40B reef setup (first saltwater tank)

[AmazonJoe]

So I'll start a journal to keep everything in one spot. I asked about lighting in another thread with no response I'm looking at getting the I believe its 34"-42" LED current marine light I think it would be worth the investment having so much customization and having the added lifetime of LED vs T5 ballast lights. Has anyone used these before on a reef tank? Also is the size is suitable for a 40?

[AmazonJoe]

The filtration plan is to setup a sump underneath with a 20long. Not sure about all the details but it will include a refugium and various water flows through different sections of various media and various amounts of water flow to maximize dentrification. I'll be doing a mix of live/dry rock I have someone at work helping me out also and he suggested to seed dry rock its cheaper this way. Still trying to learn and understand everything luckily there is not to to much difference between fresh vs salt besides salinity and what not.

The notes cliff wrote up in the saltewater beginners section will help tremendously if anyone is looking for info.

[Slaphppy7]

Congrats on starting the new setup.

[Taurus]

Good luck with the new setup! I'll be following along.

[AmazonJoe]

Thanks guys pretty excited! I think I'll go to petsmart first to get the 40 and 20 they have pretty much the same deal right now

[Silbar]

I'm really excited for you, Joe:19: This tank is going to be so much fun to follow. Good luck and have fun while you learn and plan.

[BluewaterBoof]

I'm so jelly! Congrats on the SW adventure!

[SueD]

There is a Current Satellite Marine LED which is kind of pricey

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Orbit-Marine-Pro/dp/B00WFDO5KQ/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1476297673&sr=8-10&keywords=current+usa+led

and Finnex has a comparable one scheduled for release 11/1/16 at less than half the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-VL-MA36-Marine-Automated-Aquarium/dp/B01LYMN6FS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476297625&sr=8-2&keywords=finnex+marine+36%22

There are also ones without the 24/7 mode as lesser cost

[AmazonJoe]

Nice I'll have to research the finnex now thanks Sue!



I called Petco they have two 20's left so after work I'm heading there to get the 20 and 40 before the sale ends

[AmazonJoe]

I'm so jelly! Congrats on the SW adventure!

Thanks bro ;)

[AmazonJoe]

Its official!!
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[Taurus]

Saaaaweet!

[RiversGirl]

Congratulations for starting off on your new salty adventures!

[AmazonJoe]

Thanks Rivers!

I saved about $100 off the two tanks. Lets see how cheap we can make this build lol. (Excluding fish!)

[AmazonJoe]

Its starting to take shape!!

So stand was $80 but I used it for two tanks so divide that in half. ;)
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[AmazonJoe]

After spending some time learning about sumps and overflow system. I narrowed down my choice to this HOB overflow its says its rated up to 800GPH. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LYTE4Q/ref=psdcmw_2975472011_t2_B00CJ257IW

From what I've researched for a 40Gallon 500GPH should be appropriate and a return pump of 400GPH should work I haven't measured the return pipe length yet. If anyone has any suggestions or corrections feel free to chime in! :)

[AmazonJoe]

I'll go with this pump for my return https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IMXTCG/ref=pd_aw_sim_199_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XRT3GAKKNHN2C7TT1JKJ#productDescription_sec ondary_view_div_1476375309894

its rated at 420GPH so it will not overwhelm my overflow what's so ever. It has a max head height of 6.5ft

[AmazonJoe]

Oh yea going to need a refractometer also plus a master test kit

[BluewaterBoof]

I'm interested to see how your refugium turns out. I always found the seagrass ones pretty aesthetically pleasing.

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[AmazonJoe]

Yea that will be the next step to plan and design the sump layout. Going to need light for the refugium also a heater,biomedia,live rock and protien skimmer

[AmazonJoe]

This is pretty much what I had in mind

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[AmazonJoe]

Few fish im looking at

Amphiprion ocellaris
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Centropyge loricula
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Paracheilinus flavianalis
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[AmazonJoe]

Please if anyone has experience with any of these let me know if there compatible

[AmazonJoe]

Also some reef chromis (Chromis viridis) would be a change of color since all these are red/orange mostly

[Silbar]

$$$$$ but lots of fun

[AmazonJoe]

This pump is a lot more $ but for something that will be running 24/7 I'll spend the extra money for quality

https://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mag-Drive-Supreme-Water-Pump/dp/B0002564JE

[AmazonJoe]

$$$$$ but lots of fun

Yea no kidding.......so much fun :P

[BluewaterBoof]

This is pretty much what I had in mind

49278

Interesting design. I've never made one, but to me it looks like things are reversed...

Per the diagram, the water trickles over the sand and down through the gravel before it is returned to the display tank. It's essentially an undergravel filter at that point, with sand on top. Won't the sand just trickle down through the gravel, and possibly make its way into the return pump?

[AmazonJoe]

I won't be using any sand or gravel but from this diagram they used it as a final polishing filter and I would think the gravel is tightly packed enough to not allow the sand to be washed through.

[AmazonJoe]

I'll be using a protein skimmer in the first baffle and will leave as much room for the refergium as possible then just a filter sock for polishing I think ill go with no media for now. The way im putting the sump together I can remove the baffles if needed instead of using silicone I'll use pressure lock

[AmazonJoe]

Well my job just allowed unlimited overtime due to the workload of winter pond covering. So time to get that fish $$$ haha

[Sandz]

ok did a reef like this last year. You can actually find my journal on here. I got it going amazing but then got the bright idea to switch to a 90... everything died in transfer but two clowns and my mandarin. I would love to type all i know out but it may come down to just a dang phone call lol.

[Sandz]

Well my job just allowed unlimited overtime due to the workload of winter pond covering. So time to get that fish $$$ haha

Which farm do you work for?

[AmazonJoe]

...can't say exactly non disclosure :(

[AmazonJoe]

ok did a reef like this last year. You can actually find my journal on here. I got it going amazing but then got the bright idea to switch to a 90... everything died in transfer but two clowns and my mandarin. I would love to type all i know out but it may come down to just a dang phone call lol.

Nice I'll have to go over the journal when I have time

[Sandz]

...can't say exactly non disclosure :(

Im comin your way Tuesday to do pick ups. So if its anything in north tampa/lakeland i can shake your hand! Just saying... not many places outside of Drowdy, Seagrest and a hand full of others employ many people

[AmazonJoe]

Nice well I'm out near seagrest and the old ekkwill farm we could meet up for lunch If possible

[AmazonJoe]

I'm going to post pone setting anything up for this build until we move into a house. In the need to move the tank I really don't want to have to break it down and risk the fish and coral etc..
Also since I would need RO system its better to wait until I'm somewhere more permanent.
So possibly next year we will be looking for a house thumbs2:

In the mean time I guess I have a 40 and 20 to play with. :think:

[Slaphppy7]

In the mean time I guess I have a 40 and 20 to play with. :think:

Tetras................

[AmazonJoe]

^^ Lol of course

[Sandz]

I'm going to post pone setting anything up for this build until we move into a house. In the need to move the tank I really don't want to have to break it down and risk the fish and coral etc..
Also since I would need RO system its better to wait until I'm somewhere more permanent.
So possibly next year we will be looking for a house thumbs2:

In the mean time I guess I have a 40 and 20 to play with. :think:

Smart decision. Hopefully between your work and myself we can solve those empty tank issues lol.

[Taurus]

In the mean time I guess I have a 40 and 20 to play with. :think:

That's terrible! :ezpi_wink1:

[Silbar]

Very smart decision. It isn't worth the money or heartbreak to if you know that the tank will be moved within a year. By the time you have your own home you will have done all the research and planning necessary. Also you will be able to have as many tanks and sizes as you want and the stores will always be having those tank sales.

[AmazonJoe]

Smart decision. Hopefully between your work and myself we can solve those empty tank issues lol.

Thanks! I was thinking that same thing. My mind started racing thinking of what I could stock in the 40 and the 20! Both tanks have a awesome profile!

