My first tank build thread -- 40 breeder

[Toddrtrex]

Been a while since I set up a new tank, so I thought I would have a thread for this one. It is replacing my 33 cube (( I am keeping that tank, as I may set it up again some day )), but nothing is being transferred over.

Back around Labor day I picked up a 40 breeder, and just finally got around to setting it up. (( Granted, I had spinal fusion surgery in July, so now was about the earliest that I could do this )). I am using a 20 long for a sump, with a Tek 6 bulb T5 fixture. I was going to go with the elite, but production of those are on hold it seems. I though about the ATI fixture, but I couldn't hang the fixture where the tank is going so.... I am re-using my old skimmer (( ASM 1GX )) and return pump (( OR 2500 )), and some of the plumping. Also using 2 Vortex MP10ES's for flow.

So, a few pictures,

The end of the stand --- picked it up at an LFS -- they have a "guy" that makes them, and I am pretty happy with it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/001.jpg

The empty 20L with the skimmer body in it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/002.jpg

After screwing up a few times, I decided that a straight edge would make scoring the acrylic, for the baffles, a lot easier.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/003.jpg

Even remembered to cut off the bottom corners of the baffles,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/004.jpg

And this is the reason for it -- the bead of silicone on the bottom of the sump tank -- with the corner cut off, the baffle will sit better,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/005.jpg

[Toddrtrex]

And this is the reason I am at home today, making this thread, instead of at work;

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/Other/038.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/Other/041.jpg

[blindskater02]

Good start so far! My parents live in Lombard. I heard it is horrible up there!

[blackx-runner]

Its a good day to stay inside and work on the tank.
I had a little drift in my drive, but I was able to shovel out and make it to work this morning where I had to shovel my way in.... Wish I could have stayed home LOL.

[greech]

Congrats on the new tank Todd. 40 breeders are a great size but I may be a bit biased. Will this tank have a haddoni?

[sjmantis]

Sweet build so far. That snow looks way to cold for my california blood :worried:

[Toddrtrex]

Thanks guys. Just got done clearing the driveway -- that is until they plow the street.

Speaking of my street....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/Other/076.jpg

Now, some more tank pictures.

Here is the tank in its final location, with some sand and the sump in place -- had to be dropped in before the tank was placed on the stand. The stand on the right is for the sump for my 75

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/009.jpg


A bit closer, and with the stand doors closed,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/010.jpg

[Toddrtrex]

Congrats on the new tank Todd. 40 breeders are a great size but I may be a bit biased. Will this tank have a haddoni?

Not sure yet -- the girlfriend thinks she will get to pick stuff for this tank, well.... ;)

This is my first breeder, and really like the size of it.

[snorvich]

Nice thread and of course, great pictures. Of course I cannot wait for another fancy colored carpet anemone! So, I hope the girlfriend is pliable . . .

[Toddrtrex]

Nice thread and of course, great pictures. Of course I cannot wait for another fancy colored carpet anemone! So, I hope the girlfriend is pliable . . .

Thanks Steve -- I really hope that you are right.


A picture of the end of the stand -- I like the looks of it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/011.jpg

A close up of the corner,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/013.jpg

Filled with sand -- I haven't decided if I am going to add more or not. Currently have 40 lbs in there, might add 15 more (( I think that is the small bag size )).

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/014.jpg

[meco65]

Lookin good.

[fishcraze_1]

Stand looks good, how much was it, picked up a 40 breeder myself, now just need the stand.

[Toddrtrex]

Stand looks good, how much was it, picked up a 40 breeder myself, now just need the stand.

Thanks. It was $250, so not too bad at all. And I had the inside made higher -- to fit my skimmer and so I wouldn't have to bend down as much to work on it.

Let there be light (( as least some of it. ;) ))

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/015.jpg

Time to start filling -- I had planned ahead and had 5 5 gallon containers filled with RO/DI water. Normally I mix my salt water for 24 hours, but since there was no livestock, 2 hours was enough.

Even though I rinsed the sand, I still wanted to control the filling -- the cloudiness wasn't too bad.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/022.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/023.jpg

A total of 48 hours later (( only ran my RO/DI in the evenings ))

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/026.jpg

[Catastrophi]

Tank looks great! What kind of rockscape are you planning on going with?

