New Guy, Contemplating a 40g Breeder Tank

[PDM]

Greetings all. First post here.

I recently developed the bug to set up a saltwater reef tank (I have never had an aquarium). Been doing a lot of reading and video watching. I am 100% sure that I can find all of the answers to my questions by continuing to search the forum, but it is easier of course to just include them in a post, so here we go.

Based on goals - a tank with soft coral (maybe some LPS?) and 6ish fish - and my reading, I think a 40g breeder tank makes sense to start. I like the dimensions - I would prefer a longer tank rather than a cube. Money is not really an issue (although I am not looking to waste money of course) - I was thinking about starting with an innovative marine 60 gallon EXT sump tank, but realized that is just plain silly - overly complicated to set up and maintain, a lot of water to make and move, and just too much to start. I am looking for relative simplicity (with as little plumbing and jury rigging as possible) and reliability in a first tank. And I gather than a 40g tank is enough volume to be relatively forgiving of mistakes.

For those reasons, I am thinking about setting the tank up with an HOB filter (marineland penguin Pro 375 is one that I have seen reviewed). I haven't found pre-made AIO 40g breeder sized tanks and the after market AIO add ons seem to have their own potential issues (need to silicone the back to the tank?) and also seem to really cut into the depth of the tank.

So... what do people think of that idea? Some questions are:

For a HOB filter (or perhaps two of them side by side?) - does everything go inside those filters? Heater, pumps, various types of media. Would I need to hang an ATO separately? I would like to use one of those roller filters rather than socks - can they fit inside an HOB filter or do they hang separately? I assume the basic RO/DI maker (75G a day) would be more than sufficient? Oh, and any recommendations for premade stands for a tank this size?

If people would care to make recommendations based on my goal - simplicity and reliability first, and willing to pay more for quality components - it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef from just East of Rochester!

I have some thoughts, and I'm sure others will be buy soon to offer more suggestions.

A 40 gallon tank is a great tank to start with, not too big or too small. If you want easy pliumbing, I'd absolutely suggest an All-In-One tank. I believe Innovative Marine makes a 40 AIO, certainly other brands do. I have two IM 10's, two IM 15's, 1 25, and 1 40 gallon that's not an AIO tank. I think IM makes a great tank.

Or, you could look into one of the DIY drop in kits. Yes, you need to silicon these to your dry tank before you set it up.

Yes, the AIO filter section takes up room in the display, so you'll have to consider that, but the benefit is the simplicity of the plumbing (there really isn't any) and you simply can't over complicate things by adding gear you don't need.

I'd advise to get a good RODI filter system going, and get good test kits like the Salifert brand or the Hanna Checkers, try to steer away from the API kits, they are not as accurate or easy to read as the other two options.

And I'd suggest starting your tank with a high-quality live rock and sand from a good Local Fish Store (LFS) or someplace like Tampa Bay Saltwater:
https://tbsaltwater.com/
Good luck!

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Do it!!!

40breeder is probably #1 on my list for tank dimensions. One thing I'd suggest (if you have the resources) is to drill the tank, and don't utilize any HOB filter/fuge/skimmer.

If you don't like the idea of having a sump, get an AIO tank. Red Sea makes a decent sized AIO tank, as well as Innovative Marine. I do love an AIO tank, and wish my current system was AIO.

 

[skey44]

I like the idea of drilling a 40 breeder for a sump and all, but wouldn’t throw shade at the idea of a seachem or aqua clear HOb and a Tunze in tank skimmer. Don’t think there’s anything wrong with this filter option.
Make sure to get a good auto top off and flow pumps.

40 breeder is a great size.
I also wouldn’t hesitate to get that innovative marine tank you mentioned. Definitely not ridiculous or too big IMO.

 

[VintageReefer]

40 breeder is excellent layout for a 36” tank, due to the non standard depth and width. I’m a big fan. You can make it into a great all in one also with aftermarket kits

Peninsula aio
https://a.co/d/9PPjPUd
Peninsula pro kit with return pump
And media rack
https://a.co/d/j2x1W6m
Lengthwise all in one kit
https://www.jaxracks.com/product-page/all-in-one-kit-40-gallon-breeder-aio
Any of these would avoid having to drill, avoid risk of leaks from a hang on overflow, eliminate risk of siphon breaks, eliminate need for a hang on filter, give space to hide a heater so it’s not in the display…

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

If you want simplicity, I would go with a hob filter and a hob skimmer, a pair of good quality powerheads, an ATO, and a pair of 100 watt nicrew lights. IMO this type of set up is super simple and will grow any coral.

