Evans 40 Gallon Reef

[Evansimp]

Hey guys! I just cleaned out my 40 gallon tank that used to be freshwater and now I'm going to convert it into a reef tank. It's going to be a slow start, so bear with me. I don't have all the details planned for now, and any help would be greatly appreciated. I pretty sure I'm going to go with a sump and I'm going to get my tank drilled locally. Im going to use the 120 W LEDS over my current tank, and I have no idea what to do about the skimmer and all! This is where Im going to need a lot of help. Thank you everyone in advance, I couldn't do this without your help.

40 Gallon as of today:


My Current 20 gallon nano:

 

[Searchin]

I'm about to start my 55. I have the same question about the skimmer. Following!

 

[bettaowner]

The 20 looks great.

 

[Pisces3473]

I've heard good and bad about it, but I've got an In-Tank skimmer. Are you planning on using a sump or HOB skimmer?

 

[dmolavi]

For a HOB skimmer, the Reef Octopus BH-90 is tops.

 

[Evansimp]

Think im going with a sump. Going to get tank drilled today! Going to get 3 holes drilled. Gonna work on a sump today as well.

 

[Evansimp]

Should I make the Overflow in the middle, or on the right side of my tank? Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[dmolavi]

Don't think it matters much.

Check out BRStv on YouTube, they have some great videos on setting up failsafe overflows and sumps.

 

[Nytelighter]

I would take a look at the bean animal overflow setup. If you have the time to put this together it's a gem. I just finished it on my 40B.

 

[Rybo]

Following! Loved your nano build. I got my 29gal high cycling. Just need more rock and lighting system. Can't wait to see your 40 build. Will give me ideas when I'm ready to upgrade.

 

[Pisces3473]

If you're going sump, I've heard the Reef Octopus 1000 is good.

 

[dmolavi]

If you're going sump, I've heard the Reef Octopus 1000 is good.

I think that pretty much anything Reef Octopus is good

As far as plumbing, here is the BRS video on the quiet overflow:
Ultra quiet reef tank overflow - YouTube

Here is how to plumb it out the back vs the bottom:
Ultra quiet reef tank overflow - YouTube

 

[Evansimp]

Got my tank and stand drilled today. Also picked up a 10 gallon tank at petco and got acrylic for overflow and sump chambers. Also painted the back of the tank black! Overall, pretty productive day. Will post pictures tomorrow!

I will also look into the skimmers y'all mentioned! I'm afraid of the prices associated with them though haha!

Also, my girlfriend got us Mumford and sons tickets for June!! That made my month!

 

[Evansimp]

Morning guys! What do you think of this skimmer? The 100

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18985

I have a local guy selling one used for 50$ I like it because I think it will fit in a 10 gallon sump nicely.

 

[Pisces3473]

Morning guys! What do you think of this skimmer? The 100

Aquarium Protein Skimmer: Marineland Pro Skimmers

I have a local guy selling one used for 50$ I like it because I think it will fit in a 10 gallon sump nicely.

For $50 you can't go wrong. That's a great deal. Better than 2/3 off. I got mine for 50% off so it was a no brainer for me as well. I still don't have enough s**t in my water to really see how mine works but in running it so far it is pulling small amounts of junk. I think you should get it and try it. If it doesn't work out you could prolly sell it for $50.

 

[Evansimp]

Think I'm going to pick up that skimmer today!

What silicone is good for aquariums?

 

[Pisces3473]

Marine safe, ask at hardware store and tell them what you're doing.

 

[Nytelighter]

Make sure its 100% Silicone and has not formulated to prevent mildew.

 

[Evansimp]

Just got the skimmer! I hope it fits under my tank! I'm nervous that it's to tall oh well il just hope for the best

 

[Evansimp]

Hey guys, sorry for no picture update! I was really busy today with the tank and sump, will post pictures tomorrow hopefully when I get a little more done! Skimmer fits under my stand (just barely) so that's good!

Hopefully I will have my overflow siliconed in the tank tomorrow!

Night! (or morning)