[Toddrtrex]

Thanks.

And since you asked....

On Sunday I went to a couple LFS's and picked up some rock

The one on the right is about 22 lbs

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/035.jpg

Picked up some for the sump too;

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/027.jpg

The other side of the sump;

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/028.jpg

Full shot of the sump

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/029.jpg

Door closed -- can see one of the Vortex controllers in the background;

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/030.jpg

[Toddrtrex]

Time for an update;

Finally got around to hooking up the phosban reactors (( yes plural, one for phosban and the other for carbon )) --- stupid me forgot to get the tubing when I got the reactors. Running them just like I did with the cube -- in parallel.

Set up dry -- making sure how much tubing I need.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor1.jpg

The two connected;

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor2.jpg

Where the return is going;

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor3.jpg

Where the pump in going to be (( an MJ400 ))

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor4.jpg

Getting ready to start it up -- the paper towels are just in case I screwed up.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor5.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor6.jpg

Plugging it in in front -- so if I have to unplug is really fast I will be ready (( normally is it will be plugged in behind the tank )) and yes, I wore jeans today ;)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor7.jpg

Bubbles coming out of the return line,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor8.jpg

Everything running perfectly -- but I do need to top off.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/reactor9.jpg

[Toddrtrex]

And while I had the camera out, I was going to take some pictures of the tank itself -- was starting to clean the glass when....

Captain, there be pods here (( wonder if anyone will get that :) ))

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/pods2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/pods1.jpg

[Virtuoso]

Todd, thank you for the build thread. I think you are one of the more knowledgeable and patient members of RC, so it is really interesting to see how you do it. I actually picked up a 40g breeder for my sump for my 90g. Question for you, though. Is the tank glass or acrylic? And it looks like the baffles you installed were acrylic? I thought it was a no-no to mix them up. Otherwise, I would love to know how you made the cuts as I would much rather do it myself than have a glass shop make me baffles.

Thanks again!

[Toddrtrex]

Todd, thank you for the build thread. I think you are one of the more knowledgeable and patient members of RC, so it is really interesting to see how you do it. I actually picked up a 40g breeder for my sump for my 90g. Question for you, though. Is the tank glass or acrylic? And it looks like the baffles you installed were acrylic? I thought it was a no-no to mix them up. Otherwise, I would love to know how you made the cuts as I would much rather do it myself than have a glass shop make me baffles.

Thanks again!

First, thanks for the kind words, really nice to hear (( read )).

The tank is glass and the baffles are 1/4 inch acrylic. All of my sumps are that way, and never had an issue -- my oldest one is about 8 years old now.

Funny enough, a local reefer was over last night (( picking up some old bulbs that I was giving away )) and he asked about the baffles too. The most important baffle is the first one (( the far right for my set up )) -- that is the one that is going to see the most pressure. So that is the one that you want to install first -- that way you can make sure that the silicone is on both sides of it. The next 2 baffles (( especially the middle one of an Over/under/Over design )) will have very little pressure on them. So, putting a bead of silicone on the glass first and then sliding the baffle in place will work. Just run your finger along the side that you can reach to smooth and push in the silicone. If you are using black silicone (( as I did )), use a glove, is a PITA to get the black off your fingers. :)

The last baffle (( for my set up, b/t the fuge and the return section )), is just as important as the 1st one -- but luckily enough, you can get to both sides of it, so it won't give you an issues.

HTH.

[greech]

Captain, there be pods here (( wonder if anyone will get that :) ))

Star Trek IV?

Looks like things are going well. Agree with Virtuoso comments. Really looking forward to seeing your progress. Any stocking plans yet (besides pods :))?

[Toddrtrex]

Star Trek IV?

Looks like things are going well. Agree with Virtuoso comments. Really looking forward to seeing your progress. Any stocking plans yet (besides pods :))?

You are correct sir.


Thanks -- on both accounts.

I am, for sure, going to have a goby pair with a shrimp -- not sure what types yet (( most likely what is available in Diver's Den )).

As a much as I like dwarf angels, I MIGHT not have one in this tank, if I decide to put in some fleshy LPS.

