40B Reef Tank

[Nytelighter]

Hello to All, after losing my 20L tank a couple months ago to a three year old with hands of the devil, I have decided to get my feet wet again. This time I'm rolling with a 40B with 20L sump. I'm still planning but I'm looking to get feedback from those with experience on certain things as I go. Here is my list so far. This will flex as I go forward:

Already Have:
DT: 40B
Sump: 20L DIY (Skimmer will determine layout and dimensions)
RO/DI: BRS 4 Stage Value Plus (75 GPD)
Substrate: 40lbs Fiji Pink

Need to Buy:
Overflow: Gl*******s 700GPH
Return Pump: Mag 5? Eheim 12XX?
Skimmer: No idea where to start
Lighting: Coralife Lunar Aqualight High Output T5 Fixtures 36" (156 Watts)
Controller: Neptune Systems Apex (model undecided)
ATO: Tunze Osmolator Nano
Circulation: (1) MP10WES
Stand: DIY 2x4 and Plywood
Rock: 20 lbs BRS Pukani, 20 lbs Reef Saver

So first order of business…..

1) Gl*******s Overflow: Is it easier to mount it centered or in one of the corners? (I'm sure it may affect the plumbing right?) Also comment if you have experience with their product.

 

[Nytelighter]

Thanks for all the kind input…hahhahahha. I talk to myself sometimes. But anyway I decided to do a Bean Animal overflow instead of the glass-holes. The stand is already halfway done. Pics coming soon.

 

[Qube]

Following along. I'm thinking about doing a 40b myself down the road. Just a question, why the MP10WES vs the ES? Ary you thinking about adding an additional MP10 down the road?

 

[Nytelighter]

I was looking to go with the WES so I can sync it with a Radion which is one of my possible choices for lighting. If I choose another route with the lighting then I can just go with the ES model.

Some updates.

Beginning the Stand

Framing completed.

She's level!!!

 

[Nytelighter]

Mixing up water to cure about 20lbs of BRS Pukani. I have another 20lbs of BRS Reef Saver in the mail. Messed with some aquascaping tonight let me know what you guys think:

#1

#2

 

[54seaweed]

I like seeing egg crate being used on the floor
thought I was the only one doing that
sure better then a rock through the glass

 

[Nytelighter]

Yep, you sure are right about that. All it takes is one slip and you're making an unscheduled trip to the store for a new tank.

 

[Pisces3473]

I'm just starting my 40b build and am going with a ReefOcto BH300 HOB, but since you're doing a sump I think the Reef Octopus NWB110 4” Pinwheel,
In Sump Protein Skimmer, may be the one you'd want. Are you going to do a Refugium?

 

[Nytelighter]

Yeah I've been looking at the Reef Octopus NWB110 and NWB 150, SWC Xtreme 120, Bubble Magnus NAC6, and Vertex IN100. So may options!!!!!! Yes I'm going to do a DIY sump in the 20L with a refugium. I'll start building as soon as I settle on a skimmer so I can build it to the required specs of the skimmer.

 

[Terrance]

Drop the Bubble Magnus NAC6 off your list. A newer version of the Magnus is out: Bubble Magnus Curve. Consider that one.

 

[Nytelighter]

Thanks Terrance. I'll go look that bad boy up right now.

 

[Terrance]

IMO you can't go wrong with any of the skimmers on your list except the Vertex because I've never looked into them. This simple decision might take you a few days Pick one skimmer and research all reviews and videos for 3 days. If you can stick with one skimmer throughout the 3 days, then buy it. The longer you wait to research, the more satisfied you'll feel about your purchases.

 

[Nytelighter]

Been looking at videos of the BM Curve 5 all morning. Looks like a pretty good unit, plus I like the footprint on it.

 

[Nytelighter]

Just finished putting together my diy light light hanger out of 3/4 EMT Conduit with 4 90 degree couplings. Came out pretty decent.

 

[Pisces3473]

Where did you get the egg crate from?

 

[Nytelighter]

Got mine at Lowes. They have them at Home Depot as well in the lighting section. It's called a light diffuser.

 

[Pisces3473]

It's funny every body calls it egg crates, which, I don't think, has anything to do with aquariums. Anyhow thanks, I'll be getting one and cutting to fit.

 

[Nytelighter]

Cool. I got some more progress done on my tank today. Drilled the hole for the return and the three for the bean animal overflow. Installed bulkheads on all four as well.

3/4 Inch return.

Three 1 3/4 holes for the bean animal overflow.

My Workshop…Hahahhhhahaha

Bulkheads installed.

 

[Nytelighter]

Finally got some Plumbing for the bean overflow done.


Building the overflow box.

 

[54seaweed]

I don't trust myself drilling tank be afraid of breaking it