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[HELP] Need Ideas for New 40gal!


KuyasNanoReef

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KuyasNanoReef

Hey guys!!

 

So I got a 5.5 Fluval Spec V a few months ago, and to be honest it wasn't that interesting to me so I decided to pick up a new 40 gallon tank!

 

So my ideas with this tank were to go sumpless and just add on a HOB Overflow or maybe just a AquaClear70 with a InTank Media Basket in that. Anyways, I want this thank to thrive with LPS and Softies for the most part, and would like some imput on how my tank should be to function correctly!

 

So I need HELP!! What are the equipment I should pick up? Sand and Liverock/Dryrock?

 

Some equipment I was thinking about:

-MP10

-AquaClear70 w/InTank Media Basket

-Octopus HOB Skimmer

 

 

What else do I need?

 

Picture of the tank I'll be working on!(:

IMG_0633_zpsc0qfzota.png

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Well, they are correct that it's between 30 and 40 gallons. I calculate 37.4 gallons. Where a 40 gallon breeder (36 x 18 x 17) is 47.7 gallons.

 

So this used to be a freshwater tank. I hope they never used copper meds in it (there is still some debate whether or not the silicone could leach copper back into the water). Obviously, you wouldn't be using the other equipment, gravel and decorations.

 

A new 40B costs $40 at Petco during their $1 a gallon sale. One of the reasons they are so popular is because they are 18" in width (which makes them look large and gives you more aquascaping options. You might consider waiting for the next sale.

 

However, if I could afford it, I'd look at a Mr. Aqua frameless low iron 53.4 gallon (35.4" x 17.7" x 19.7"): http://www.marinedepot.com/Mr._Aqua_Rectangular_Frameless_Low_Iron_Glass_Aquarium_Tank_Rectangular_Aquariums-Mr._Aqua-AZ11891-FIAQRA-vi.html Although I'd drill a tank like that for an overflow to a sump.

 

In addition to your list, you'll need: a heater and a light fixture. Any thought about a light (LED versus T5s, or budget)?

 

For sand, CaribSea Fiji Pink is very common. You could go with either live rock, dry rock, or a combination of both.

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KuyasNanoReef

Well, they are correct that it's between 30 and 40 gallons. I calculate 37.4 gallons. Where a 40 gallon breeder (36 x 18 x 17) is 47.7 gallons.

 

So this used to be a freshwater tank. I hope they never used copper meds in it (there is still some debate whether or not the silicone could leach copper back into the water). Obviously, you wouldn't be using the other equipment, gravel and decorations.

 

A new 40B costs $40 at Petco during their $1 a gallon sale. One of the reasons they are so popular is because they are 18" in width (which makes them look large and gives you more aquascaping options. You might consider waiting for the next sale.

 

However, if I could afford it, I'd look at a Mr. Aqua frameless low iron 53.4 gallon (35.4" x 17.7" x 19.7"): http://www.marinedepot.com/Mr._Aqua_Rectangular_Frameless_Low_Iron_Glass_Aquarium_Tank_Rectangular_Aquariums-Mr._Aqua-AZ11891-FIAQRA-vi.html Although I'd drill a tank like that for an overflow to a sump.

 

In addition to your list, you'll need: a heater and a light fixture. Any thought about a light (LED versus T5s, or budget)?

 

For sand, CaribSea Fiji Pink is very common. You could go with either live rock, dry rock, or a combination of both.

Yeah there was no copper used and he lowered the price to $35 so i picked it up! Plus, is there a way i can clean the tank with bleach just to make sure the tank is totally clean?

 

I was also looking at the Par38 bulbs and somehow mounting them above my tank.. maybe 2 or 3? Someone is selling a few LEDTricPar38 Full Spectrum lights so would these push out enough Par?

 

Someone is also selling their ReefOctopus BH90 HOB ProtienSkimmer i was looking at as well..

 

AND someone was also selling their Large CPR HOB Refugium i was thinking of picking up but TBH with the debate between refugiums and mechanical filtration I've been leaning towards just a AquaClear70 and load it wtf ChemiPureElite, Poly Filter, and MarinePure Ceramic BioBalls...

 

What do you guys think?

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Vinegar will clean it better than bleach (should help disinfect it too).

 

For the price, I'd probably get one of these (https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/superlux/) versus 3 PAR38 bulbs and fixtures.

 

I agree with you on the power filter being enough. However, the live rock is the bio-filter, so you don't need (or want to run additional bio-media). I'd stick with floss, activated carbon, and PhosGuard (as needed). ChemiPure Elite is also fine (many people run floss, CPE, and Perigen). Poly Filters are good too.

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KuyasNanoReef

Vinegar will clean it better than bleach (should help disinfect it too).

 

For the price, I'd probably get one of these (https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/superlux/) versus 3 PAR38 bulbs and fixtures.

 

I agree with you on the power filter being enough. However, the live rock is the bio-filter, so you don't need (or want to run additional bio-media). I'd stick with floss, activated carbon, and PhosGuard (as needed). ChemiPure Elite is also fine (many people run floss, CPE, and Perigen). Poly Filters are good too.

where can I get some cheap live or dry rock lol... not really into spending so much):

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righttirefire

I set up my 20 gallon with an ac50 made own basket for chaeto. I was a little disappointed I didn't get an ac110. I ended up with a second ac50 to add a mechanical filter and chemipure elite. So something to think about.

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40 breeders are the best of both worlds, small but big enough to offer a ton of stocking choices. That tank is bare bones and will need quite a bit of equipment to make it feasible. I've had my 40 for a while and if you need ideas check out my thread. Stay away from hang on the back filters esp if you want a reef. 40,s really come alive if you can plumb in a sump.

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KuyasNanoReef

40 breeders are the best of both worlds, small but big enough to offer a ton of stocking choices. That tank is bare bones and will need quite a bit of equipment to make it feasible. I've had my 40 for a while and if you need ideas check out my thread. Stay away from hang on the back filters esp if you want a reef. 40,s really come alive if you can plumb in a sump.

how should I do it with out plumbing then? I can't really do the whole drilling and stuff like that so I think I'm gonna continue to do sumpless. what equipment do you suggest I get? how much live rock? lights? I was thinking of about 3 full spec. Par38s and maybe 2 atinics.

 

your tank is freaking awesome dude!! nice job!

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  • 2 months later...

40 breeders are the best of both worlds, small but big enough to offer a ton of stocking choices. That tank is bare bones and will need quite a bit of equipment to make it feasible. I've had my 40 for a while and if you need ideas check out my thread. Stay away from hang on the back filters esp if you want a reef. 40,s really come alive if you can plumb in a sump.

Yup^ I run a 40 breeder too. They rock.

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With a 40 Breeder I would totally be all over a T5 Fixture! No worries on adjusting LED's, plenty of clean looking fixtures, more than enough output for LPS & Softies, and the additional bonus of awesome Actinic lighting to make those colors pop!

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Plenty of hang on the back external overflow boxes, or you can check out you tube and see how people use pvc pipe and make their own. I run limited amount of live rock. I think there's about 20-25 lbs in mine. The key to a good 40 is to make it look bigger than it is. If you fill it full of live rock it looks cluttered and reduces flow around everything. On lighting I only use metal halides and t5's so i have no useful advice on led's.

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