I did put in a soft coral the other day (( I have no idea what it is, it came on a the rock for a milli I picked up from DD )), it was growing really well (( too well )) in my 58, so I thought I would put in this tank and see what happens. Not something I would recommend doing, but since I could always put in back in the 58, I thought I would try it. Will try to get a picture of it tonight.

[funkejj]

So one question why did you not drill for the over flow?

[Toddrtrex]

So one question why did you not drill for the over flow?

Fair question, and a couple of answers.

Already had all the HOB overflow "stuff" from the cube -- wanted to reuse it.

Have never had an issue with HOB overflows (( my 75 isn't drilled, and has been running for 8+ years without an issue )).

The idea of moving the tank around to attempt to drill it (( had spinal fusion surgery back in July )) would be a bad idea. (( I am stubborn and would try to do it myself )).

Fear of cracking the glass.

LAZY.

And lastly, like being able to move the overflow box around if I so desire -- if I redo the rock scape. I have done that a couple of times with my 75.

[Tajjo]

I love how you combined the phosban reactors. Sweet idea.

[Virtuoso]

First, thanks for the kind words, really nice to hear (( read )).

The tank is glass and the baffles are 1/4 inch acrylic. All of my sumps are that way, and never had an issue -- my oldest one is about 8 years old now.

Funny enough, a local reefer was over last night (( picking up some old bulbs that I was giving away )) and he asked about the baffles too. The most important baffle is the first one (( the far right for my set up )) -- that is the one that is going to see the most pressure. So that is the one that you want to install first -- that way you can make sure that the silicone is on both sides of it. The next 2 baffles (( especially the middle one of an Over/under/Over design )) will have very little pressure on them. So, putting a bead of silicone on the glass first and then sliding the baffle in place will work. Just run your finger along the side that you can reach to smooth and push in the silicone. If you are using black silicone (( as I did )), use a glove, is a PITA to get the black off your fingers. :)

The last baffle (( for my set up, b/t the fuge and the return section )), is just as important as the 1st one -- but luckily enough, you can get to both sides of it, so it won't give you an issues.

HTH.

Thank you for the very detailed answer. I guess my only two questions are where did you get the acrylic and how did you cut it to the proper sizes?

[Toddrtrex]

I love how you combined the phosban reactors. Sweet idea.

Thanks -- did that with the cube, and worked great -- just reduce the flow like you would if you were just using one, filled with phosban.

Thank you for the very detailed answer. I guess my only two questions are where did you get the acrylic and how did you cut it to the proper sizes?

Sure thing.

I picked up the acrylic from Home Depot -- it was back near the window section. Some people use a table saw, but I don't have one, so I just used a scoring tool (( will take a picture of it this weekend, want to cut a piece of acrylic )). Basically, with a straight edge, you just score the acrylic 10-20 times and snap it -- pretty clean break.

[Virtuoso]

Awesome. Thank you very much. I was looking up glass cutting places and all this garbage. Your solution sounds much simpler. Thanks again.

[SoLiD]

Interesting build. I am also in the process of setting up a 40 breeder. Thanks for some ideas.

[Toddrtrex]

Awesome. Thank you very much. I was looking up glass cutting places and all this garbage. Your solution sounds much simpler. Thanks again.

Interesting build. I am also in the process of setting up a 40 breeder. Thanks for some ideas.

Thanks guys.

Things are going pretty well -- moved a coral or two over from one of my other tanks -- they seem to be reacting very well. In addition I moved a couple of fish over from my 75 -- holding them until I sell them.

Will take some pictures tonight, did a 5 gallon water change last night.

[HOBrien]

Looking great. Keep the pics coming

[Toddrtrex]

Looking great. Keep the pics coming

Thank you sir. Really need to take some pictures tonight -- will do my best to do that.

[Toddrtrex]

Took a few pictures tonight

FTS

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/FTS2_24_11.jpg

A new rock I picked up over the weekend

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/rock.jpg

A few feather dusters,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/featherduster.jpg

It is nice having other tanks --- the coral and clam are from my 75, so is the fish. Holding it until I get around to selling it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/damsel.jpg

2 other fish, holding too. Tell ya, never realized how much tangs poop -- it is all over the place. :) At least the tank is handling the waste.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/tang.jpg

[HOBrien]

Great lookin pics. What light fixture is that?

