40 Gallon Breeder Build- My First Build

[mrsalnj]

Ok guys I'm currently building my first reef tank here is a list of equipment I'm using.
1. 40 Gallon Breeder Tank
2. Eshopps r-200 sump
3. Eclipse M Overflow Box Medium - Eshopp
4. Current USA eflux dc flow pump 1050gph
5. Custom Stand


Here are some pictures of my build so far i will be updating as time goes on.

Sump and Tank to make sure my measurements were right.

starting to work on dry plumping the tank

Finished my stand with birch plywood 1/2 in for the top and 1/4 for the front and the sides, stained it with espresso color wood stainer. I have to put the doors on and finish some odds and ends on the stand. I also painted my tank black and drilled the hole in the tank using the eshopps over flow kit.


More Pictures will come soon.

 

[tdunmore2]

Looking really nice! Keep us updated!

 

[SalinFL]

Great job on the stand, looks awesome!

 

[mrsalnj]

Side shot of the stand, so you can get a better view of the stand how i wrapped it

 

[mrsalnj]

so far only progress i made, i received my rodi system and all my pvc for the plumbing, Here is my rodi system i just got in

 

[mrsalnj]

Finished My Plumbing from my sump to my tank

added a small manifold as well

 

[mrsalnj]

Aquascaped my tank today, as well as putting the sand, I bought 40 lbs of Live Fiji Rock at my Lfs as well as live sand. Live rock was already cured.

 

[mrsalnj]

Started My Cycle of my tank yesterday

My whole tank setup just missing the door for my stand, beginning the cycle process

My test kit and what i used just to boost the bacteria bloom

my reading after day 1 of cycling before i put in the bio spira

Readings

PH: 8.0
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 5ppm
Ammonia 0.25ppm
Salinity 1.22-1.23

Please Help me out , Thank you in advanced

 

[Crabs McJones]

Looking good! What is the return pump you are using? And is that the Eclipse S overflow? I have the same on my drilled tank (not yet set up) and i'm looking for a good return pump for it. Thanks!

Edit: just saw in the picture its the eclipse M

 

[mrsalnj]

Looking good! What is the return pump you are using? And is that the Eclipse S overflow? I have the same on my drilled tank (not yet set up) and i'm looking for a good return pump for it. Thanks!

Edit: just saw in the picture its the eclipse M

im using the current usa eflux dc pump my lfs recommended it to me and so far so good its quiet and powerful posted the link below

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-...D=51sYg9y-uUL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

 

[Brew12]

Looks like you are off to a great start!

 

[mrsalnj]

Looks like you are off to a great start!

Thank You, any tips or ideas you have for much will be greatly appreciated .

 

[Brew12]

Thank You, any tips or ideas you have for much will be greatly appreciated .

Just be patient! Ask lots of questions if you need to. Seriously, you look like you are off to a great start. The only thing I saw to comment on so far is that you have a swing arm hydrometer. I would make it a priority to get a refractometer. The swing arms are notorious for causing problems.

 

[mrsalnj]

Just be patient! Ask lots of questions if you need to. Seriously, you look like you are off to a great start. The only thing I saw to comment on so far is that you have a swing arm hydrometer. I would make it a priority to get a refractometer. The swing arms are notorious for causing problems.

I am being patient and its annoying because I'm so excited to get this tank started.Im taking my time because of funds cause trust me if i had the money i would of been finished already. I went with a hydrometer just for the cycle process so i can just roughly see my salinity, i purchased a refractometer and it will be here tomorrow. Just a question is lighting and setup? Im currently looking at 2 different lights one is the kessil tuna 160we and the second one is the current usa orbit marine ic led reef light, i just don't know which one to go with, I'm also deciding wether to go apex or not. I also need a protein skimmer and wave maker. If you can help with suggestions it will be much appreciated it

 

[mckinleyw]

Make sure cycle is complete. And QT your fish, dip corals and keep up with whatever maintenance u plan on dont lax. Lots of ways to keep a good reef. Good luck and happy reefing.

 

[mrsalnj]

Just be patient! Ask lots of questions if you need to. Seriously, you look like you are off to a great start. The only thing I saw to comment on so far is that you have a swing arm hydrometer. I would make it a priority to get a refractometer. The swing arms are notorious for causing problems.

question: since i don't have an auto top off right now, i have a gallon jug of rodi water filled and i fill the return area everyday when i see water level went down is that fine?

 

[Brew12]

I am being patient and its annoying because I'm so excited to get this tank started.Im taking my time because of funds cause trust me if i had the money i would of been finished already. I went with a hydrometer just for the cycle process so i can just roughly see my salinity, i purchased a refractometer and it will be here tomorrow. Just a question is lighting and setup? Im currently looking at 2 different lights one is the kessil tuna 160we and the second one is the current usa orbit marine ic led reef light, i just don't know which one to go with, I'm also deciding wether to go apex or not. I also need a protein skimmer and wave maker. If you can help with suggestions it will be much appreciated it

Lighting is a tough question. I'm not a huge fan of the orbit marine for larger tanks. Not sure how it would work for you. I'm on my third set of lights this year on my tank trying to find one that works for me. I would have been better off going high end early.

If you can budget it, go Apex. I have one and it is awesome. Couldn't imagine keeping a tank without it.

 

[Brew12]

question: since i don't have an auto top off right now, i have a gallon jug of rodi water filled and i fill the return area everyday when i see water level went down is that fine?

Yup, you should be fine toping it off once a day.

 

[mrsalnj]

Lighting is a tough question. I'm not a huge fan of the orbit marine for larger tanks. Not sure how it would work for you. I'm on my third set of lights this year on my tank trying to find one that works for me. I would have been better off going high end early.

If you can budget it, go Apex. I have one and it is awesome. Couldn't imagine keeping a tank without it.

Tell me about it, I'm just going to save for the apex or just use my credit card lol hopefully the wife will be fine with it. Im really thinking to consider the orbit marine and if i don't like it just return it and go with the kessil 160 . See my original plans was to make this a current usa tank with current usa dc pump , wave maker and lighting. The reason for that was that they were coming out with the bluetooth feature which they released at macna this year, but still haven't opened the sales to the public. So now since I'm considering apex I'm thinking to dump that idea.I want to have the best experience on my first reef tank not that much to ask for lol

 

[savetheocean]

I have the orbit marine and I think its awesome.