40gal breeder

[wolfwhocriedboi]

Hello everyone! Just wanted to come in here an ask for some advice. I just got myself a 40g breeder tank for my 30th birthday and was wondering what will be the best way to go about building it into a saltwater tank.
Should I drill it for an overflow box and sump? If so how large or a sump would I need to purchase/build?
If I were to go HOB or canister which will be easiest to set up and maintain?
I know I’m lookin for a unit that does about 300-400gph just don’t know where to really start. If anyone could possibly point me in the direction of an awesome 40g breeder build thread that would be FANTASTIC.

 

[TX_REEF]

welcome and congrats, 40 breeder tanks are awesome! before you drill anything, you need to confirm it is not tempered glass, because if it is, it may shatter into confetti when you drill. Here is a guide on how to check for tempered glass:

Feel free to check out my tank thread for general DIY setup guidance with photos.

On the remainder of your inquiries, please read this guide, and then make a post if you have specific questions that we'll be happy to assist with: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[Rocks reef]

Build Thread - Jacks 40 breeder

Hello everyone, I’ve been on the forum for almost 5 years and currently have 2 tanks running and also have had a few others in that time but never documented any of my builds. My home is currently under contract for sale and will probably be closing in the next month or so. We haven’t found a...

www.reef2reef.com

Check this out!

I would highly recommend drilling it for an overflow. A 20 gallon tank for the sump would be perfect! Looking forward to your build.

 

[Rocks reef]

As far as what @TX_REEF said, he is correct on the tempered glass. However, most if not all, standard aquariums only have tempered glass on the bottom of the tanks.

 

[Fish Fan]

As far as what @TX_REEF said, he is correct on the tempered glass. However, most if not all, standard aquariums only have tempered glass on the bottom of the tanks.

In theory you're correct, but best practice is to double check before drilling. Manufacturers tend to use whatever glass they have available to them at the time, which can sometimes be tempered on the sides, front and/or back.

 

[Fish Fan]

Hello everyone! Just wanted to come in here an ask for some advice. I just got myself a 40g breeder tank for my 30th birthday and was wondering what will be the best way to go about building it into a saltwater tank.
Should I drill it for an overflow box and sump? If so how large or a sump would I need to purchase/build?
If I were to go HOB or canister which will be easiest to set up and maintain?
I know I’m lookin for a unit that does about 300-400gph just don’t know where to really start. If anyone could possibly point me in the direction of an awesome 40g breeder build thread that would be FANTASTIC.

Happy birthday and congrats on the new tank!

You have lots of options here, and all will work. I'd suggest drilling it (if not tempered) and going with a sump. If you're looking to DIY a sump, I think the best value on a baffle kits is these guys here:

REFUGIUM KIT - 20 Gallon Long 5C ezBuild Ultimate Sump Kit Aqueon / Imagitarium | eBay

This is our ezBuild Dual Filter Sock Holder 5 Chamber Sump/Refugium Ultimate baffle kit for 20 gallon Long Aqueon® or Imagitarium™ glass tanks with adjustable water depth. Our exclusive ezBuild sump kits are the fastest and easiest way to convert a glass aquarium to a fully functional sump.

www.ebay.com

You can also buy or cut your own glass baffles, and certainly you can buy a ready made sump.

For an overflow, I think the best option right now are the ones from Modular Marine:

Overflow Boxes

modularmarine.com

You could also consider a drop-in All-In-One (AIO) system like this one:

All-in-One Drop-In Kit for 40 Gallon Breeder Aquariums - 4th Gen

The Fiji Cube AIO Drop-In Kits simplify the process of building an all-in-one aquarium with a pre-built sump box that fits perfectly in the back of your aquarium and includes divided sections for your filtration, heating, and water circulation equipment. Fiji Cube designed this AIO box to...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

You could go with either a canister filter or a Hang On Back (HOB) filter (or both!), many here use those filters. Between the two, I personally prefer HOB's and specifically the Hagan/Fluval AquaClear filters. I don't care for canister filters because I find them a pain to clean, and I have had them leak on me. I like the AquaClear filters because they are solid workhorses with a lot of available add-ons like media baskets, and there's lots of hacks to make them more efficient for saltwater tanks. Here's an example:

inTank Media Basket for Fluval Aquaclear 110 + Hagen AquaClear 110 Power Filters | eBay