[Sandz]

Thanks! I was thinking that same thing. My mind started racing thinking of what I could stock in the 40 and the 20! Both tanks have a awesome profile!

It really depends. In the 20 I'd go as far away from what you have done as you can. Something like a multifaciatous tank. Then in the 40 do a cool community tank. Sword tails, apistos, but make it rarer breeds.

Just from my experience, I wanted to do all these things with so many tanks but always upgraded. I'd just go for the dream fish and not settle.

[AmazonJoe]

Very smart decision. It isn't worth the money or heartbreak to if you know that the tank will be moved within a year. By the time you have your own home you will have done all the research and planning necessary. Also you will be able to have as many tanks and sizes as you want and the stores will always be having those tank sales.

Exactly the more and more planning and researching let me know that I really should wait. It wouldnt make any sense to setup then tear down I never want to tear down a tank unless absolutely necessary. Since I have little to no experience with saltwater I know for a fact I would likely crash my system and have to restart. So I'll just keep saving and buying what I would need here and there. So then I can properly design around the equipment.

[Slaphppy7]

Let me know if you want to change the thread title.

[AmazonJoe]

Thanks I'll keep this thread for when I do start the reef build and for whatever direction I go for the 40/20 I'll make separate threads :P

[AmazonJoe]

That's terrible! :ezpi_wink1:

Haha what a shame right ;)

[Silbar]

Haha what a shame right ;)

One might think you did this on purpose just to get more tanks

[SueD]

Exactly the more and more planning and researching let me know that I really should wait. It wouldnt make any sense to setup then tear down I never want to tear down a tank unless absolutely necessary. Since I have little to no experience with saltwater I know for a fact I would likely crash my system and have to restart. So I'll just keep saving and buying what I would need here and there. So then I can properly design around the equipment.

This is where the patience we have developed in this hobby helps out a lot in making good decisions. I really want to combine a few of my 5g tanks into a 20g, reducing my total number of tanks from 8 to 5 or 6. But I also want to replace my windows next spring and the new 20g will have to go next to a pair of them. So I'm going to wait to consolidate until after the windows are in rather than worrying about moving the tank for a day, then back into place. Not as big a move as you would face with salt water, but still a pain for me - I hate catching fish.

[AmazonJoe]

Yep and its always a risk with stress and illness etc..

Once those windows are in you can just move them once and relax about it. Patience is surely key in this hobby your so right.

[AmazonJoe]

One might think you did this on purpose just to get more tanks

Muahahahahahahahahaha! :partydance:

[AmazonJoe]

So......me and the Fiancé were talking and I said I'm getting another tank st the LFS. She said no more tank so on and so fourth lol. I said yea getting a reef tank. She said well the only possible spot we can have a tank is this wall here. My sarcasm quickly turned into excitement :p idk if I'm going through with it though haha

[Slaphppy7]

I had forgotten all about this thread, 5 months since it's been posted on, lol

[Silbar]

I had forgotten all about this thread, 5 months since it's been posted on, lol

Which is why you never give up the process of changing the spouse/partner mind. A little at a time until they finally give in.
Way to go Joe!
Now, Matt needs to keep working on Angie for that space for a 75g.:14:

[Slaphppy7]

Now, Matt needs to keep working on Angie for that space for a 75g.:14:

I think my best chance will be when Lauren goes off to A&M....

[SueD]

I think my best chance will be when Lauren goes off to A&M....

But she'll be back.... holidays, summers, after college sometimes for a while

[TexChuck]

Joe - this thread is new to me !!! Good job with the SO and congrats !!!! Your persistence has certainly paid off...

Can't wait to hear/see more.

[waylon101]

I'm so happy to see all the new SW Journals!!!

[mac]

Great news another SW to watch over the next couple of years.
In the mean time though Joe while your waiting, that means picking up a couple of empty boxes and filling them up with stuff you need for the reef tank. Hunt down specials half price items ect.
Makes it so easy in the long run once you get there, and are ready.

