The kitchen tank: 40 g clown breeder

[Pedal Dangit]

I thought I would start a new thread just for my kitchen tank since my 120 in the family room is postponed indefinitely (other house projects have priority) I will be able to update this thread more frequently as this build comes along. I'm going to go pickup a 40 breeder at Petco dollar gallon sale today. I already grabbed a 20 long for sump. My goal for the build is just a basic tank for a pair of clowns, maybe 2-3 other fish, and a few easy corals. Would love to try and raise some baby clowns. we will see how that goes... I'm on a tight budget so I am trying to find used equipment on the cheap. I'm still looking for a skimmer and a controller.

We have this work bench table thing in our kitchen that a 20 long fits just perfectly underneath between all the legs. It seems perfect for a stand as it has beefy construction with solid wood. I added a 1/2" plywood back to keep it from racking, some side panels, and I am trying to build some cabinet doors for it. My woodworking skills are limited and my table saw is a relic from the dark ages before OSHA

AUG 2019

Sept 2020

older build pics:

 

[Mikey Mane The Flare]

I tank in the kitchen..... you are my idol

 

[Pedal Dangit]

I tank in the kitchen..... you are my idol

Thanks, it does come with some concerns about burning food, splatters, spills, and a huge window right behind it. I moved the tank away from the stove a bit and I feel better about it now.

Some pics of my progress. Got the 40 breeder from Petco dollar a G sale. I have been circulating some water and checking how stable the temp is. As long as my AC is going, I can keep a stable 79* when it is 100 deg out in the middle of summer. Even next to the window, the in-room temp display was about 82*

My cabinets are the best I could do with the antique craftsman table saw.

 

[mmw64]

Thanks, it does come with some concerns about burning food, splatters, spills, and a huge window right behind it. I moved the tank away from the stove a bit and I feel better about it now.

Some pics of my progress. Got the 40 breeder from Petco dollar a G sale. I have been circulating some water and checking how stable the temp is. As long as my AC is going, I can keep a stable 79* when it is 100 deg out in the middle of summer. Even next to the window, the in-room temp display was about 82*

My cabinets are the best I could do with the antique craftsman table saw.

Looking great!

 

[Pedal Dangit]

Just finished building a light stand. I couldn't easily do a wire hanger so I came up with this 3/4" oak frame and some slotted aluminum.

I traded an old mountain bike for a used Radion Gen 2 and a bunch of other equipment. Thanks Danny, hope you are still enjoying the ride if you read this...

 

[Pedal Dangit]

;Wideyed I got some stuff from Exotic Marine Systems today:

 

[Mebeknob]

;Wideyed I got some stuff from Exotic Marine Systems today:

]

Is this like a sump kit or something??

 

[Pedal Dangit]

Is this like a sump kit or something??

exactly. I'm super impressed with the quality.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/exotic-marine-systems.815/

https://www.exoticmarinesystems.com/collections/sump-kits/products/diy-sump-kit-complete-kit

 

[Junglejim]

I like this, are you planning on painting the back of the tank? Also please post some detailed pics of the sump build.

 

[Pedal Dangit]

I like this, are you planning on painting the back of the tank? Also please post some detailed pics of the sump build.

Yes. I hope to have time to drill the 40G for the overflow this weekend an paint the back of it. I managed to find time here and there this week to to put the sump together. You have to build it over a few days time because there are different panels that must be cured overnight before you go on to the next step. While I'm not proud of my silicone work, I'm not embarrassed either. It's hard not to get silicone where you don't want it at some point. If I could offer any advise to anyone else, it would be to let the unwanted silicon dry and just remove with razor blade. Trying to wipe it off wet will only make it worse and smear it all over the place.

Some specs in case anyone wants to know the chamber spacing I used:

Overall 20L length: 30"

drain section: 3.5"
sock section: 6"
skimmer: 12"
bubble trap: 2"
return: 5.25"

 

[Junglejim]

That looks great, what does the return section look like, Im curious if they will cause a lot of bubbles.
Jim

 

[Pedal Dangit]

That looks great, what does the return section look like, Im curious if they will cause a lot of bubbles.
Jim

Probably depends on bubble output from skimmer, but it has adjustable panel for skimmer water level that you can lock in place with two plastic screws. You can also run a 2" open foam block in the bubble trap to make sure none get into the return.

 

[Pedal Dangit]

Today I finished the stressful part, but unfortunately got some ugly chip-out. I guess I have a heavy hand. I tried not to put too much on the drill, and maybe I didn't realize the bit was coming through the other side. Less pressure and more RPM helped on the 2nd try. I actually was surprised how easily it sanded smooth with some 120 grit paper. I hope it isn't too excessive.

 

[Fudsey]

I was looking into that sump kit when I was making my sump for my 90g. I found a few pics of other's 40B sump kits on R2R and you basically did the same thing as them
(Pics below for ref.)
Looking great so far and chips don't look too bad to me.

 

[Pedal Dangit]

Thanks, good to hear some reassurance about the chips .

Painted:

 

[NY_Caveman]

Thanks, good to hear some reassurance about the chips .

Painted:

Really looking nice. I am heavy handed too. It is a liability around tanks for sure. Have not cracked one yet though (knocks wood).

 

[Kevin Jaako]

Nailed it. I’m excited to see how ya end up

 

[Junglejim]

What are the measurements on the overflow? I like how thin it is.
Jim

 

[TaylorPilot]

Everything is looking great. I am glad to start seeing some build threads using the kits!

 

[truetricia]

This is a beautiful build! You may want to consider waterproofing that back panel. Your sump is likely to have some splashes that could eventually warp that wood or cause damage.