DIY 40 gallon breeder aio

[aythatguy26]

Thinking of buying a 40 gallon breeder from petcos $1 per gallon sale. I'm still not wanting to have a complete seperate sump so I'm wanting to make the 40g breeder into a aio setup.

Anyone have experience with doing this?

I have the Biocube 29 and think it would be pretty easy to make with the plans from the Biocube back chambers.

Ideas??

 

[dragon99]

Rather than creating a false wall and baffles, you could achieve most of the same with this:
http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Co...efs_Nano_Skimmer-Tunze-TZ70250-FIPSNS-vi.html

 

[aythatguy26]

That would be perfect. But honestly I feel like it would be easier to make that and way cheaper! And have a seperate skimmer.

 

[aythatguy26]

But couldn't you also have a strong hob filter and add your media bags into them?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Rather than creating a false wall and baffles, you could achieve most of the same with this:
http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Co...efs_Nano_Skimmer-Tunze-TZ70250-FIPSNS-vi.html

you read my mind.
Used those are SUPER cheap. The 9001 would work as well.
(fwiw I sold a spare 9004 yesterday for $50 locally)

 

[aythatguy26]

I looked on eBay and didn't find anything close to that.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

you read my mind.
Used those are SUPER cheap. The 9001 would work as well.
(fwiw I sold a spare 9004 yesterday for $50 locally)

I looked on eBay and didn't find anything close to that.

Patience.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I would do a false wall. you can hide all your junk.

 

[aythatguy26]

Where do you get a pre made false wall like that?

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I have no idea. I make them myself, but I'm not a sponsor so I can't sell/advertise on this forum. are you handy with acrylic and s router?

Where do you get a pre made false wall like that?

 

[aythatguy26]

Yes I'm pretty handy. You have any plans written up on making one you could send to me?

 

[aythatguy26]

What size dimensions did you use for the 40b? I've read people used 17 3/8"x 16" for the false wall. To be able to fit on the inside with silicone

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

No plans but I'd be happy to help you out. any specifics? or just everything from step 1?

Yes I'm pretty handy. You have any plans written up on making one you could send to me?

 

[aythatguy26]

I know how to do it. I know how to cut the slats and hole in it. What I don't know is where to find a sheet of black acrylic that can be custom cut to what I need. I'm guessing it needs to be cut 17 3/8" x 16" and two small pieces cut into 14 3/4"x4" and 15"x4". Do those dimensions sound about right for the 40g breeder? The tanks dimensions are 36x18x16

 

[aythatguy26]

I know Home Depot sells sheets of acrylic. But is there a certain kind I have to use for reef safe? And does Home Depot sell the sheets in black?

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I would not use home depot and I don't think they carry black, if that's what you want. Try a local plastics supplier.

You want around 1/8" space between each side as well as the bottom, and in between the glass and baffles. basically, you never want the acrylic to have direct contact with the glass. for spacers I use plastic zip ties. silicone, then pull the zip ties and fill the holes with more silicone. I only recommend momentive rtv 100 series silicone.

 

[aythatguy26]

Do you just order yours from a local plastic dealer? And any certain kind to use? And how do you go about using zip ties as spacers before you put silicone in?

 

[aythatguy26]

And can't I just use plastic vs acrylic

 

[aythatguy26]

Or glass? Thought about using sheets of glass painted black so the silicone would hold the glass wall to the glass tank

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I have a couple large plastics suppliers in my area. I generally use 1/4", sometimes 3/8". put the zip ties in place, you want them to be snug. use painter's tape or a wood jig to keep everything in place, then silicone.