Frag Tank! 40G Breeder Build

bearjohnson

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Well the time has come to design and build a new setup. Last night I did a little brainstorming and here is what I think the layout will look like. I find it easier to draw what I'm planning before I begin the actual work because too many times I'll begin a project and what I think will be the finished product ends up being something entirely different then what I originally had planned. It's also an easy way to lay out and pre-cut as much as I can in order to save time, money and improve accuracy.

The aim here is to build a show frag tank with a completely open design that will not be an eyesore due to equipment or wires. Almost all of my wood projects are always stained or left natural due to the fact that I'm a bigger fan of natural wood and the colors and grains that they offer then covering them up with paint. However, this project may give me hives and anxiety because I'm seriously considering PAINTING the entire stand.

Also one of the reasons I want it to look superb is the fact that the seeded thoughts that I have today, may not be the same thoughts tomorrow. Meaning this tank could easily transform itself from a frag tank to a small reef, mantis, or whale shark tank just because...

As always, love it, hate it, comment and suggest all you like. Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome.

With that being said, here is my crude drawing of what the initial layout will look like. The larger section on the left is a front view of the stand and the smaller on the right is just a side view.
 
I had some time today to make all of the cuts for the stand and tomorrow I'll start drilling and screwing.
 
I made some progress on the stand today and it's ready for paint!

Bottom:




Supports:


Two Random Views:





Unfinished Frame:



Enjoy!
 
You don't waste anytime! :)

What type of wood/material are you using to cover the top and bottom portion of the stand?
 
You don't waste anytime! :)

What type of wood/material are you using to cover the top and bottom portion of the stand?

The top and bottom are 3/4" MDF (Medium Density Fiber) board. I had a full sheet left over from a project I did for a friend.
 
I'm looking for some input on the returns on this tank.

I like to keep the returns as close to the surface as possible so minimal siphon occurs in a power outage.

As I mentioned earlier I want to make this as clean and neat as possible and If I can get away with it, I'd rather NOT have any power heads in the tank and have all of the flow performed by the return pump.

Here are three items I was considering.


Hydra Aquatics Twist Water Flow Accelerators MPT



CPR Aquatic Threaded Eductor - Bulk Reef Supply



Hydra Aquatics Nano Vortex Flow Spinner

Any suggestions on which one or any other ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Perfect, I was planning on turning my old 40 that was my previous reef into a frag tank. Seeing some more designs is always nice!
 
It looks like I've found my skimmer for the tank thanks to a friend of mine I'm now the new proud owner of an ASM G2.
 
With the toys slowly being delivered It gave me a little inspiration to get my butt in gear and start trimming the stand.

 
Looking good!!
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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