Buckshank's 40 Gallon Breeder Build

[O.Buckshank]

Hi folks... After a year long battle of building a 75 gallon drilled tank, with 30 gallon sump, life happened and I can no longer set it up. I have compromised and will be setting up a 40 breeder, and will be trying my hand at a healthy reef tank.

I will be moving over about 50 lbs of liverock from my 55 FOWLR, and using all new sand. Included in the move will be my pair of mocha clowns, purple dottyback, clown goby, tiger goby, and BTA.

Equipment will be a Reef Octo BH-2000, 2 Koralia EVO 1500's on a wavemaker, Jäger 150 watt heater, and a TaoTronics dimmable led light fixture that will be on 2 timers. I will also look into either a HOB fuge, or a HOB GFO reactor depending on phosphate readings in the next couple months.

I also hope to add 4-5 nano fish in the upcoming year. The tank and stand will be here Thursday, and should be leveled and ready to go by this weekend. Hopefully I can gather some followers to help me through this setup. I look forward to everyone's help, opinions, and experiences... Cheers.

 

[O.Buckshank]

Tank and stand will be here on Thursday. I also just ordered a Taotronics dimmable LED light, as well as a Reef Octopus BH2000. Will also be ordering a light hanging kit made by Brightsky. Should have it all set up by this weekend...

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Looking forward to the build!

 

[Mrfresh]

There's nothing wrong with a 40 broader. I think it's one of the best smaller tanks out there. If I wouldn't have had a spare 60 long for my last tank I would of just gone out and picked up a 40 breeder.

You should give it quite some time as far as the phos readings. Make sure you do a few water changes before you test and find your normal level for phos. There will be a lot of dirty factors when you first start the tank up...

Reef2reef is good about giving info. Just make sure you post often with updates and people will definitely help you out.cant wait to see some pics.


What kind of reef are you going with?

 

[O.Buckshank]

Going to do softies and LPS... My phos level in my 55 was never really an issue, but that was also only a FOWLR. Very excited about this one...

 

[Mrfresh]

Well nothing should really change if u use the same water as what u use in ur fowlr.
To make sure I keep my phos down I always rinse my frozen food to remove everything that they use to freeze the food.

 

[O.Buckshank]

Using new water and sand. Will be relying on my live rock from my 55...

 

[O.Buckshank]

Does this light stand look like it will do the trick?

 

[dwilliams87]

Yes, but here is what I did. It was alot cheaper and I am vert happy with the over all aesthetics.
I Have since went with a 40 breeder in the same spot as the demensions were the same except for hight. I ended up cleaning up the wiring mess by putting my drivers up above the lights and now only have a power cable running down the right side attached with black zip ties. Just thought I would give you another idea.

 

[dwilliams87]

Also, that picture was pre LED's on the frame.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Cool build!
I like the light bracket.
Have fun reefing!

 

[O.Buckshank]

Thanks @dwilliams...

 

[O.Buckshank]

Can you take a picture closer to where the light stand hits the aquarium stand? What's the best way to fasten them?

 

[Mrfresh]

DIY stuff can normally work out well just take the time and effort to do it right.
I build a lot of my own stuff and the best thing I can think of it measure twice and cut once.

Lt us know which way you decide to go and post some pics!

 

[dwilliams87]

Can you take a picture closer to where the light stand hits the aquarium stand? What's the best way to fasten them?

I'm not where I can take a picture but all it is is where it meets the stand it goes into a tee and then each side of the tee has PVC coming out and then an end cap on each end. Its very stable.

 

[O.Buckshank]

Ok cool thanks everyone so far! Hopefully I can get some water filled up this weekend...!

 

[O.Buckshank]

So the light hanging kit I originally wanted is a 28-32 BUSINESS day ship. No thanks. So I ordered this set..

Good reviews, and as much as I appreciate DIY stuff, it's just one more thing I dont have to struggle with...

 

[dwilliams87]

I don't blame you, the only reason I did the diy was to save money.

 

[O.Buckshank]

I don't blame you, the only reason I did the diy was to save money.

I hear ya, I appreciated the input for sure!

 

[O.Buckshank]

Stocking question (I'm sure a lot of these will surface on this thread by the way)...

Coral beauty in a 40? I have my thoughts and opinions and am just looking for some others... Thanks.