Here We Go - 65 Gallon Build - Newbie

[ACW33]

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.

 

[Peace River]

Congratulations on the new adventure! A sump can be helpful, but it is essentially a glass box to store put all of the equipment that you don't want in your display. There are a lot of positives to a sump but it is not magical or required. That said, I use a sump on most of my systems. As far as drilling the tank and determining whether the glass is tempered or not, doing your research is important, but using the polarized glasses test (search R2R or youtube for details) is key. When you are actually drilling the tank, it is more like grinding through the glass than what most people think of as drilling. Go slow, slow, slow, and then when you are about ready to break through - go even slower. Good luck with the process!

 

[ACW33]

Congratulations on the new adventure! A sump can be helpful, but it is essentially a glass box to store put all of the equipment that you don't want in your display. There are a lot of positives to a sump but it is not magical or required. That said, I use a sump on most of my systems. As far as drilling the tank and determining whether the glass is tempered or not, doing your research is important, but using the polarized glasses test (search R2R or youtube for details) is key. When you are actually drilling the tank, it is more like grinding through the glass than what most people think of as drilling. Go slow, slow, slow, and then when you are about ready to break through - go even slower. Good luck with the process!

Thank you so much for the kind words, guidance, and encouragement.

I have checked out the videos for tempered class conducted the test with the polarized glasses I just didn’t want anyone to think that was my only reference for the back glass. But I honestly appreciate you checking to make sure.

I guess I have decided on a sump because I don’t have much room to add anything else once I start adding corals and learning how to appropriately care for them. I want to have options once i start that path.

The water parameters in my current tank are stable, but I also do have much life in there yet. I thought it would be harder to add the sump later down the road versus now.

I set up the 40G knowing nothing and learning as I went along. At almost 12 months into this, I have learned a bit more so I want to be sure I’m thinking it all through and being more responsible about things.

You put some peace into my heart and for that I’m grateful.

 

[Peace River]

I agree with all of your comments - it seems like you have a good plan and are headed in the right direction!

 

[Digimes]

Looks like a good start and a sound thought process. Good luck and maybe start a new build thread.

 

[ACW33]

Looks like a good start and a sound thought process. Good luck and maybe start a new build thread.

Thank you! I’m terrified of an actual build thread!

This is zero experience here As long as my fish babies make it through, everything will be okay.

 

[Digimes]

Thank you! I’m terrified of an actual build thread!

This is zero experience here As long as my fish babies make it through, everything will be okay.

While there will always be new things to learn, you have already pushed through the initial stages of what to expect. This tank won't really be any different than the last except more viewing area. Tanks are always just tanks, volume numbers are different but your not going into a 200+ so it's all good. I think you would be happy to look back on the journey with a build thread.

 

[ACW33]

I’m so bad at this :/

I’m VERY visual so I just have to start with something and then try to tweak it into something presentable.

Good thing is, I have all the old rock in the 40G breeder to incorporate too. Two arches to use for coves.

Work in progress, y’all. I’m so NOT creative.

 

[ACW33]

I’m so bad at this :/

I’m VERY visual so I just have to start with something and then try to tweak it into something presentable.

Good thing is, I have all the old rock in the 40G breeder to incorporate too. Two arches to use for coves.

I swear it looks much better in person.


Sucky…but a little less sucky lol.

Hard to tell from the photos but it slants towards the front.

 

[ACW33]

I’m so bad at this :/

I’m VERY visual so I just have to start with something and then try to tweak it into something presentable.

Good thing is, I have all the old rock in the 40G breeder to incorporate too. Two arches to use for coves.

Work in progress, y’all. I’m so NOT creative.

That last picture sucks so bad lol . Bad angle. I swear it all slants towards the front and meshes much better. Lol

I crack myself up.

 

[tsharpe291]

Aquascaping is unique to every person, looks good.
not just piling rock in the tank like back in the day.

 

[ACW33]

Aquascaping is unique to every person, looks good.
not just piling rock in the tank like back in the day.

Trying not to have many just sitting on the sand bed. I hate that currently.

You can’t tell but the majority of that is smaller pieces actually glued to acrylic rods.

 

[tsharpe291]

Trying not to have many just sitting on the sand bed. I hate that currently.

You can’t tell but the majority of that is smaller pieces actually glued to acrylic rods.

That’s a cool idea.