[TexChuck]

Mac that's a really good idea... In that vein, I recently joined my local MAS, and they have a for sale board... So many great deals on equip from people moving or breaking down tanks. Even giving stuff away.

[mac]

That's actually something in nz which is very strong. The sw communtiy. They are open and easy to deal with vs the fresh water lot.

[AmazonJoe]

Great news another SW to watch over the next couple of years.
In the mean time though Joe while your waiting, that means picking up a couple of empty boxes and filling them up with stuff you need for the reef tank. Hunt down specials half price items ect.
Makes it so easy in the long run once you get there, and are ready.

awesome idea sir dump duck was kinda bummed since I know ultimately I need to wait until I move to setup a saltwater tank but I can start gathering the necessary supplies!

[AmazonJoe]

So I was offered this tank and stand for $50 it's 30 gallons I'm thinking a it would be a good tank for a saltwater setup...


53501

[AmazonJoe]

No nobody thinks so?


Well I'm excited at least haha

[RiversGirl]

Sweet! A new tank for you!
I'm delighted for ya, Joe!

What are its dimensions? Have you picked it up yet?

[Silbar]

I clicked on the thumbs up when you first posted but didn't comment at the time. I think it would make a great SW tank and the price is good, too.

[waylon101]

Thats a good deal! :19:

[mommy1]

I just found and read through this journal. A reef is on my short list of tanks to set up. But, since they often don't move well I am waiting until I have a permanent home. Meanwhile, research is currently what I do. I like the 30g, cubes make great looking sw tanks. Just a thought though, it was suggested to me once by someone with many years experience that bigger is better. I told him I was thinking about a 65g and he said that's a perfect size first sw tank. Something for you to think about if you have the room and finances.

[Marty.h]

So I was offered this tank and stand for $50 it's 30 gallons I'm thinking a it would be a good tank for a saltwater setup...


53501It would have it drilled add a weir and whack a sump under it jobs a gooden :)

[Jwfish13]

I suggest everyone get a saltwater tank at least once in their life... i miss mine a lot! but i am going to set up another one i hope soon.

[Marty.h]

I suggest everyone get a saltwater tank at least once in their life... i miss mine a lot! but i am going to set up another one i hope soon.What happened to yours??

[Jwfish13]

We had to move suddenly and had to take the tank down. We donated the fish and corals to a sort of local reef shop.

I really miss it a lot. We are on a really tight budget right now so i cant set it back up but i am thinking of doing a nano reef setup maybe in a 10 gallon just have a few of softies and maybe a clown or firefish.

[Marty.h]

We had to move suddenly and had to take the tank down. We donated the fish and corals to a sort of local reef shop.

I really miss it a lot. We are on a really tight budget right now so i cant set it back up but i am thinking of doing a nano reef setup maybe in a 10 gallon just have a few of softies and maybe a clown or firefish.Sorry to hear that :( hopefully things will change for you in the future.

A nano with a goby and pistol shrimp makes for an awesome nano

[Jwfish13]

Thanks Marty, I know i really am jonesing to get another salty setup :)

*your tank has always been something of a spot that i strive to get to :) i have always been in awe of your setups.

[Marty.h]

Thanks Marty, I know i really am jonesing to get another salty setup :)

*your tank has always been something of a spot that i strive to get to :) i have always been in awe of your setups.Thanks if you look at my log it went downhill badly due to problems at home and I've recently started bringing it back and updated tonight with how it is now and if you look back you will see what a mess it was 14 days ago !!

[mac]

Looking forwarding to seeing this marine tank starting up Joe.
Even more so now your starting a fish room!!!!

[AmazonJoe]

I'm planning on a Florida mangrove biotope going to collect locally ;)

[Jwfish13]

I'm planning on a Florida mangrove biotope going to collect locally ;)
Nice I was thinking about that as well a while back. Looking forward to following along.

[waylon101]

I'm planning on a Florida mangrove biotope going to collect locally ;)

I'd like to see that! thumbs2: