40B Colorado Build and BS!

[Reef Tanker]

I am getting back in the hobby after about 10 years without any kind of tank. I’ve had 2 reef setups and one freshwater with African cichlids.

Been working on a 40 Breeder for a while since I bought a condo here in Aurora, Colorado. So far I’ve drilled and painted the tank and just siliconed my sump together today. I have the overflow and return installed and the rest of the plumbing is here.

 

[Reef Tanker]

Overflow is an Eshopps Eclipse M. The return is a 3/4” loc-line with a plain round nozzle for now.

Planned lighting is the Reef Breeders Photon V2+ 32. Looking at the Reef Octopus 110 SSS skimmer too.

 

[Reef Tanker]

Just ordered a Jebao DCP-2500 on Amazon. I haven't been able to find my old Mag 3 from 20 years ago.

 

[Reef Tanker]

My dad is building the stand.

 

[Reef Tanker]

The sump looks pretty good for maybe a $140 total cost. It should be more than enough for a 40 breeder.

 

[brett_schn]

I have a very similar setup just haven’t done the 20l sump. That’s coming soon though! Also I’m about to run t5s when the bulbs come Thursday!

Great looking setup you’ll be very happy with it!

 

[Reef Tanker]

Thanks, I'm excited to get back into this.

 

[brett_schn]

Thanks, I'm excited to get back into this.

Awesome. Keep us posted about the reef breeders! That’s what I wanted to do but didn’t Have the money for so amazon t5 with ati bulbs

 

[Reef Tanker]

Awesome. Keep us posted about the reef breeders! That’s what I wanted to do but didn’t Have the money for so amazon t5 with ati bulbs

I agree on the money part. This hobby is pretty expensive and lighting is probably the worst part. Do you have a link to that T5 setup?

 

[brett_schn]

I agree on the money part. This hobby is pretty expensive and lighting is probably the worst part. Do you have a link to that T5 setup?

I do. 4 bulb 24” fixture.
They are All the same manufacturer just different distributors this is the exact one I bought although I paid $60 for it a month ago

 

[Reef Tanker]

Do you think a 4 bulb 24" fixture will be enough for what you want to keep? I would be a little concerned about having enough PAR for some animals. Although that is a cheap way to get started with soft corals and probably most LPS.

 

[brett_schn]

Do you think a 4 bulb 24" fixture will be enough for what you want to keep? I would be a little concerned about having enough PAR for some animals. Although that is a cheap way to get started with soft corals and probably most LPS.

Yes it will be more then sufficient for even sps. I will be supplementing with a kessil in the future for more coral pop and shimmer. And eventually will go to a 36” 4bulb ati unit in a few years when I make some money!

 

[Reef Tanker]

Those ATI fixtures are nice. I looked at those online but I'm probably better off with the Reef Breeders in the long run. No annual bulb replacements and a lot of controllability. But you can grow stuff like crazy with T5.

 

[brett_schn]

Those ATI fixtures are nice. I looked at those online but I'm probably better off with the Reef Breeders in the long run. No annual bulb replacements and a lot of controllability. But you can grow stuff like crazy with T5.

Yeah for sure! Those reefbreeders I hear are great. I love how sleek they were. I’m going to give t5s a shot. Im on my 3rd year of reefing and only used an ai prime hd on my last tank. Looking forward to seeing the colors this puts out

 

[Reef Tanker]

So the DCP 2500 got here today. I tried it out in the bathtub. Played with the controller. So far I’m pretty impressed for just over 50 bucks on Amazon.

 

[brett_schn]

So the DCP 2500 got here today. I tried it out in the bathtub. Played with the controller. So far I’m pretty impressed for just over 50 bucks on Amazon.

Awesome! Is it loud at all?

 

[Reef Tanker]

Awesome! Is it loud at all?

I didn't hear it at all over the splashing water in the tub. It seems like a really nice little pump for the modest price.

 

[brett_schn]

Great thanks! I’m just using like a hydor ac pump or something now

 

[Reef Tanker]

My dad built the stand. It came out really good.

 

[Reef Tanker]