams/zoanthids, maybe a fish or three. What do you think Roger?

Also, does the ceramic in the Stream rock provide a home for nitrosomous bacteria?

 

[JVHam]

If you got something taller like a 58 or 65 the streams set to 30-50 pulses should not be bad. I have a 58 with a 6000(30-100 pulse) and a MJ 1200. I'll problably get another 6000 once my frags become colonies. Also I would go BB with the tank becase I get a decent amount of sand blown around but my milles love it.
I wish I would have put starboard under my sand

 

[JVHam]

Also I do not like the rocks as you need to clean the stream every 3-4 months. If you do a black background you will be amazed how they blend in.

 

[ReeferMonkey]

Hrm. I like the dimensions of the 40B pretty well - I think the tallest I would go would be a 50g (18" IIRC). The 58 and 65 are too tall; I don't like the proportions.

I'd be doing the back black anyway, so I guess blending in would be a decent option. It's just so freaking big; I was going to try to hide it. There's a local guy who sells cured stream rocks with coralline on them, but it's not like the stream rocks are really small....

 

[rvitko]

I don't think Streams are appropriate for a 40B unless it is bare bottom and with only certain SPS and then use a 6000.

If it is wet, it is a substrate for nitrosomonas bacteria.

I think a rock would look out of place in this tank and I stick with my recommendation of a 7200/2-7400/2.

 

[ReeferMonkey]

Yes, the tank I'm planning will be BB. I already have the Streams, so if I decide on a 40/50/58/65 I'll probably just mount one on a magnet holder and pass on the rock. I think with the controller tuning it down I could make it work.

 

[rvitko]

I think you will likely need the 7210.202 transformer to convert it to a 6000. A 6100 at low power is about equal to a 6000 at high power.

 

[ReeferMonkey]

That would kind of suck.. I bought them used and the guy had upgraded the transformers from 6000s to 6100s.

How complicated and how long does the transformer switch take? I'll probably set the tank up and let the flow run for a day or three and try to get a sense if it's too much. This is probably two months down the road anyway, but I'm trying to cover all the bases....

Thanks for the swift responses, BTW

 

[rvitko]

it takes seconds, the transformer is the hockey puck.