 

[Pntbll687]

If you want a slightly longer tank without a huge increase in price, a 60 breeder is another great option. It's 48in long x 18in wide x 16 tall

 

[VintageReefer]

If you want a slightly longer tank without a huge increase in price, a 60 breeder is another great option. It's 48in long x 18in wide x 16 tall

Or the 75g from petco during a 50% off sale

 

[ScottJ]

You can get an HOB system to work, but I think an AIO tank is easier for a first tank. I think it will end up costing less in the long run, also. A 40 B is a nice size.

 

[CHSUB]

You can get an HOB system to work, but I think an AIO tank is easier for a first tank. I think it will end up costing less in the long run, also. A 40 B is a nice size.

This!

 

[PDM]

Do it!!!

40breeder is probably #1 on my list for tank dimensions. One thing I'd suggest (if you have the resources) is to drill the tank, and don't utilize any HOB filter/fuge/skimmer.

If you don't like the idea of having a sump, get an AIO tank. Red Sea makes a decent sized AIO tank, as well as Innovative Marine. I do love an AIO tank, and wish my current system was AIO.

The IM Fusion Pro 2 40L AIO is $1100 plus $300 delivery. I think I like the long configuration better than the higher 40g. A 40g breeder tank from petsmart is under 100 and I can pick up a stand for another 200 roughly. I probably can fully equip the tank, rock, sand, equipment and get an RO/DI system for less than the cost of the IM tank and stand. Although the money really isn't the issue, I do like the idea of putting a system together myself.

I found HOB filters, sumpless ATOs and HOB protein skimmers that all seem to be contenders. Drilling the tank isn't an option. Either I go for an IM AIO or will buy the tank and stand and go with HOB I think.

Thanks!

 

[exnisstech]

I'm in the process of setting up a 40g breeder running an aquaclear 110 hob filter. I need to empty my reefer 170 so everything will be going in here.

The sand is for my blue haddoni which will be the center piece.

EDIT: I've had AIO before but find a large hob easier for me. The 110 is large enough I can add rubble if I want or run carbon and gfo in media bags if needed. The AIO look better I think but I'm not concerned with that on this tank.

 

[PizzaIan339]

The IM Fusion Pro 2 40L AIO is $1100 plus $300 delivery. I think I like the long configuration better than the higher 40g. A 40g breeder tank from petsmart is under 100 and I can pick up a stand for another 200 roughly. I probably can fully equip the tank, rock, sand, equipment and get an RO/DI system for less than the cost of the IM tank and stand. Although the money really isn't the issue, I do like the idea of putting a system together myself.

I found HOB filters, sumpless ATOs and HOB protein skimmers that all seem to be contenders. Drilling the tank isn't an option. Either I go for an IM AIO or will buy the tank and stand and go with HOB I think.

Thanks!

I would look into the Fiji cube drop in kit.

 

[lil sumpin]

AIOs are super sleek and all but I imagine maintenance can get a little tricky. Having to stick a hand down into the narrow back chambers doesn't seem easy, especially when they're full of media, probes, heaters and etc. I'm biased because I appreciate the novelty of HOB equipment nowadays when everything is super techy and automated. I can also appreciate the ease of cleaning and maintaining HOB equipment.

 

[PizzaIan339]

AIOs are super sleek and all but I imagine maintenance can get a little tricky. Having to stick a hand down into the narrow back chambers doesn't seem easy, especially when they're full of media, probes, heaters and etc. I'm biased because I appreciate the novelty of HOB equipment nowadays when everything is super techy and automated. I can also appreciate the ease of cleaning and maintaining HOB equipment.

I honestly don't do a ton in the back of my aio it is not a problem at all. Most of the stuff that happens in an aio is In the front.

 

[Revv65]

Greetings all. First post here.

