Going for a 40 Breeder build

[geekengineer]

Just make sure that if you do a long cycle, that you continue to give it an ammonia source during the entire cycle. I personally like to "feed" the tank everyday by adding a small pinch of pellets or flake, but others prefer ammonia chloride or pee (I think food is better because it builds up phosphate eating bacteria in your anoxic zones). If you don't keep a consistent ammonia source during the cycle, you will get a full or at least a mini cycle the moment you add fish to the tank since all the bacteria will die out if they aren't fed.

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Thanks that's one thing I forgot asking is if I need to keep dosing after the cycle.

 

[geekengineer]

Well here is where I think I put the saltwater mixing station in my basement. I think I'm going to get new pump that has better head capability so I can pump saltwater to the tank upstairs. I had an old one but it is a flow pump.

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[geekengineer]

Hopefully I'm not showing off too much, but just thought I show what I was going to use for my controller while I got the electronics bug. It is based off of a raspberry pi had intended on using this for a different project but then I got the reef tank bug again. lol Its just a shell right now I need more connectivity for different sensors and pumps etc.

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[neil82]

That's cool! I have just recently looked at a couple raspberry pi threads on R2R. I don't really understand how it all works, but I do find it interesting. So I'll ask forgiveness in advance for the stupid questions I may ask LOL. What are your plans for building out the controller?

 

[geekengineer]

Well I made out a block diagram I need to update it here as I think I need more outlets off of my main controller. I might switch to running the relays off of a I2C expander instead since I might need more outlets. I was thinking about doing differential pressure for level sensing, but maybe I change my mind if your saying it was noisy. I not sure if I will need so many water level sensors either. lol

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[SynDen]

So couldn't I just buy some ammonia chloride instead or whatnot?

So after it cycles then what should I do? Should I be thinking of adding a fish or corals first? I think Andrew told me but I sort of forgot.

Ty

Once cycle completes, start small. I'd start with a small CnC once you start to get algae. I'd add a few snails to start, watch and see if they are keeping up with the algae growth, and add more if they arent. Then I would add the first fish, that hopefully has been in qt for 3 weeks prior . Wait a few weeks, add the next fish in line from QT. From there just slowly, but steadily build up the fish population, and then slowly start doing the same with coral.

 

[SynDen]

Hopefully I'm not showing off too much, but just thought I show what I was going to use for my controller while I got the electronics bug. It is based off of a raspberry pi had intended on using this for a different project but then I got the reef tank bug again. lol Its just a shell right now I need more connectivity for different sensors and pumps etc.

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OOO I like this. You should do a separate DIY post about building this This is 'geek out' worthy

 

[geekengineer]

Once cycle completes, start small. I'd start with a small CnC once you start to get algae. I'd add a few snails to start, watch and see if they are keeping up with the algae growth, and add more if they arent. Then I would add the first fish, that hopefully has been in qt for 3 weeks prior . Wait a few weeks, add the next fish in line from QT. From there just slowly, but steadily build up the fish population, and then slowly start doing the same with coral.

Thanks for the information.. I'm not sure what a CnC is?

 

[SynDen]

haha sorry, been looking at CnC machines. but meant CuC, or Clean up crew

 

[geekengineer]

oh lol yeah we been talking about CNCs lately.

So do I keep the cycle going with food/ammonia source until I see algae? I assume that might take a few months.

So hopefully I didn't jump too far ahead but I put 20lbs of reef sand in my tank and setup the rock by sort of just winging it. I might change it as I go later on and take them out when I working on the plumbing. I wasn't sure how much reef sand I should have for a 40 breeder but would less or more be better?

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[Andrew_bram]

oh lol yeah we been talking about CNCs lately.

So do I keep the cycle going with food/ammonia source until I see algae? I assume that might take a few months.

So hopefully I didn't jump too far ahead but I put 20lbs of reef sand in my tank and setup the rock by sort of just winging it. I might change it as I go later on and take them out when I working on the plumbing. I wasn't sure how much reef sand I should have for a 40 breeder but would less or more be better?

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Some say bare bottom some go with extra deep. If you like it I say go with it.

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[geekengineer]

Yeah I was just wondering if less sand would be better for cleaning, but maybe its just a matter of preference.

 

[SynDen]

I'd say it depends on what you want to keep. If you want to keep some gobies, jawfish, or others that need more sand, then add another 2-3 inches. But if you're not going to keep anything like that, then just put it to where you like it.

 

[scmountain]

I would highly recommend rock-scaping outside the tank, drilling/gluing all that you can. so much easier to do it all with dry rock and prevents a rock slide

 

[geekengineer]

Yeah I just put them there without stacking at the moment. I take them out to drill/glue or when I working on it.

I have some more rock from an older tank do you think it would hurt to use some of those too? Do I need to soak them in bleach solution first or anything?

 

[scmountain]

I have some more rock from an older tank do you think it would hurt to use some of those too? Do I need to soak them in bleach solution first or anything?

If the rock is cycled absolutely use it!
if it has been in storage/not around any chemicals I would do a diluted vinegar scrub. followed by a RO soak, and lastly a SW rinse
if you're unsure about its condition and have the time, a diluted bleach bath could ease your mind, just remember to rinse like crazy after and soak in a RO bucket with plenty of dechlor added.

 

[geekengineer]

Well I got some potentially bad news that I probably should be holding off on until I know for sure. I might have to shut down the reef project for a bit.

 

[SynDen]

Just a note, that if you do plan to have gobies or jawfish or anything that digs in the sand. You will want to put the rocks in the tank first, and then the sand. Otherwise they could dig under it and cause a collapse

 

[SynDen]

Well I got some potentially bad news that I probably should be holding off on until I know for sure. I might have to shut down the reef project for a bit.

That's no fun, but that is how it goes sometimes. Hope it sorts out

 

[geekengineer]

Yeah I talking with the wife trying to decide if I should still do it even if what I think happens. So stay tuned. Assuming I can even sleep tonight.

I was thinking I might do gobies so I think I add another 20 pounds, but I have to make room for the rocks to push the sand out of the way. Do I put anything underneath the rocks? maybe egg crate?

Ty