[Toddrtrex]

Thanks.

It is just the normal TEK T5 fixture (( 6 bulbs )). Hanging wasn't an options (( For the ATI )) and didn't feel like waiting for the new TEK Elites to be ready. Given that this isn't a deep tank, I don't think I will be missing anything.

[Toddrtrex]

Was lucky to get a pair of fish that I've wanted for a long time -- and part of the reason for this tank. They should be here on Tuesday.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/lg-0225111-160.jpg

[Toddrtrex]

Last night I pulled the fish (( found people to take/buy them )) and added 15 pounds of sand (( had started with 40 )). Think I am going to add at least 7 more, but will see how that looks. If it isn't too cloudy I will take a new picture tonight, but will for sure take some tomorrow when the fish arrive.

[greech]

Lovin' it! Really like that red Cynarina. The prawn goby is also my favorite goby. Not nearly as shy as most others I have seen.

[Toddrtrex]

Thanks a lot.

FedEx was here at 8:45 AM -- my location is near the beginning of the route, and they know that it is live fish, so I get my stuff pretty early.

The bags are floating right now -- for temp, but the water felt pretty good.

[reeftrinh]

nice tank! looking real sharp todd!

[Toddrtrex]

Thank you.

The gobies and shrimp are in the tank -- of course the shrimp went one way, and the gobies another. At least I have pictures of them in the acclimation bucket. Picked up a few corals too, will have to take pictures of them when the lights are on. It is borderline too soon for them, but I can move them into either one of my other tanks if I notice any issues.

[Toddrtrex]

Thought I should update - though things are going to be on hold for a while, most likely going to be moving (( at most a half hour away )), so don't want to buy anything more for the tanks. Just going to do my water changes, feed the fish, and that will be about it. Though I am thinking about buying 2 new stands for my other 2 tanks -- first to match this one, second, the only for my 58 is really beat up, and lastly get one for my 75 that will fit the sump -- currently have the sump next to it in a stand that I built.

Anyways, here are the fish in the acclamation bucket,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/gobies1.jpg

The shrimp, but this is the only picture -- I can sort of see it (( but can't get a picture )), under a rock pile, of course on the other side of the tank from the fish.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/shrimp.jpg

This is the little one,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/gobies2.jpg

The big one poking its head out,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/gobies3.jpg

More out in the open (( really need to get to that back glass :) ))

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/gobies4.jpg

Both,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/gobies6.jpg

[Toddrtrex]

So this is what polyp extension looks like? It is nice to have an angel free tank. :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/SPS1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/SPS2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/SPS3.jpg

[NorthReefer]

any update on this tank? I might be starting a 40b too.

[IridescentLily]

Hello? Why didn't i know you have a build thread?
*hits own head with a candlestick, in the library*
I look forward to reading this thread! Here I go...i'll probably be back with questions/comments.

[Toddrtrex]

Things are going well with the tank -- I moved to a new place in June, and the tank moved over pretty well.

I really need to get some updated pictures -- will attempt to do that this week.

But, in the mean time, just a few that I have,

Can see the tank on the right side of this picture -- this was taken shortly after the move was finished and before was fully settled in.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/House/livingroomdone3.jpg

I moved this angel to this tank with the move,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/venustus2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/venustus1.jpg

[IridescentLily]

wow you're build went flawlessly, everything well thought out previous to the build. Thanks much for demonstrating this.
Your rockscape is great, your dual reactors setup for gfo and gfac are awesome.
Your gobies are beautiful. :)
And I LOVE your Cynarina.
Are any nems going in this one?

[castaway]

Awesome tank, a lot of thought there.

[Reefing Newbie]

Wow this is definantly nice to see! I am going to be setting up a 40 breeder for my family as they have cought the addiction from when I set up my 125. My freshwater tanks are going before the 40 breeder is set up I guess lol.

[beach138]

Hello. Awesome tank. I too am in the process of building a 40 breeder. You mentioned your sump early in the thread as 20L ? Or is it 20 Gal?

[Toddrtrex]

wow you're build went flawlessly, everything well thought out previous to the build. Thanks much for demonstrating this.
Your rockscape is great, your dual reactors setup for gfo and gfac are awesome.
Your gobies are beautiful. :)
And I LOVE your Cynarina.
Are any nems going in this one?

