First Timer - Another 40 Breeder

[THN4AU]

Been reading and watching videos for months now. Started my new 40B Thursday with 40lbs of Caribsea live special grade sand and around 30lbs of caribsea life rock. Filled it up with Red Sea coral pro saltwater from the lfs, heated it to temp (76-77 on inkbird), dosed 4oz fritz turbo start bacteria, acclimated a three spot damsel from Petco (I know), and added him to the tank. His buddy didn’t even make it out of the bag. No lights yet. Working on two AI Primes.

Built my own stand from a plan online.

Using a MarineLand C360 canister filter I found second hand on FB. Need to shorten the intake somehow.

Also have two Jebao SOW-4 wavemakers.

This is what I have so far. Cabinet still needs doors, and I need to come up with a power center solution.

 

[ForTheLoveOfCoral21]

Looks awesome, i really like the way you setup the rock! What power heads are those?

I would most defentity look for a HOB skimmer. Reef octopus makes a really good one that's affordable.

I love the AI primes too, so much flexibility in picking the color and schedule.

Great start!

 

[FifthOne]

Looking good. I was debating but I may have to add a black background also to hide the wires/make the heater and wavemaker less visible.

 

[THN4AU]

Looks awesome, i really like the way you setup the rock! What power heads are those?

I would most defentity look for a HOB skimmer. Reef octopus makes a really good one that's affordable.

I love the AI primes too, so much flexibility in picking the color and schedule.

Great start!

Thanks! They’re Jebao SOW-4. I got them used from Amazon for $45 each. One was used. One looked brand new.

I’m pretty happy with the rock. Have an island and arch on the left and a cave on the right with a rear exit. I’ll get better pics when I get lights.

I’ve already begun my search for an HOB skimmer. The swirling mess on top is definitely ugly and will be worse with lights.

Forgot to mention I have a glass lid right now. Think I’ll eventually replace with egg crate

 

[THN4AU]

Looking good. I was debating but I may have to add a black background also to hide the wires/make the heater and wavemaker less visible.

It took way more coats than I anticipated, and the roller didn’t get very close to the top by the frame, but I’m glad I did it.

 

[ForTheLoveOfCoral21]

I have used this one in the past. It's pretty awesome. I would highly recommend this one.

 

[sp1187]

nice start.

 

[THN4AU]

I have used this one in the past. It's pretty awesome. I would highly recommend this one.

I’ve seen that one around a good bit. May be able to snag a used one.

 

[sp1187]

recommendation: feed your fish with a turkey baster. they become accustomed to it meaning food and most will come right to it when it breaks the surface. this makes them all easy to net when you want to remove them. that damsel is usually a candidate for removal.

 

[THN4AU]

recommendation: feed your fish with a turkey baster. they become accustomed to it meaning food and most will come right to it when it breaks the surface. this makes them all easy to net when you want to remove them. that damsel is usually a candidate for removal.

Now this is the advice I need. Thanks! Do you suggest live over frozen over pellet over flake?

 

[THN4AU]

I have used this one in the past. It's pretty awesome. I would highly recommend this one.

Found a Reef Octopus 1000 without a cup for $50. Cup replacement is $40. Looks like I found mine. Over $250 new.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Welcome to the 40 breeder club. I have one too. Looking at your stand, if it were me, I would add some 2x4's in the corners. I have to wonder if the wood is strong enough particularly since the tank is not sitting totally on the outside edges all the way around. Just a thought.

 

[ForTheLoveOfCoral21]

Found a Reef Octopus 1000 without a cup for $50. Cup replacement is $40. Looks like I found mine. Over $250 new.

great find and also a great skimmer. I love how they have the pump outside the body of the skimmer so its lower profile.

 

[THN4AU]

Welcome to the 40 breeder club. I have one too. Looking at your stand, if it were me, I would add some 2x4's in the corners and centers. I have to wonder if the wood is strong enough particularly since the tank is not sitting totally on the outside edges all the way around. Just a thought.

This was a thought of mine as well. The corners are 2x4s and the center supports are 2x2s. The top is two 2x10s glued and screwed together that were then screwed to the top frame. The plan was made to hold a 30 gallon. I modified to my 40. I don’t know what more I could do

 

[sp1187]

Now this is the advice I need. Thanks! Do you suggest live over frozen over pellet over flake?

I prefer frozen baby brine and mysis.
and also R.O.E. from @Reef Nutrition

 

[sp1187]

This was a thought of mine as well. The corners are 2x4s and the center supports are 2x2s. The top is two 2x10s glued and screwed together that were then screwed to the top frame. The plan was made to hold a 30 gallon. I modified to my 40. I don’t know what more I could do

looks great but wrong design.
legs should be sandwiched between top and bottom boards.
not my design.
a reefie that is an engineer.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I agree with SP1187 and the drawing he has posted is the most commonly done. Note the supporting boards in the corners. Check out my build thread. My carpenter put extra wood in some areas because he wanted to be extra safe. The last thing you need is to worry about your tank falling apart.

 

[THN4AU]

looks great but wrong design.
legs should be sandwiched between top and bottom boards.
not my design.
a reefie that is an engineer.

I filled the gaps between the legs for more floor contact but that was about it. There’s no way for me to reinforce it without draining it at this point. I’d have to unscrew the bottom board from underneath. I look for any signs of failing. I do like this design you posted. Only makes sense really.

On second thought, I may be able to use a multi tool to cut out space for additional boards. I’ll think it over for sure.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I think in the long run you will feel better knowing it has been done correctly. I had to drain my tank two times to fix leaking unions. I had some spare plastic storage containers. So I know the pain! But if your tank cracks you may lose everything and have substantial damage to your house too.

 

[THN4AU]

I think in the long run you will feel better knowing it has been done correctly. I had to drain my tank two times to fix leaking unions. I had some spare plastic storage containers. So I know the pain! But if your tank cracks you may lose everything and have substantial damage to your house too.

If I pump water out, can it be pumped right back in? May be a dumb question.

When I was building it, I was more concerned with the pocket screws being less secure. Didn’t even think about what would be bearing the load. I guess I trusted the plan too much.