My 40 gal

dfisch1 · 01-28-2008, 01:38 PM

I am getting things together to start my first reef in several years. Before I left for college I had several tanks up. When I left I sold all my stuff for tuition money. Now that I have completed most of my schooling I am setting up a new tank. Money is tight so I will taking my time to do this new tank. I will post pics as I complete things and get new toys.

dkone · 01-28-2008, 03:44 PM

It is always exciting setting up a new tank, whether you are new to the hobby of an old timer! I look forwards to seeing some pics once you get things going !

dfisch1 · 01-28-2008, 11:54 PM

Run down of the goodies so far.
40 gallon breeder All Glass tank
20 gallon All Glass tank converted to a fuge (DIY fun)
2 Aquaclear 30 powerheads (175 GPH each)
Skilter 400 (400 GPH, freebe from a friend)
Glo light T5 HO system with 18K PowerGlo and MarineGlo lights
Gaurdian 300 watt heater
Used 600 GPH overflow box

I will be building the stand for the tank, and getting a new return pump for the fuge in about two weeks. Then the plumbing fun will begin.

dfisch1 · 02-10-2008, 07:52 PM

Ok. I finally got a day off were I can play with my new tank setup. I just ordered a new RO/DI unit and other goodies. I will be posting pics tomorrow .

dfisch1 · 02-12-2008, 10:11 PM

Ok got time to add the pics of my project. The first is the bare wall were my tank is going. the second is my tank on my homemade stand. It is relativly high for a stand but my wife and I are both over 6 foot so high is no problem for us. Number three is my fuge and isolation tanks. That monster of PVC is my power strip. Finally we have my little tank Gremlin (aka Christina, Wiggles). I will post more pics as I continue to work on my tank.

**CarmieJo** · 02-12-2008, 10:39 PM

Nice, I love the power center! You daughter is a cutie!

dfisch1 · 02-12-2008, 11:39 PM

The first box on the power center is non-GFI for the water pumps. The number two box is a GFI that controls the rest of the power center. The entire unit is wired with 12/2 wire and designed to handle up to 20 amps of power. The plug that it will be attached to is an independent line in the house wiring, wired as a 20 amp circuit. Once I get things together I will put the power center in the DYI forum. If you need instructions sooner PM me and I will send it to you.

dfisch1 · 02-13-2008, 10:00 PM

I must be living right. I got a Coral Vue 175watt 14K MH from a friend for 100 bucks. It had been fired for only one month. Guess that means I have to build a canopy to house it in. Will post pics.

bryan ayo · 02-13-2008, 10:54 PM

Looking good!!!! I cant wait to see that canopy in action..The breeder i got from you is going to wk perfect,all my gear is going to fit now!!!!

veriann · 02-14-2008, 07:03 AM

welcome to the site bud! you have a great template to start, should be good for you,( & us) as you build the things. If your short on knowledge for something don't be afraid to yell out, alot of talent on the site!

You think that big fish you have there will look different if there water in the tank...lol

I noticed it near a door that swings towards it! Door stopper sorted?

dfisch1 · 02-14-2008, 08:33 PM

Yeah it is near a door. The handle for the door is lower than the tank, and it is further out then the edge of the stand. The bottom of the tank is 44 inches off the ground. Chissy would have loved there to be water in the tank.

bryan ayo · 02-14-2008, 09:20 PM

waters good in a reef tank!!!

veriann · 02-14-2008, 11:51 PM

narr, waters highly over rated, next time im getting glass blown corals $2 shop mechanical fish, cheaper & would have paid itself off in 2 days..lol

dfisch1 · 02-17-2008, 11:48 PM

New pic time. I got a few things done this week with my tank. I built and attached a self supported canopy that will house a 175 watt 14K Metal Halide, and 4 470nm moonlights. I have also upgraded my skimmer and redesigned my fuge plumbing.

I re-plumbed the fuge. I thought that 540 GPH through the fuge would be a bit much so I set up the plumbing so that I have a flow to the fuge and an outlet that would act as a closed loop. Each of the outlet's flow is regulated by a ball value.

I have removed the skilter 400 that was given to me and upgraded to an Aqua Medic Turbofloater multi SL. I have also added a small 10K PC on the fuge. I have ordered a fluidized media filter that I will use to run either carbon, phosban, or nitrate sponge. I might later add on more beds, but for now I have a 90 GPH pump that should be fine for one fluidized chamber. I have also used eggcrate to make a ring around the perimeter of the tank in order to guard against jumpers. The center of the screen is open in order to allow the maximum amount of light in.

bryan ayo · 02-18-2008, 12:34 AM

i like that skimmer...thats going to work!

**CarmieJo** · 02-18-2008, 02:12 PM

Nice! The whole thing is really coming together now.