My new tank idea: 40 breeder peninsula.

[Anonymous]

Hey guys-

After a lot of thought, I think a long, thin tank would work better in my livingroom than a cube. So I'm now going for a 40 breeder (36x18x16) as a peninsula "room divider". Anyway, the room is small, so it'll be more of a "corner divider", but I want to keep the room-divider peninsula layout.

As such, I'd like to keep one side equipment-free.
Questions:

1. I'll have a sump, but the tank isn't drilled. I'd rather do a HOB overflow than drill it. Is that a mistake? In this apartment any flooding is unacceptable. Can a HOB offer that priceless peace of mind?

2. Flow. I plan to have SPS and softies. I want to keep pumps out of the one end of the tank. What are my options for powerhead placement? Simple plan A is to have one Tunze blowing a column centrally down the length. Then I'd use PVC to make a sump-return manifold at the other end blowing lengthwise into the Tunze. Not sure if this would give turbulent enough flow at the far end, which is where I want the SPS.

3. Lights. I have this crazy idea of getting a Coralife 150Mh clip-on, and clip that to the far end (the end away from the Tunze), and put SPS under that. Then get a 2' 4-bulb T5 unit to cover the rest of the tank.

How does this sound so far?

I'll post some MSpaint drawings in a minute.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

This is a side view:

 

[Anonymous]

So far so good.. what Tunze model are you planning on using? I wouldn't reccomend the SCWD since they're prone to jamming up, unless you already have one laying around don't waste your $$ on it.

Any T5's you already have in mind?

 

[Anonymous]

Not sure what Tunze to use. Any suggestions? Would I be better with 1 larger or 2 smaller? Probably the 2 smaller.

I do have a SCWD laying around, but I agree with you and I may skip it altogether.

Not sure which T5 to use, but I was looking at a nice one today. It had 4 bulbs with individual reflectors. My other option is to skip the MH and just get a 3 foot T5, maybe with 5 or 6 bulbs. With a shallow tank like a breeder, maybe the T5 would be enough for the SPS end. Thoughts?

Thanks~

 

[Anonymous]

I would do the smaller ones a regular Stream would be too obstrusive IMO.

2- 6045 Nanostreams they're rated @ 1189/gph not bad at all and not that expensive, or a pair of modded Maxi 1200 , they have a lot of kits out there that are aestetichally pleasing nowadays and then hook them up to a wavemaker.

There's always the 6055's Nanostreams which are controllabe, but they're more expensive almost double the regular Nano's.

I'm a MH kid, but there's a lot of good T5 fixtures that will be more than sufficient for this shallow tank, just make sure they have individual reflectors

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Gman-

I've always been a MH fan myself, and I'm worried if I went all T5 I'd end up missing that MH shimmer and intensity. OTOH, a single 3' T5 unit would end up looking cleaner, as there'd be only 1 fixture. Still a tough call....

Because this tank wil stick out into the room, overall "cleanness" and lack of equipment clutter is important to me. Ideally, I'd get a trimless 40 breeder, for that extra clean open-top look. Not sure if any of the major manufacturers make a trimless 40b, though?

Would 2 6055s on a controller be overkill in a tank of this size? (That option might allow me to put the sump return on the same end as the Tunzes, rather than down the other end, again reducing clutter on the SPS end.)

 

[Anonymous]

I don't think so, that would be perfect IMO, then again I love high flow tanks so...

Also any crap trap in there? Sorry, I meant a sand bed

Even so if the flow is aimed carefully you won't have too much of a sandstorm.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm planning a very shallow sand bed, possibly barebottom in places.

So you think I could pull off 2 6055s with a controller?
Any opinions abot the HOB overflow? (I've always gone drilled, so this is a bit of a worry.) Are they noisy?

Thanks~

 

[Anonymous]

One issue I see with that layout is your zoanthids/softies are going to get absolutely blasted with the tunze, and your sps won't get as much flow due to the rockwork. Not to mention some might detatch and go into your SPS area.

 

[Anonymous]

My 2c worth, prolly better to have the flow (and MH) originating where the SPS are, and having the LPS/ softies at the other end. The SPS will love the higher flow, the LPS will enjoy the lesser water action with the nutrient flow. Just make sure your overflow is at the opposite end to your inflow if you are only running pumps at one end- unless you like detritus build-up.

FWIW, I am a huge T5 fan, but with clams and fussy LPS, MH makes your life miles less stressful. (I personally run both)

(Btw Craig- you didnt ask permission to surface from the Sump? :wink: )

 

[Anonymous]

I was thinking something in the likes of this very bad paint drawing :lol:

By placing the Tunzes about midway down the back glass and to each side of the softies/lps rock structure it would create a circular motion from bottom to top allowing for the OF to pick up most dirt and providing proper flow to each area. Then again everything looks good on paper. :?

 

[Anonymous]

Kinda sorta like this

Mind you those are regular Tunzes not Nano and I would place them lower in the tank.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot guys.

Nice drawing Gman, that's the plan I'm going for now. I hope that will provide frantic flow all around the tank and not just at the SPS end. I'll be starting with small frags, and the small Zoas I'll place in crevices to give them a little more shelter from the flow. You guys think all this would work with 2 6055s o0n a controller?

The T5 vs. MH is still a tough question.

And anyone know if any major manufacturers make trimless 40 breeders? Thanks!







(And Andy...it's all about the momentum. In this case, the new tank gave me enough to leave the immense gravity of the Sump. :lol: )

 

[Anonymous]

(And Andy...it's all about the momentum. In this case, the new tank gave me enough to leave the immense gravity of the Sump. )

Please dont tell the others you saw me up here. I was only here to update pics of my tank, promise!

:wink: