Lets Build another 40G Breeder; because why not

Whasmack · Oct 7, 2019

So, I took my refugium down on my main tank & thought to myself - I could set that up in the house! Can't let a perfectly good tank sit around....
So here we go!
Concept Art: (I got lazy and didn't make the rim of the 40g..

)

Going Black T-slot aluminum for this one; ordered from TNutz.com.
Just ordered a Modular Marine Overflow (1200 GPH); requesting 3x 3/4" bulkheads for the drain. They've been pretty responsive to my questions - I asked about some modifications to a 20L for a sump & they wouldn't build it because they didn't trust that style over long term use.
Proposal 1:

Proposal 2:

Return Pump : Still deciding. I have a Sicce 1.5 lying around, a Eheim Compact+3000 (800 gph) lying around. I want to aim for 2x-4x turnover.
Heater : Still Deciding
Sump : I'm really leaning towards a Synergy CL-26. (Need at least a 8.5" x 11.5" chamber for the skimmer)
Lighting : Still Deciding. I have 2x extra AI Vega's lying around & an Ecotech XR-15 Pro. But definitely LED on this one. My other 2 tanks both run 8x bulb ATI fixtures.
Skimmer : Vertex Omega 130. Because premium aquatics had it on sale!

Tank Style : I'd like to try a full blown Zeovit style tank. I'm not 100% sure a skimmer & in-sump zeolite reactor will fit in the sump though. I will say I'm not 100% set on what type of coral to keep. I want more SPS, but thought a good mix between LPS/SPS/Ricordia tank would be cool. Maybe more of a minimalist style rockwork.

Whasmack · Oct 15, 2019

Alright, TNutz.com t-slot came in!
Parts came in really nice - and a lot cheaper than other sites for this stuff. Very impressed with Tnutz.com -

Mock-up of the stand -

dantimdad · Oct 15, 2019

Following

Whasmack · Oct 15, 2019

While I wait for the overflow - I'm stuck between 2x sumps -
IceCap 30 -

Or Synergy 26 - (Debating around the 34 also..)

dantimdad · Oct 15, 2019

I would look into the fijicube.com sump. Fantastic sumps with really good prices.

Whasmack · Oct 15, 2019

Nice, I'll check them out for sure

Whasmack · Oct 15, 2019

I like their setup @ Fijicube.com ; but I do have some concerns -

The filter socks don't sit flush with the plate. In my experience it causes detritus to sneak under the filter sock.
And they don't have a baffle going into the return. I feel like this could be less of a concern due to the low flow rate going through the sump. But that small fuge area would be great for some bio-media!

dantimdad · Oct 15, 2019

I am using the 24 and it’s great. Very little detritus issues except when I accidentally dropped a sock. Lol

Colt13 · Oct 15, 2019

is that the 1.5 inch t slot? the 15 series?

Whasmack · Oct 15, 2019

Colt13 said:
is that the 1.5 inch t slot? the 15 series?

Yep. According to 8020.net, the 1" would have significant deflection (which doesn't surprise me).

Now this is a sump to have! But very pricey - AdvancedAcrylics.com S150

Devaji · Oct 16, 2019

nice! fallowing! I have been checking out Tnuts for quite some time.
what attachment system did you use? anchor or corner braces?

what are you going to skin the frame with?

Whasmack · Oct 16, 2019

I like them - would definitely do this again thru them.
I used anchors - more secure, end is pretty much guaranteed to be against the other rail. I've used corner braces for other projects & they aren't always straight. Plus if I wanted to have doors that closed flush with the frame, I can do that.
It's cheap to add the counter-sinks, anyway!

Skin is still up for debate. So many options! I'll probably run plywood under the tank & sump. Maybe wood on the exterior, maybe just black or smoked acrylic.
I'm taking my inspiration from @Broadfield

R2R Reef of the Month Spotlight: Broadfield - March 2017

R2R Reef of the Month Spotlight: Broadfield - March 2017 Build Thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/broadfields-red-sea-reefer-450-build-ocd-inspired.211616/ Name: Toby Broadfield Introduction: I first want to introduce myself. My name is Toby Broadfield and I am from Normal...

www.reef2reef.com

For reference on pricing :

Devaji · Oct 16, 2019

whasmack said:
I like them - would definitely do this again thru them.
I used anchors - more secure, end is pretty much guaranteed to be against the other rail. I've used corner braces for other projects & they aren't always straight. Plus if I wanted to have doors that closed flush with the frame, I can do that.
It's cheap to add the counter-sinks, anyway!

Skin is still up for debate. So many options! I'll probably run plywood under the tank & sump. Maybe wood on the exterior, maybe just black or smoked acrylic.
I'm taking my inspiration from @Broadfield

R2R Reef of the Month Spotlight: Broadfield - March 2017

R2R Reef of the Month Spotlight: Broadfield - March 2017 Build Thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/broadfields-red-sea-reefer-450-build-ocd-inspired.211616/ Name: Toby Broadfield Introduction: I first want to introduce myself. My name is Toby Broadfield and I am from Normal...

www.reef2reef.com

For reference on pricing :

yeah that is not to bad at all.

I was on there a few weeks ago pricing out a small stand for a couch side nano. but I found a media stand around the house that will work for now.

I like the anchors as well. I think Tslot should be use more in our hobby wish it was cheaper or some company like BRS bought it in bulk and have us good deals on the stuff. ( not that tnuts is to bad but if you have a big tank it sure dose add up fast)

Whasmack · Oct 17, 2019

Alright - After too much internet-ing; I've ordered the Synergy CL-26 in Grey/Orange.
Why? Because they said they were discontinuing the CL-26 & CL-34 soon!!

Also, I love their fit/finish.
Honestly, The FijiCube sump was a very, very close 2nd. It checked all the right boxes. (And they are quick with customer service)

I liked Bashsea, but they use 7" filter socks. I use 4" in my CL-44, and I didn't want to buy more socks, esp way over-sized ones for a 40g breeder. Their smart series uses 4", but with pipes going into it - just makes it a hassle to change. (Quick customer service though)
IceCap - I'd just rather have the ATO external / movable. Easier to fill... But also, I think the finish of the Fijicube just looks better.
Biotek - 7" socks, deal-breaker. Also $$$
Advanced Acrylic - expensive & haven't gotten back to me...
Barr Aquatics - Haven't gotten back to me...
Trigger - I'd have to get the 34" for the chamber to be big enough for my skimmer. At that point, it's the same $ as the Synergy. Also, the filter socks are in the BACK of the sump.... my aching back!
GEO - I love geo's stuff, but it was $$$. For the color(s) I wanted it would be $600+ for SU30. But probably worth it. Also, no lid for the socks area. (IMO this helps keep noise down.)
Elite Aquatics - Only on Facebook? They never got back to me...
MRC - (I love my MRC Orca Pro 2) Great service, but they are expensive!! (for what I wanted - overflow box into 4" socks, skimmer chamber, return chamber). He said they START at like $800 for custom...

Whasmack · Oct 24, 2019

Just a sump update -
Advanced Acrylics did get back to me - they said my reply went bulk? (spam?) and they didn't see it...
However, they said it would be ~$575 for the Acrylic/PVC hybrid sump shipped. Which is actually a great price! (It's construction is comparable to Royal Exclusiv Dream Box)
Oh well, next time!
Tyler from Elite Aquatics also got back to me - they are only on facebook; which is unfortunate..... They no longer make the windowed sumps, but here's their current model:

Whasmack · Oct 24, 2019

Modular Marine Overflow Box is in!
This thing is BEEFY. Absolutely solid construction - well built & looks great! I almost wish I put it on the side so I can look at this wonderful work of art! (I don't think my wife feels the same way....)
Acrylic is very thick for this, also I LOVE the minimal footprint in & out of the tank. And they notched out the external box to fit around the rim.
This is the 1200 GPH model - From their site

Whasmack · Nov 2, 2019

Alright! Rock came in!
Honestly.... I expected better.....
30lb of Marco Reef Saver - 4 giant blobs of rock... this will have to be cut & altered.

4x pieces of Shelf rock.... 2 of which appeared to have broke during shipping. I'll complain a little about this - Bulk Reef Supply slammed all 4x pieces into 1 bag surrounded by peanuts. I expected them to be separated a bit more. The remaining pieces are very small, I don't think I can accomplish an aquascape similar to BRS with this. Not happy about the pieces shipped.....=( But wish I would have got more of this. I can see something cool happening with 10x pieces of this instead of 4.

1 Small Base Rock - (By allen wrenches) exactly what I expected from the pics. No complains!

Whasmack · Nov 4, 2019

Update - Got the room painted this weekend, stand is just about together (still need to level it). I also ordered some Oznium LED lighting for the sump area.
I got the cool white ones for inside the stand & amber for inside the sump:

Oznium LED's:

Buy Slim LED Light Bars | Ultra Thin LED Light Bar | Oznium

Ultra Thin LED Light Bar from $11.91. The 7.5 inch Slim LED Light bar is ultra thin, looks slim and elegant with only 0.2 inch (5mm) thickness. Available in 7 LED colors!

www.oznium.com

$13 a strip. Perfect ambient work light!