40 breeder with sump build

[HexaReef]

Upgrading to a 40 breeder from my 35g hexagon.

It will be completely diy

Custom ware and HOB overflow
Custom sump with fuge
Custom return.

Inhabitants will be

Softy dominate with some stonies
Typical clean up crew
Some fish

 

[James M]

Following along

 

[Corey Shelk]

Following I'm possibly about to start my own DIY sump process so I'm definitely going to watch this to see how you do it

 

[HexaReef]

Today i finished the build.

First thing first. Used 3 inch pvc pipe and cap, and used a router to cut my overflow 'were' (<-- not sure on spelling). Then glued it to the tank in the back corner.

2. Built the 'fail proof' overflow out of 1" pvc and used 3/4" for the return.

3. Mixed 40 lbs of black sand with 2 lbs of with for a little pop.

4. Built stand

5. When i built the stand, i built it too tight for my 20g sump, so i built a simple 10g sump with fuge in middle.

6. Finished plumbing and started it up.

Equipment:
- jeabo rw8 wavemaker and hydor 425 powerheads
- QuietOne 3000 return pump
- Random 150w Heater
- Gealth led Marine lights (company was only around for 6 months. Nice lights though)

 

[HexaReef]

End result!

 

[NY_Caveman]

Looking really good!

 

[Retro Reefer]

Nice looking breeder

 

[HexaReef]

Thank you! Im so glad i moved up to a 40g. My hexagon was fun, but i hated the views on it. Too many angles.

Im thinking of geting a fighting conch to keep my sand looking clean. Think one will do for a 40?

 

[Retro Reefer]

The 40 breeder is a great tank I’m working on one myself.. never owned a conch myself but I try keep a sufficient clean up crew to help keep tank clean, just added 40 more mixed snails and hermits bringing my total to a 60 piece CUC.

 

[pshootr]

Very nice start for that tank! Looking great so far. Following this one [emoji106]

 

[HexaReef]

Thank you. Heres a short video if anyone is interested

 

[pshootr]

Thank you. Heres a short video if anyone is interested

Cool little video, with nice music.

What kind of fish are the blue ones? Those look nice

 

[HexaReef]

Cool little video, with nice music.

What kind of fish are the blue ones? Those look nice

Fuji Devil damsel fish. It's not recommended to have two in the same tank but my wife bought them without knowing as a gift. Ive had these two for a year with no real issues. I think they're $10-12 a piece.

 

[pshootr]

Fuji Devil damsel fish. It's not recommended to have two in the same tank but my wife bought them without knowing as a gift. Ive had these two for a year with no real issues. I think they're $10-12 a piece.

Oh that's cool that it worked out. I thought they looked like damsels but I have never seen that type before. Nice looking fish

 

[HexaReef]

Next step is an ATO. Im looking at getting an Auto Aqua top off system becauseits affordable. Below is what i was thinking

5 gallon jug with RO water
Green line will be sensor (not sure why i decided to run it back to the jug lol)
Orand will be top off tube.

If anyone has any other inexpensive ideas let me know. Topoff water has to come from the 5gallon jug so needs to be external pump

 

[pshootr]

Next step is an ATO. Im looking at getting an Auto Aqua top off system becauseits affordable. Below is what i was thinking

5 gallon jug with RO water
Green line will be sensor (not sure why i decided to run it back to the jug lol)
Orand will be top off tube.

If anyone has any other inexpensive ideas let me know. Topoff water has to come from the 5gallon jug so needs to be external pump

I have heard of people using a so-called gravity fed ATO. But I have not looked into it yet. So I don't know anything about them. Here is a thread with some info, mentions of resources.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=192758&share_fid=1020&share_type=t

 

[pshootr]

Here is a video on DIY ATO using a float switch and a relay.

 

[NY_Caveman]

The Clarkii is beautiful!

 

[HexaReef]

Just a quick rundown on cost for my tank.
I was able to do build this entire tank for under $220.

40g breeder - 49.99 petco
DIY 10g for sump - 10.00 petco
Acrylic for baffles $27
Silicone - $10
DIY Stand - 30.00 materials Home Depot
DIY overflow and return - $30 in material
Pvc glue - 7.99
Sand - 40.00
Salt - 10

This obviously does not include the equipment or livestock from previous tank.

I'd call this about as BUDGET of a tank as you can get. May not have the flare of a $2-3,000 tank, but it's 100% functional and operates amazingly.

So incase anyone was wondering

 

[mch1984]

Nothing wrong with a budget build, I am helping my dad with one. It's amazing how creative and resourceful you can get when you want/need to. You said you were going to have a fuge, any idea what light your going to go with?

Tank is looking good!