I recently developed the bug to set up a saltwater reef tank (I have never had an aquarium). Been doing a lot of reading and video watching. I am 100% sure that I can find all of the answers to my questions by continuing to search the forum, but it is easier of course to just include them in a post, so here we go.

Based on goals - a tank with soft coral (maybe some LPS?) and 6ish fish - and my reading, I think a 40g breeder tank makes sense to start. I like the dimensions - I would prefer a longer tank rather than a cube. Money is not really an issue (although I am not looking to waste money of course) - I was thinking about starting with an innovative marine 60 gallon EXT sump tank, but realized that is just plain silly - overly complicated to set up and maintain, a lot of water to make and move, and just too much to start. I am looking for relative simplicity (with as little plumbing and jury rigging as possible) and reliability in a first tank. And I gather than a 40g tank is enough volume to be relatively forgiving of mistakes.

For those reasons, I am thinking about setting the tank up with an HOB filter (marineland penguin Pro 375 is one that I have seen reviewed). I haven't found pre-made AIO 40g breeder sized tanks and the after market AIO add ons seem to have their own potential issues (need to silicone the back to the tank?) and also seem to really cut into the depth of the tank.

So... what do people think of that idea? Some questions are:

For a HOB filter (or perhaps two of them side by side?) - does everything go inside those filters? Heater, pumps, various types of media. Would I need to hang an ATO separately? I would like to use one of those roller filters rather than socks - can they fit inside an HOB filter or do they hang separately? I assume the basic RO/DI maker (75G a day) would be more than sufficient? Oh, and any recommendations for premade stands for a tank this size?

If people would care to make recommendations based on my goal - simplicity and reliability first, and willing to pay more for quality components - it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

The 40 breeder is a great choice to start with. I started my first saltwater FOT with the same. One suggestion I would offer is to use a canister style filter. Some people aren't really fond of them but they do have some pros. You can load them up with the media you see fit and are easily maintained. For your tank a Fluval 307 or equivalent would work just fine. A canister filter also has a cleaner look that an HOB filter like you mentioned.
Also on the stand....get one that will allow you to put a sump or refugium later. And don't worry about drilling the tank at that point. Use an HOB overflow box.
This would get you up and running and allow for later upgrades without having to change everything and major construction. Lol! Good luck on your build!

 

[KochergenJ]

I went with a 40b, all HOB equipment. Went with the aquaclear 70, running foam and chemipure. Built a modification to allow it to skim the surface as well. I also picked up an aquamaxx 1.5 hob skimmer, believe they are now aquaready. Tossed an in-tank uv sterilizer in one of the corners, heater mounted to the back glass, and a 3d printed holder for my ATO float. For water, went with the aquatic life rodi buddie off of Amazon. It's not the fastest, but water comes out at 0 tds.

 

[bobsreef311]

Here’s my HOB tank 37 gallon. Wanted to give reef keeping a shot and it’s been going well so far. Just two topfin 40s a 40 gallon topfin heater and a Cetus 68 watt light (cheap Amazon light).

 

[PDM]

Here’s my HOB tank 37 gallon. Wanted to give reef keeping a shot and it’s been going well so far. Just two topfin 40s a 40 gallon topfin heater and a Cetus 68 watt light (cheap Amazon light).

Thank you. Looks great. One of your pictures raises another question I had. When you place a coral cutting using one of those ceramic or aggregate discs, I assume they start to grow beyond the boundary of that disc and spread out on the rock itself? Whenever I see pictures of individual coral fragments placed that way I can't help think they don't look very good, but I guess not an issue if they eventually grow out and cover the disc.

 

[bobsreef311]

Thank you. Looks great. One of your pictures raises another question I had. When you place a coral cutting using one of those ceramic or aggregate discs, I assume they start to grow beyond the boundary of that disc and spread out on the rock itself? Whenever I see pictures of individual coral fragments placed that way I can't help think they don't look very good, but I guess not an issue if they eventually grow out and cover the disc.

Yes a lot of people actually do just cut the coral right off the “frag plug” you are describing I just don’t do it cause I’m usually a nervous Nelly handling coral haha but yes you can have the coral without the ceramic discs/frag plugs. Or even cut the pillar part of and just have it flat.