My 40 Breeder build thread(Nov 2015)

[Brewman1987]

The following is from another forum i did a build thread on. @143MPCo requested i post my build thread. So here it goes!!!!

Hi everyone so I currently own a 29 gallon DT with a 10 gallon sump for about 3 years. It was my first reef tank and I have learned a lot along the way. After building the stand and sump to setup. I realized how little space I have in my current stand/tank and feel kinda maxed as far as what I can do with the current system.

So I took advantage of the Petco $ a gallon sale and convinced my wife to let me go a little bigger in the current house we live in. I picked up a aqueon 40 breeder and a 20 long for a sump.

A few things I wanted to do with this build that I learned from my 29.

• have plenty of room in stand
• drill the tank
• incorporate a ato system
• have a refugium

I ordered a elite overflow for the tank, overkill yes but will plan to use down the road.

So stay tuned for updates along the way......

Brewman

 

[Brewman1987]

Here is he frame for my stand, I built it bigger than the tank to allow for extra room on the surface and underneath. It currently has 2 coats of kilz on it and will get some paint when I get home from work. It will be skinned with hardwood plywood and have 3 cabinet doors. 2 front doors and 1 on the right side to access electrical switches.

You can also see the current tank and stand , with the awful mess of wires on the outside. It has bothered me since day 1.

Dimension of the stand fr the 40 are, 42"Lx22"Wx36"H

 

[143MPCo]

ummm pictures and a lot of them please!:D

 

[Brewman1987]

I did some more work on the stand today. I painted the frame white and skinned the outside with some 1/2" oak. I need to cut a top, fill the screw holes, make doors and then finish sand and stain it. However I did get my glass holes return kit and drilled the back of the tank.

It was my first time drilling, other than being nervous and a few small jagged edges on the holes it was fairly easy. I ended up just laying a garden hose on top and letting it run.

 

[Brewman1987]

ummm pictures and a lot of them please!:D

yeah yeah Im workin here!!!!!! lol

 

[Brewman1987]

Side where the electrical door will be

 

[Brewman1987]

 

[Brewman1987]

Return area

 

[Brewman1987]

Got the stand all built and stained minus the cabinet doors. Let the wife pick out the stain and it's called "Jacobean". I will put a coat of poly on it to protect the finish from the occasional water spill. I received my smart ato unit today and should have the ghost overflow

 

[Brewman1987]

Elite Aquatics Ghost overflow

 

[Brewman1987]

another shot of the ghost

 

[mmw64]

Another one of those "handy" reefers! Following and jealous of your skills.

 

[Brewman1987]

Well after a unexpected big flake/chip from drilling the overflow hole I bought another 40 breeder today and drilled the holes. This time the only difference was I started the holes on the inside and then switch to the back. It made a very clean hole with minimal chatter marks. Got the elite aquatics overflow attached and man it looks great. A very sleek low profile look, next is to pain the back of the tank after the rain stops.

 

[Brewman1987]

Here is a shot of the rear portion of the overflow along with the old 29 gallon.

 

[Brewman1987]

Front of the stand with oak doors on.

 

[Brewman1987]

Electrical compartment door.

 

[Brewman1987]

Inside the electrical compartment, this is closed off from the actual sump area and is sealed tight. Wires will be routed through a piece of plywood and then sealed around to prevent moisture.

 

[Brewman1987]

Few items taken care of today, built a temperature controller and works great and got the return mostly plumbed.

 

[Brewman1987]

Painted the Pvc that was going to somewhat visible black to mask and blend in with the back of the tank.

 

[Brewman1987]

For a return pump i chose the Jebao DC6000 and for a skimmer went with SCA-302