My 40g breeder build

[Turbotanks]

Looks like it matches the floor... is that what you were shooting for?

No I've been staring at it for awhile an I think I'm going to change it up. It doesnt go well with the wood panels.

 

[Dom]

No I've been staring at it for awhile an I think I'm going to change it up. It doesnt go well with the wood panels.

I like it.

 

[Turbotanks]

Leak testing for the last 3 days. Still need adjustments but no leaks so far!!

 

[Dom]

Leak testing for the last 3 days. Still need adjustments but no leaks so far!!

This is such a nice build! Might be my favorite.

 

[Turbotanks]

This is such a nice build! Might be my favorite.

Thanks I appreciate that. I'm trying not to cut corners and rush things with this build. Ive done that twice now with my other tank and I'm just not happy with it.

My wife talked me into keeping the paint. It's starting to grow on me the more I let it stay.

I need to make a decision on my lights so I can start building a canopy. Undecided on what to do with them. I feel like keeping the diy theme going and trying to build me a custom t5 and led fixture. I have 2 t5 ballast I got from my job so it's a start.

More interesting note I think I'll move it to its final place and get the sand and rock in it this week and start cycling while I figure out the lights.

Thanks for following this little tanks journey so far.

 

[Dom]

Thanks I appreciate that. I'm trying not to cut corners and rush things with this build. Ive done that twice now with my other tank and I'm just not happy with it.

My wife talked me into keeping the paint. It's starting to grow on me the more I let it stay.

I need to make a decision on my lights so I can start building a canopy. Undecided on what to do with them. I feel like keeping the diy theme going and trying to build me a custom t5 and led fixture. I have 2 t5 ballast I got from my job so it's a start.

More interesting note I think I'll move it to its final place and get the sand and rock in it this week and start cycling while I figure out the lights.

Thanks for following this little tanks journey so far.

Yes, I like the paint on the cabinet.

A canopy would be a great way to hide the aesthetics of a DIY light. And I think T5's are a good choice as they offer a broad assortment of colors and power.

And I agree, getting the cycle started now would be a good way to use time while planning and building your light and canopy.

This is dangerous... this build is inspiring me to do yet another build myself.

 

[Turbotanks]

So this week I've been really busy at work. Got a promotion hoping maybe I can afford all those expensive corals I want now.

Today I've had a little free time and decided to do a little bit with the canopy. I built the frame and ran the wires. Tested to make sure it works before I wrap it. Thought I'd share some pics. That isnt the bulbs I will be using that was just to make sure I wired everything right.

 

[Turbotanks]

Canopy is wrapped and the outside is painted. It's getting there slowly.
What has everyone else used to seal the inside of your stands and canopys?

 

[Turbotanks]

Added the T5 bulbs. I put in 2 blue+, 1 coral+, 1 actinic. Pretty happy with how the lights are looking. Not bad for a cheap diy hybrid using 2 mars aqua. Will eventually upgrade the LEDs for now they will get the job done.
I also painted the inside of the canopy with topside. I just wish I would have done the inside of the stand before starting the cycle.

 

[Turbotanks]

Just a couple shots of the tank recently. It's all coming along nicely.

 

[Turbotanks]

Ordered some coral for the first time online. Very happy with prices and what I got. Thought I'd show them off.

 

[jtone_philthy_aquatics]

So this week I finished up the sump. Painted the back glass. Dry fitted the plumbing. Any advice on plumbing of what I've done right and wrong would be appreciated.
Next will be waiting on rock to try my hand at a NSA
Finishing the stand for paint or stain undecided.
Ordering a pump so I can leak test everything.
What lights would everyone recommend? I have 2 old chinese box lights I was going to use until I got something else.

Wow that looks amazing!! I love how you are matching every up! Looks rad

 

[Turbotanks]

Been awhile since I've posted here. Took some shots of the tank currently.

 

[Turbotanks]

Tank is doing great. I did battle Dino’s about 2 months ago thought I was going to crash. My rock work fell apart after I dropped one of my LED lights in the tank. Other then that I can’t complain with this tank I’m loving it.

 

[Turbotanks]

so I got the bright idea Friday night to plumb a frag system into this tank. Not sure if I should start a new thread or continue this one since it’s going to be the same system.

So far this weekend I built the tank out of some scrap glass I had laying around.
Built the stand for it to sit on.
Built a temporary led light out of some led I had laying around from an old project.

let me know what you think. An if you think I should go stand alone or plug it into this tank. I know my pump and skimmer can handle the extra 25 gallons so I thought why not.

 

[Turbotanks]

Got the frag tank up and running today. Praying for no leaks. Had to build a box around my lights as they were way to bright trying to sit at the computer across from it. Let me know what y’all think.