Thanks a lot my dear.

I did lose one of the gobies in the move -- I believe it hid in the big rock, and didn't make it out.

The Cynarina was a snack for the angel :(

So far, no anemones are planned, though I did move my SI perc pair into that tank....

Awesome tank, a lot of thought there.

Thanks a lot -- took my time with this one.

Wow this is definantly nice to see! I am going to be setting up a 40 breeder for my family as they have cought the addiction from when I set up my 125. My freshwater tanks are going before the 40 breeder is set up I guess lol.

Love the size of those tanks.

Hello. Awesome tank. I too am in the process of building a 40 breeder. You mentioned your sump early in the thread as 20L ? Or is it 20 Gal?

Sorry, the sump is a 20 gallon tank, the "L"ong version, as opposed to a 20 "H"igh version.

[Reefing Newbie]

BTW, you did get a pair of randall's gobies right? How big are they now? I am going to get one, but I think a pair in the 125 would be pretty cool with a pistol. Also have your gobies found the pistol or vis versa?

[Toddrtrex]

BTW, you did get a pair of randall's gobies right? How big are they now? I am going to get one, but I think a pair in the 125 would be pretty cool with a pistol. Also have your gobies found the pistol or vis versa?

I actually have an orange stripe (( Amblyeleotris randalli )). I lost the smaller one in the move, but the larger one is doing well -- guessing about 2 inches long now. I haven't heard the pistol in a while now, might look into getting a new shrimp, but while they were all with me they hadn't found each other.


I was able to get some new pictures tonight -- of course the goby hid from the camera.

Acro crab in my milli -- with flash.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/005-1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/013-1.jpg

Without flash,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/018.jpg

ORA goni, want to say that I've had it for about 5 months now.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/012.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/026-1.jpg

Acro,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/028-1.jpg

Glass cleaner, and leaver of eggs. :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/034.jpg

Clams,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/030-1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/020.jpg

[IridescentLily]

your Goni and Clams are some kinda gorgeous Todd. :-0

[Toddrtrex]

Thank you very much (( BTW -- I lost the link to your thread build, if you could post it )).
I am really happy how the one clam has turned up, the molted appearance really came on under the T5's, or for some other reason I am not aware of.

Some fish pictures,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/027-1.jpg

My male perc (( the female didn't want her picture taken ))

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/036.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/038.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/042.jpg

[IridescentLily]

Those percs have beautiful markings and coloration. Do they have a favorite place to hang out in your tank?
Here's the link to my tank build http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1998651

[IridescentLily]

sorry, dupe post.

[Tim gixxerman]

I just read the whole build, and it was great with pic and explanations, very good!!!!
BTW love your angel!

[Toddrtrex]

I just read the whole build, and it was great with pic and explanations, very good!!!!
BTW love your angel!

Thank you very much.



Took a few new pictures, and managed to pick up a few things for the tank the other day.

First, a couple of further back shots, shows where the tank is in the rooms -- sort of defines the living room and dining room,

Taken from the living room,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/001-1.jpg

From the dining room,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/002-1.jpg

Like I mentioned earlier, I haven't heard from the pistol shrimp in about a week, and it had never paired with the goby. So, the other day I was at an LFS and they happened to have a pistol shrimp for sale (( along with some other things )). So, I thought I would give it a try and see what happens. I released the shrimp the main rock (( the one on the right in the pictures above )), since that is where the goby hangs out. Yesterday I noticed a few new openings under the rock, but didn't see then together. Well, that all changed tonight...

Just the goby,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/013-2.jpg

For some reason the shrimp climbed the rock after dumping some sand,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/017.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/018-1.jpg

Some sand,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/020-1.jpg

And them just hanging out -- just the actinics were on,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/026-2.jpg

And picked up 2 new (( tank raised )) fish -- if they don't end up getting along later on, I have 2 other tanks that I will move one of them too. The other fish didn't care at all, and the new guys were eating Rod's food right away.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/031.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/029-2.jpg

[AlexS95]

Very nice tank! I love the Goby. :rollface:

[Reefing Newbie]

You are giving me ideas to mention to my brother for fish and the sorts! He wants to set up a 40 breeder, so I should guide him to this thread. Your true percs look really good! Mine are good and even if my pair were the same size, my female has minimal black where my male is mostly black in between the first two bars. Love your new additions Todd! You should come set up my brothers tank lol. How many t5s do you have over the tank?

