Some Kinda Bonita's 40 gal breeder

somekindabonita · Aug 22, 2019

So excited to finally start this hobby off right. Had a failed 30 gallon tank because I didn't do the proper research, but learning from those mistakes this time around.
I'm two weeks into the cycle and just saw my nitrates skyrocket on the test tonight. Can't wait for the diatom bloom soon!!

AiKkz · Aug 22, 2019

Congrats, setting up a new tank is the best!! got a stocking list planned? And what kind of equipment are you using?

somekindabonita · Aug 22, 2019

AiKkz said:
Congrats, setting up a new tank is the best!! got a stocking list planned? And what kind of equipment are you using?

Planning for a pair of clowns and shrimp/goby pair, and accidentally have a peppermint shrimp already - he hitched a ride in on some live rock.

I lucked out and the guy we bought the tank from had a reef octopus 110 skimmer he gave us because he thought it was busted and didn't feel like fixing it. Quick vinegar bath and it's running like new! This is the first time having a sump, so I'm loving the extra space for equipment. The tank was used and came pre-plumbed, but after some further research the setup he had isn't great. It's really loud, so we're thinking of switching it to a bean animal overflow.

Lighting is a AI hydra 52, but I might end up selling that and going for 2 of the 26s to get rid of some of the shadow effect. Probably my first upgrade will be a new ATO since I'm running my Tunze nano from the first tank, and want to go for the full sized osmolator.

somekindabonita · Aug 28, 2019

First sighting of our peppermint hitchhiker since he disappeared in the tank! We had given up on him surviving the cycle last week.

HudsonReefer · Aug 28, 2019

Congratulations on the new tank and welcome back to the hobby! I think you're really going to enjoy having a sump It makes cleaning a lot easier. Im currently building out a 40 breeder as well so I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with yours

somekindabonita · Sep 2, 2019

Skimmer is up and running!

Daniel@R2R · Sep 3, 2019

Awesome! Congrats!

somekindabonita · Sep 27, 2019

Just upgraded the RODI unit with a TDS meter! The BRS tube cutter was so worth the $6. Made the install quick and easy

Peace River · Sep 27, 2019

somekindabonita said:
Just upgraded the RODI unit with a TDS meter! The BRS tube cutter was so worth the $6. Made the install quick and easy

Congrats on the new RODI unit - it is such an important and helpful piece of equipment!

somekindabonita · Nov 11, 2019

New heater controller and switches! Bought the inkbird controller just a few weeks before the BRS announcement. Wish I had the two heater plugs instead of the cooler plug. I got the BRS titanium heater to go with this controller instead of using the old heater I had.

code4 · Dec 5, 2019

What BRS announcement? New controller, upgrade? I also use infinite controllers. Even on quarantine tanks.

somekindabonita · Dec 19, 2019

code4 said:
What BRS announcement? New controller, upgrade? I also use infinite controllers. Even on quarantine tanks.

BRS paired with Inkbird to make their own heater controller. The reason I wish I had that one was it's two heating outlets instead of a heat and cool outlet. I don't ever see myself needing a chiller in my climate, so a backup heater would've been nice

Retro Reefer · Dec 19, 2019

Congratulations on the new tank.. gotta love a 40 breeder

I need to invest in one of those little RO tubing cutters myself.

somekindabonita · Apr 30, 2020

Very sad week. The power cord connection in the Inkbird controller ended up being loose, and cut off power to our heater with no alarm. Temps crashed and we lost our three fish, and it doesn't look like any of the corals are recovering. One snail and a shrimp seemed to have survived the ordeal, but I'm having a hard time working up the courage to jump back in with new livestock.

somekindabonita · Jun 28, 2020

Finally found the time to get started on our mixing station! Dry fit is complete, now to finish all the gluing... Can't wait for the neptune DOS to show up next week to set up automatic water changes!

We still haven't gotten any replacement fish after the crash this spring - decided to spend the money on upgrading the system to get a more stable environment. Once the auto water changes are set up we're going to start looking for some livestock again.

Retro Reefer · Jun 29, 2020

Sorry to hear about your tank crash

The new mixing station looks great, nicely done! Gotta get back on that horse.. lol

somekindabonita · Jul 6, 2020

Oops! Got a little excited making the first batch of saltwater to use with the auto water change system that I didn't realize my husband left all the bulkheads hand tight. A few turns with the wrench, and we were good to go!

Very excited waiting on the latest BRS order - hose should be showing up today to run the DOS to the tank. Bought some cable clips from Lowe's this weekend hoping they'll be good to mount the lines.

For all those with an auto water change set up - how do you attach your hoses to the new saltwater reservoir?