Jason’s 40 Gallon breeder build thread

[Yates273]

Now that I know where to start here it is. I recently came into an awesome deal for some equipment which enabled me to start my 40 gallon build a little earlier that I planned. Actually a lot earlier. I picked up a 90 gallon which I sold that had an Eshopps sump, Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer 2 Jebao powerheads, a Hyger? Heater and controller. Since obtaining these items I added a DC pump 1000 gph with controller, Fiji cube 800 gph overflow and a ton of plumbing that keeps adding up. $$. I also built a side cabinet for ATO container. I recently drilled the tank and hooked up temp plumbing to get the measurements for when I get my red pipe. Drilling the tank was not as hard as I thought thanks to this site and plenty of research. Right now I am cycling about 50 lbs of dry rock that I also got for free. The cycle started about 4 days ago with Dr. Tim’s. Here are some progress pics and how the tank sits now. The earlier pics had the white pipe. I just picked up the red and am slowly changing it out now. No room for mistakes with the red. Much more expensive than the standard. Sorry for the long post.

 

[ScottieB]

Looks great so far! Where are the black ball valves from? I like those, my local bog box store only sells the ones with blue handles.

Also, is that an Aqueon? 40b, I have a couple that I use in the basement fish room and I’m thinking about drilling them. Can you add some info about the drill bit and where you put the holes?

Keep the updates coming!

 

[Yates273]

The black handles valves were from Lowe’s. Yes this is an Aqueon tank and very easy to install. The drill bit came with the Fiji overflow and I drilled hole using their template which will hopefully hide the water line. I don’t have measurement now but can get that. The other one was drilled with a 1 1/2 glass bit that I purchased from Amazon for 10.00. All in all both holes took me about 7 minutes to drill. Let the drill bit do the work and use plenty of water.

 

[Yates273]

So I got home from work today and did a little more plumbing. Mama Mia it’s nerve racking. Don’t want to mess anything up since the pipe is not cheap. And of course it fits perfect when dry but when you glue it, it’s off. I did take into account when fitting dry pipe it doesn’t seat all the way. Almost don’t with the plumbing ended up flying pipe into an elbow and cutting too short so now I am an elbow short. Also realized with this all in one Fusion glue once you glue you CANNOT take apart no matter what. I tried after about 5 seconds and there was no way in hell

 

[Why-Me]

Looks good man.
I have a very similar build.
40b
BM curve 5
fiji overflow

 

[Why-Me]

Following along

 

[Yates273]

What lighting do you use I currently have one prime HD and I’m looking into getting another one

Looks good man.
I have a very similar build.
40b
BM curve 5
fiji overflow

 

[Blitheran]

looks good! Are you going to paint the back glass?

 

[Yates273]

Already done I just wrapped it with black vinyl yesterday

 

[Why-Me]

What lighting do you use I currently have one prime HD and I’m looking into getting another one

I have 1 radion xr15 need another, but instead of buying another now.
I'm going to buy a Noopsyche hybrid and light the tank with T5 and just use the radion in the middle where it is now.
Doesn't look too bad with just 1 light though. Here's a recent shot.

 

[Why-Me]

Keep the corals in the middle under the light until you get 2 of them, then you can place them wherever.

 

[Yates273]

Wow not bad for one light. Then again it’s a Radion. How many lbs of sand did you use. I’m thinking gun 40 of Caribsea special grade should be enough

 

[Why-Me]

I used a bag of carib sea special grade 40lb
I have 15-20lbs left I'd say.

 

[Yates273]

Conducted a water test today and there were a few leaks. My fault though forgot to tighten unions. Played around with my pump controller. One thing I noticed is every time I played around with that my herbie drain needed adjustment. No big deal. Drain is dead silent. I can’t believe how powerful this pump is. I love the wave control. Takes away from needing another powerhead on that side.

 

[Yates273]

Well I am a little more than 2 weeks into cycling the rock and I finally have a nitrite reading. Now I just need to make enough water to begin filling tank. I just need to make the water. I am going to need about 60 gallons total and I only have a 15 gallon holding tank for fresh and 10 for salt. I also have about 20 gallon in a Rubbermaid which is cycling the rock but I don’t want to mess with that water.

 

[Yates273]

Tank now has the aquascape in and in the middle of cycling. Nitrites 5+ nitrates 80 ppm. Almost there. Also going to add another AI Prime hd.

 

[btmedic04]

Your setup looks nice! I kind of wish I had placed my eshopps overflow where you put your fiji overflow. Instead I put it in the center which leaves a bit of film on the surface on the left side. Maybe I'll get a gyre for that side of the tank to correct that

 

[lpsouth1978]

Nice start! I love a good 40B. I have one also that is setup very similar to yours. I have a pair of Hydra 26HD over it and it is sbout 14 months old. Can't wait to see yours progress!

2019-10-08_09-29-06 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

 

[Yates273]

Here it is with 3 primes. Only change is the middle mount. Swapping out for a flex mount which I am waiting to be delivered.

 

[RJ F.]

Awesome build thread. I wish I made one. Here is a pic of mine now. On nov. 20 it will be officially a year old!