What once was a dreaded chore of chaining filters and diving into the aquarium is now made easy utilizing this ultra custom AquaClear filter insert. Fits Hagen and Fluval AquaClear 110 hang on back filter.

www.ebay.com

You could also consider a HOB protein skimmer in addition to either a HOB filter or a canister filter. A protein skimmer helps remove dissolved organics before they can break down to cause excess nutrients that feeds ugly algae. Here's an example of a HOB skimmer, there are many others:

Classic 100-HOB Hang On the Back Protein Skimmer (90 Gal) - Reef Octopus

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

I'm sure you know you'll need a heater, and most here would suggest protecting your tank with a heater controller that can shut the heater off in case it fails in the "on" position, which is quite common, and can result in a cooked tank. The InkBird controllers are an affordable option:

Aquarium Temperature Controller Series

INKBIRD aquarium series temperature controller is specially designed for aquariums. The controller probes of the series are all aquarium probes.

inkbird.com

And if you're planning on keeping corals, water flow is very important, you will likely need some additional circulation pumps besides your sump return/HOB/canister filter. Again, lots to choose from for all budgets, but these from EcoTech are very well liked here on R2R (so too is the cheaper Jebao knock off pumps):

VorTech MP10mQD - Mobius Ready QuietDrive Propeller Pump

In a reef aquarium, having the perfect amount of flow and water movement is crucial to the health of your animals, as well as the overall success of the tank. With the addition of Ecotech Marine's Mobius app compatibility, Vortech QuietDrive pumps have never been more versatile or easier to...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

All my links here are just examples, there's other options for all budgets, so don't think you *need* anything I've linked above.

I hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Hunna’s Stunnas]

Here’s my 40b with a DIY AIO across the back

 

[oscaaar]

Here’s my 40b with a DIY AIO across the back

Where did you get the AIO from ?

 

[Fish Fan]

Where did you get the AIO from ?

JaxsRacks makes one like in that post:

All In One kit - 40 Gallon breeder (AIO) | eBay

Refugium / Sump kit is for a 40 gallon breeder aquarium (36.1875" x 18.125"X 16.9375"). 
We can build you a kit for any size aquarium such as, 10 gal, 20 gal L, 20 gal H, 29 gal, 40 gal breeder. We can also make custom kits dividers to any specifications.

www.ebay.com

FijiCube makes another style:

https://www.chewy.com/fiji-cube-aio-aqueon-diy-kit/dp/393869?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22429707836&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22433242975&gbraid=0AAAAADmQ2V1wQGFPUmMkGQsPPta56a1JR&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-ZHEBhCxARIsAGGN96Lxsh1ZhZqv2u0C3T7gNWUvNWnTh_CjCJwjnCi0ie9WF0q0C2NG4aIaAudnEALw_wcB

I think you can find more on eBay and possibly Etsy too.

Good luck!

 

[TX_REEF]

Where did you get the AIO from ?

JaxsRacks makes one like in that post:

All In One kit - 40 Gallon breeder (AIO) | eBay

Refugium / Sump kit is for a 40 gallon breeder aquarium (36.1875" x 18.125"X 16.9375"). 
We can build you a kit for any size aquarium such as, 10 gal, 20 gal L, 20 gal H, 29 gal, 40 gal breeder. We can also make custom kits dividers to any specifications.

www.ebay.com

FijiCube makes another style:

https://www.chewy.com/fiji-cube-aio-aqueon-diy-kit/dp/393869?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22429707836&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22433242975&gbraid=0AAAAADmQ2V1wQGFPUmMkGQsPPta56a1JR&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-ZHEBhCxARIsAGGN96Lxsh1ZhZqv2u0C3T7gNWUvNWnTh_CjCJwjnCi0ie9WF0q0C2NG4aIaAudnEALw_wcB

I think you can find more on eBay and possibly Etsy too.

Good luck!

I heartily recommend Jax Racks as well: https://www.jaxracks.com/product-page/all-in-one-kit-40-gallon-breeder-aio

 

[Hunna’s Stunnas]

Where did you get the AIO from ?

It was DIY’ed by a previous owner. It definitely isn’t set up properly, but still works. I just have to siphon the back chamber water out every few water changes.