Rob's 40 Breeder (2014 Update)

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/robs-72-bow-147053.html has ended just as quick as she started.I just lost interest in the tank. I had to repair the brace, it needed some deeep cleaning, it was used, had scratches, and over all it was just maybe a bit too much to tackle this stage in my life. I really wanted a brand new tank, one where i controlled everything from the get go, im sure many of you can agree. Also the cleaning aspect is a little easier with the footprint of this tank, and that for me is a huge plus.

So... With the end of that comes the beginning of this. a 40B drilled with a super nano overflow box from glass-holes.com (1" drain). Used a 1/2" return. I will be using the same stand, sump, return, and skimmer i planned on having for the bow front. My skimmer will be a bit over kill as its rated for around 140 gallons, and i wont even be close to that, but i guess its gonna have to do. Im going to have a "peninsula" style tank with the two largest panes of glass being viewable. I really would like for aqua scaping, a large pile of rocks placed near the overflow box, and have it cascade down towards the sand bed leaving about 4" or so between the rock and front of the tank. (this is my vision now) all the while leaving a horse shoe outline of the sand when viewed from overhead. The tank isnt going to reside in this corner, its just where it sits while i continue to gather more gear for it.

I am changing the top ply to 3/4" and im going to run the plumbing through it. I might get fancy, and lay tile around the perimeter of the tank. I like having the 9" of open space at the front of the tank, that way it could be used for a table for drinks, charging phones, etc. Ill also be adding sides to the stand as well. Keep in mind right now im between moves ( getting ready to transfer colleges) so its not going to get wet until im in a house and have a job in Orlando. But in the mean time my mind will keep lighting, stocking, etc on the drawing boards but so far, im excited.
Pictures to prove






Equipment list:
-40 breeder
-20 long sump
-Neptune Apex Controller
-Ecotech Marine MP10
-Ecotech Marine Radion G.2
-Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer
-Sicce Syncra 1.5 return pump
-JBJ ATO

 

Looks great!!

 

Thank you kindly ofk!

 

Well there isn't much progress to be shown via pictures but I have gotten closer to getting this started.

For one I bought an mp10es for my power head. Need a new wet side but at the price I got it for, can't complain too much.

I've contemplated stocking choices over as over and I'm pretty confident in this list:
1.Pair of clowns, don't know the genus or species I want but I will have my eye open (always wanted a pair, only ever had one at a time. Ill also be looking for a nem too for them.)
2. Would love to have a Paracheilinus wrasse, perhaps a line spot. ( generally a smaller genus than most other wrasses, and I would get him small as possible, or her.) Lol
3. A mandarin. I'm going to start my pod population before I add a single coral, fish, or invert. My plan is to order about 1000 pods at the start of the tank ( right after the cycle) to allow those critters settle in nice and comfy like. For now... Lol

Still on the fence about lights. I know I would love to do LEDs, but im pretty sure by the time ill NEED lights, I'll have my mind made up. I would hate to spend money and have something come out a week later that makes me resent my choice.

 

Hmmm doing my intend build, cool.

Tell me about the over flow please? Where did you get parts...every little detail if you would please.

 

I like your stocking list. A Paracheilinus (Flasher) should do just fine in a 40. Any Cirrhilabrus in the Lubbocki complex would work as well. Just keep in mind any of these can compete with a Mandarin for pods.

 

Thanks Marshall, I 'preciate the input. When the time comes, which i dont see happening any time soon, and I begin to add inhabitants to the tank Ill keep my eye out for any decrease in my population. I seriously plan on having a PO tank for at least 6 months(PO standing for pod only lol). I have a 6 gallon fuge in my sump thats going to help the cause. My whole goal is to have the most abundant pod population I can, from the get go. Not just for the mandarin but for all fish friends. lol. No fish will be in this system for a while. Ill have corals and macro algae in before any fish.

My previous attempt at pod controls in my 75 gallon and 20 gallon tank have been pretty successful for someone not really trying. My clown would dominate him some pods on the glass the first 10 min. of the lights being on. it was what made me aware of what he was eating. I imagine if I "try" and by try i mean buy some, ill be good to go.

 

Just noticed your Helfrichi in your avatar, Marshall, which is funny cuz he would be on my list if i could find one for under 99 bux. That would be my wildcard fish, if i can find a good deal on one, he would definitely be allowed on my reef, in addition to the others. I dont feel comfy paying a Benjamin for a single fish. A pair, maybe, yea. but one, idk man that just doesnt sit well with me. lol

 

I got mine from my LFS during their "Black Friday" sale; 25% off so got him for $75

As far as not spending more than $100 on a fish, I would not be a good influence on you. I currently have 8 that cost over $100 (not including the Helfrichi); 4 that were over $250 :-/

 

Congrats on the brand spanking new tank (or looks that way)! I can tell you're excited, since you already drilled the tank!