I am slowly getting things together for my upgrade to a “BEGINNER” custom 65G DIY build.
Currently, I’m running a 40G breeder (36x18x16). Tidal 75 HOB filter (sponge, polishing filter pad, purigen, frag rock, and Seachem Matrix). Skimmer Red Octo1000 Classic HOB Skimmer. I have 2 Jebo Sow 8 wave makers but use a small cheap power head after feeding sometimes to keep leftover food in suspension.
Tank has been up running since 1/6/23. First fish added late March 2023. Less than 1 inch of fine sand substrate. Fish are longfin clown pair, Banggai cardinal, Royal Gramma, Cleaner shrimp, and 4-5 blue-legged hermit crabs.
Copepods added prior to adding fish and off and on since February 2023.
I attempted to add a Coral Beauty Angelfish from quarantined vendor in April, but she arrived sickly and did not make it.
Did not add any other fish until August 2023: 2 green chromes from LFS. Female clown lead the crew on a bullying spree. I was not expecting that and unfortunately lost both 2 days later.
I’m not sure how many “pounds” of dry rock are in the 40, but I will post pics.
I LOVE the size of my 40G breeder.
But before I step forward trying coral, my gut tells me a sump is beneficial.
After researching sumps I found 2 I felt comfortable trying, but yes they are expensive. Take into consideration I will need a new skimmer, overflow, and return pumps, it adds up.
Also taking into consideration I would need a place for my fish while I drain, clean, paint, and drill the 40g.
Tough decision.
Last weekend I found someone in my local area selling a 65 Gallon Marineland tank. The dimensions are the same as my 40 breeder except taller. Guy had freshwater fish in it for 3 months. He said he travels a lot and kept coming home to dead fish.
I researched the tank and only the bottom is tempered glass so I can drill the back glass without issue.
He also made the cabinet and sold it with the tank all for $200. Solid cabinet made out of 2x4’s, etc.
So now the plan is to set up the 65G and use the 40G as a sump. I’m going to buy the sump kit and hope my research on DIY sumps pays off. Lol.
So first step…I know I need more rock. Today I’m going to attempt to make something feasible with not a lot of rock on the sand bed. My brain is the opposite of creative so this is the part I’m the most terrified of lol.
Whatever this ends up being will go into a huge bin and I’m going to cycle it while I’m planning out a few more things.
Still not sure on skimmer or overflow yet. I have two Sicce return pumps and two XR30’s on standby for new tank.
I do want to run a CO2 skimmer on the 65G to help with PH.
Currently, I’m running a 40G breeder (36x18x16). Tidal 75 HOB filter (sponge, polishing filter pad, purigen, frag rock, and Seachem Matrix). Skimmer Red Octo1000 Classic HOB Skimmer. I have 2 Jebo Sow 8 wave makers but use a small cheap power head after feeding sometimes to keep leftover food in suspension.
Tank has been up running since 1/6/23. First fish added late March 2023. Less than 1 inch of fine sand substrate. Fish are longfin clown pair, Banggai cardinal, Royal Gramma, Cleaner shrimp, and 4-5 blue-legged hermit crabs.
Copepods added prior to adding fish and off and on since February 2023.
I attempted to add a Coral Beauty Angelfish from quarantined vendor in April, but she arrived sickly and did not make it.
Did not add any other fish until August 2023: 2 green chromes from LFS. Female clown lead the crew on a bullying spree. I was not expecting that and unfortunately lost both 2 days later.
I’m not sure how many “pounds” of dry rock are in the 40, but I will post pics.
I LOVE the size of my 40G breeder.
But before I step forward trying coral, my gut tells me a sump is beneficial.
After researching sumps I found 2 I felt comfortable trying, but yes they are expensive. Take into consideration I will need a new skimmer, overflow, and return pumps, it adds up.
Also taking into consideration I would need a place for my fish while I drain, clean, paint, and drill the 40g.
Tough decision.
Last weekend I found someone in my local area selling a 65 Gallon Marineland tank. The dimensions are the same as my 40 breeder except taller. Guy had freshwater fish in it for 3 months. He said he travels a lot and kept coming home to dead fish.
I researched the tank and only the bottom is tempered glass so I can drill the back glass without issue.
He also made the cabinet and sold it with the tank all for $200. Solid cabinet made out of 2x4’s, etc.
So now the plan is to set up the 65G and use the 40G as a sump. I’m going to buy the sump kit and hope my research on DIY sumps pays off. Lol.
So first step…I know I need more rock. Today I’m going to attempt to make something feasible with not a lot of rock on the sand bed. My brain is the opposite of creative so this is the part I’m the most terrified of lol.
Whatever this ends up being will go into a huge bin and I’m going to cycle it while I’m planning out a few more things.
Still not sure on skimmer or overflow yet. I have two Sicce return pumps and two XR30’s on standby for new tank.
I do want to run a CO2 skimmer on the 65G to help with PH.