Some 40 Gallon Breeder suggestions needed.

[Gareth elliott]

When you drill for the eshopps overflow , set the template to account for the trim on the tank . I Set it at the 1” mark down from the trim on the outside of the tank and drilled my hole . The internal overflow was right at the trim height being a 1/8” to high not sitting on the glass flush so I had to cut out some of the trim . This is how it looks now .

Thanks will definitely make sure everything seats where i want it before i drill.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Looks awesome!! Inside cabinet will fit my sump based off your measurements what's the distance between the top of the stand and the floor on the inside of the cabinet? May need to redo plumbing if its shorter or taller than what I've got now.

 

[Gareth elliott]

From tank to floor bottom is 26.25”
Ill give a full review when there is water in this.
I dont want anyone to buy a stand based on my experience before 400lbs of water is added [emoji23]

 

[Crabs McJones]

From tank to floor bottom is 26.25”
Ill give a full review when there is water in this.
I dont want anyone to buy a stand based on my experience before 400lbs of water is added [emoji23]

Good call

 

[Gareth elliott]

So going to buy a 20 gallon for the new sump.
Already have the baffle materials on hand.

Question is how should i arrange. Current sump is:
Skimmer-> Fuge-> Return.

Would Fuge-> Skimmer -> Return provide any benefits?

Also thoughts on chucking the Chaeto and going back to a red gracilia fuge? Its edible, less annoying to clean up.

I removed my socks for preference to sponges and feather worms. Ordered some more sponges today in fact.

Can always place the socks back in if needed.

 

[Crabs McJones]

All depends on your layout, either way of setting up the fuge works. Some believe that by putting the skimmer before the fuge it takes away from the macro algae. And others put the skimmer before the fuge to prevent it from getting clogged up by detritus and strands of chaeto that break away. Either way is correct.

 

[Gareth elliott]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/gareth’s-20-gallon-to-40-gallon-upgrade.352582/
Also posting my progress on my build thread.

Sand and overflow came in today.
Ordered a red tree sponge today came to $15. Really its because want the fromia to have a more varied diet than my hitchhiker sponges. I tried to get petco to sell me their pest sponges, wouldnt do it lol.

When the microscope comes in will post some pictures or videos of algae, why i ordered it.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Successfully drilled!

Crab did you drill your return line too with the included hole saw?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Successfully drilled!

Crab did you drill your return line too with the included hole saw?

I did not, I purchased a 35MM size bit to do a 3/4 inch return.

 

[Crabs McJones]

 

[Gareth elliott]

Thanks! Ordering the bulkhead and bit now. Must say this was a lot easier than appears.
Will wait on plumbing till i can measure everything and draw out exactly what i need. Will make a template like the eshopps one out of spare polycarbonate from baffles.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Also cats are annoying.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Made one decision with plumbing. I am going with purple pipe and white fittings.
Purple will match the skimmer. White will match the stand.
Will also let me buy the fittings at a hardware store in case i need more i can always run out instead of waiting 2 days for prime.
Ordered the pvc from BRS, ordered 108 feet just to be safe.

 

[Gareth elliott]

So far this is just the power of super glue.

Before pictures.

 

[Gareth elliott]

 

[Gareth elliott]

Also sponge arriving a day early. Will See how well acclimation instructions go, since i wont be home, glad there is a drip system not add this at this time lol.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Red tree sponge.
Btw removing a plastic frag wrapper from something you cant take out of the water is interesting.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Plumbing arrives today. Drill bit, and PVC. By saturday will have it drawn out the plumbing and run to lowes for fittings.
I did order a gate valve off amazon in case they dont have one at lowes. Might buy some eco nail polish for the valve so its also purple lol.

Plan for next Wednesday is leak test with ro. If holds water. Add salt.

Btw why going purple.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Second hole drilled

Pvc also arrived.

Will run to lowes tomorrow for my fittings and pvc cement.

If all goes well should be able to get wet saturday. Well maybe, my mixing station is a 6.5 gallon bucket lol. Will see how much i am home.

 

[Crabs McJones]

@Gareth elliott I just spend 150$