[Toddrtrex]

Was able to get some better pictures of the goby and shrimp pair -- they are out a lot more and going further away from the main rock. The shrimp even dug a trench all the way to the front glass, for what reason I have no idea -- but it was fun to watch.

Just the goby,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/037-1.jpg

Can see the antenna of the shrimp if you look close enough,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/030-2.jpg

Good one of the shrimp,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/046.jpg

For some reason the shrimp likes to climb the rocks.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/027-2.jpg

[sponger0]

Awesome. Good looking tank. Im going to put together a 40 breeder soon myself. Going to build the stand this weekend. Im interested in seeing others and what they do with it.

Is that T5 fixture?

[Toddrtrex]

Thanks.

Yeah, it is the TEK 6 bulb fixture -- the normal TEK. About a month ago I raised it up by about 6 inches -- the corals were a bit faded -- and they are starting to get better color now.

[sponger0]

I experienced the same. Had a digi fading. I had to move him lower. But my acros seem to not mind the light at the very top

How do the clams handle the T5s?

[Toddrtrex]

The clams are doing great. One, the molted looking one , really has a nice pattern after being under these lights. That pattern wasn't really visible when I purchased it.

[sponger0]

Good deal. I might have to pick myself up one :) I cant wait for this weekend and get my 40 breeder going

[Sugar Magnolia]

Love those gobies! I have a tiger pistol that is currently fishles. Industrious little buggers aren't they?

Tell me about that light Todd. I still can't decide if I want T5 or LED for my 40B. :(

[sponger0]

I have to say I love T5s on small tanks. Sorry Im not Todd. I promise. I have t5s on my biocube and the color and growth I cant argue with.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I have to say I love T5s on small tanks. Sorry Im not Todd. I promise. I have t5s on my biocube and the color and growth I cant argue with.

Me too and I'm having a really hard time justifying the exhorbitant price of LED fixtures. I am in no way a lighting DIYer, so a build my own LED fixture isn't an option.

[njudson]

Tank looks great! What setting do you use for your MP10s? I just upgraded to 2xMP10es w on my 40 and I haven't found a setting I love yet. 75% tidal swell is what I'm using now.

[Toddrtrex]

Love those gobies! I have a tiger pistol that is currently fishles. Industrious little buggers aren't they?

Tell me about that light Todd. I still can't decide if I want T5 or LED for my 40B. :(

Sorry for the delay, my internet was flaky yesterday.

I know very little about LED's, though I may try them on my 75 -- If I ever fully make up my mind as to what I want to have in that tank.
Over all, I am very happy with the T5's, and like all the choices that I have with different bulb types/colors. I am about due to change the bulbs and might go different with one or two of them.
Another reason I wanted this fixture is the fact that it has legs. When I bought it, I was renting a townhouse and didn't want to make any more holes. Now that I own my place I could, but that room has 9 foot ceilings so would be a bit more work.

Tank looks great! What setting do you use for your MP10s? I just upgraded to 2xMP10es w on my 40 and I haven't found a setting I love yet. 75% tidal swell is what I'm using now.

Can't remember the name off the top of my head, but the master is "yellow", and they are at darn near 100%.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Todd, what is the name of that fixture? I like the profile of it.

[Toddrtrex]

Todd, what is the name of that fixture? I like the profile of it.

Thanks.

It is the 6*36" TEK -- the normal one, not the elite (( at the time the elites were having fan issues and weren't available and I didn't want to wait. :) ))

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/SL-960020.html

[Sugar Magnolia]

I was looking at the Tek elite this morning.

[Toddrtrex]

If the fan issue had been fixed when I was setting up the tank, I would have gotten the elite. But, for my tank, the fixture I have is more then enough.

[Toddrtrex]

Had the camera out tonight....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/fish2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/fish.jpg

A poor full tank shot,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/FTS.jpg

Lastly, can you find the urchin?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/toddrtrex/40%20breeder/003-1.jpg

[Charley Diesing]

Does this tank still exist? I'd love to see an update! :D