Well the upgrade has started! A few weeks back I picked up a used 40 breeder and now I have started the planning.

This weekend I drilled(first time) a 700 gph glass holes overflow kit and two 3/4 inch return holes with locline. Going to get the back painted and do a water test for the bulkheads this week.

I am still planning what I am doing for a stand because I have 2 options currently just unsure which one I want to use.


For the fun part..the equipment list:
-Glass holes 700 GPH overflow (installed)
-Dual 3/4 inch locline returns (installed)
-Nova Extreme 6x39 w T5's (in negotiation for)
-Mag 5 return pump for now atleast (purchased)
-Vortech MP20 (purchased)
-AC Jr w/ DC8, pH probe, temp probe (purchased)
-And for the skimmer I am looking at the Reef Octopus DNWB-110. Yes overkill but I want to be able to handle any addition I make to the system

I know I probably forgot something so I will try and add more as I can think of things.

Now for a few pictures. And I apologize for how dirty the tank is but I took these right after drilling. I just wanted to get it mocked up and take some pictures. Cleaning will come tomorrow too tired tonight.








And some rock I picked up for a steal the other day


And my current tank

Looks like you're off to a great start! Nice equipment list!

your current tank is sweet.Nice work

Get ready for a wild ride!!!

Nice current tank also, whats in the little upsidedown cup/eggcrate? a toadstool?

Its a baby jar that is covering an acan. The hermits kept stealing food from it and it was not doing so well. But sense its been covered it is doing great!

great start on your 40 br tank.
Looking forward on seeing updates on your progress.

LOVE ya current tank, what size is it.
Great looking corals

Working on the plumbing the next few days and this weekend. Then hopefully get the old tank moved off the stand and get the 40 set on it to start getting things together permanent.

It is a 12g Aquapod with a 150 w MH Sunpod over it. I am running it barebottom with lots of flow

Looks like an awesome start, the 40br is a great tank. I wish I had been able to drill mine for a proper overflow. I use the Mag 5 for a return as well, it's a good pump, great flow for a 40br. I built my sump's skimmer chamber to accommodate the Octopus 110 as well, I don't think it's overkill at all.

Good luck with it. Let us know how the MP20 works for flow in the 40br, I would like to ditch my Koralias if one MP20 is enough.

your button polypes looks huge, love it

What are you doing for a background? Painting it black to match the overflow?

Yes the back is actually painted now just trying to get some more stuff done and then I will take some pictures. Maybe I will wait until the light is here next week for pictures.

looks like me and you are on the same page.... hehe
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=210578

Well update time. I havent got a whole lot done but I am working on it. I got the back painted now and the plumbing done from the tank. I just need to pick up my 29g tank so I can get the sump ready and finish the plumbing to the sump. Also I started cooking the dry rock I picked up so I can get a jump start on cycling this tank.

As for the goods:

-Light is in transit
-MP20 has been pulled from the nano and waiting patiently for his permanent resting place
-Picked up a 50 lb bag of Southdown sand from a fellow reefer
-Skimmer is still undecided but I will still probably go with my first choice. I for sure want a recirculating skimmer though

And I think that is all I got for now but I know I am forgetting something.....hmmmm?

Front Shot(still dirty )


Side back shot


Big boy shut off valve but comes with a price tag


Closer up


Oh yes I did water test and no leaks so far!

Looks like you have been busy! Nice work!!

what ya doing with the crate in the tank

The rock will set directly on that instead of the glass then I will put the sand down. Just a little extra insurance

Well I received the lighting today(thank you to SpankythePyro) and just ordered my Reef Octopus NWB-110. Also picked up 2 tanks from fellow reefer to use for sump just need to decide if I will go with the 15H or the 29.

So I should be getting pictures up next week sometime hopefully with all the equipment setup

wow that is great news to hear of you showing updated pix of your progress.

in my opinion, i say go with the 29 gal, but thats me

use a 29g, allows for much more space

noob question: when attaching a overflow box such as yours, isnt the water line right about at the notched levels? just wondering cause i wanted to go with a gl#######s box also

The water line is about 1/2 to 3/4 the way up on the teeth. They give you a template to mount on the outside to start drilling and this will put you at the perfect level. If you watch the video on gl#######s it will show you the whole process. They are a great company to deal with IMO!



I would but I tried both and the 15H will give me more room in my stand and allow for my recirculating skimmer to fit in the stand.....speaking of that the skimmer should be here Monday and my Marine Depot order

ah ok I thought you were running an insump one. 15h serves your purpose much better then!

that is what i was this thinking as well with more space. Is the reason why i figured the 29 would be the way to go. But that is me.

and you're right burky, the 15 would give you more space in the stand.

Mmmmmm new stuff!


What I have been waiting for the most


Got a little wet during the freshwater testing


Freshwater test(yes glass is dirty but it doesnt count yet) Also you can see the new light and the MP20 getting tested in the 40


And the 15H Sump. Everything is a mess due to it being a rough test and the stand still needs to be moved. Everything will be cleaned up and tidy when its the real thing...promise!


Oh and the brown box items received no pictures because nothing special-
-Joes Juice
-Acrylic filter sock mount w/ filter sock
-Extra filter sock
-Jager 200 w heater
-Swing check valve
-Mag Float 125
-2 media bags
-Tub of granulated carbon
-Overflow strainer for my return pump intake

Hmmm apparently no one likes the last pictures

Here are a few new ones. Aquascaping is not done. More rock will be moved from my nano when I transfer everything over. All the wiring is rough right now because it will be all hooked up to my DC8 when the nano is tore down.

Sorry the water is a little cloudy sense I cleaned the glass along the bottom and moved some sand



Side shot(I know I need to attach the vortech cord)


And the mess of cords but everything will be cleaned up when the time comes!

everything is coming together now. Awesome.
How is that protien skimmer working for ya. I need a new one, don't like this one anymore.

nice, start.

another one to join the 40b club! ( which im not in . )

Well I have been busy lately just finishing things up and getting ready for our big local frag show. The nano has been tore down and everything moved over. Most frags have been attached to there permanent location. I had to make room in the sand bed for all the new stuff coming!

Oh ya I also replaced the bulbs a few days ago. Just got an assortment to see what I like. Might go a little bluer.

Anyway here is quick full tank shot with my cell phone sense my camera batteries died right as I began my photo shoot. Hope this can tie you over!

wow, looking great

looking great, i sure love how the light shines in your tank.
Glad to hear the corals are doing well in their new home

Ok been way too long but decided to get the camera out sense I got some new goodies today!

The acan area

Close up on the rock

And one more


The Zoas


ID on this please


This guy was on his last limb when I moved him from my nano but has shown excellent growth in the new tank!


New Rock Anemones




Randoms lying around the sand bed. Kind of a mess


Candy cane, Frogspawn, Zoas of some sort, Pinks Birdsnest


Duncans enjoying the flow from the MP20


And some FTS (breeder net is holding my baby black clowns)

Sweet tank! Good to see another Iowa reef.

WOW, you sure have alot more stuff in your tank now, excellent.
I really love your acans, i am hooked on them now eversince i bought my first 2.
And zoas has always been an eye catcher for me. And the Zoa you're wanting an ID on, sorry i am not much of help in that area, but i love it.
Great new additions and your tank is looking much better.

Thanks! I should have some more stuff here by the end of the week. I need to get some new shots sense that side frag rack is out and I cleaned things up a little and added another clam

keep em coming