Hi everyone, my name is ham. I was into nano saltwater aquariums until I got divorced around 13 years ago. had a few biocubes of different sizes. I now have the space again and would like to set up something like a 40g breeder. I know this may seem lazy but if I wanted a sump, lights pump etc etc., is there a list floating around of decent equipment for that size tank. I used up be up to date on the various models, but I feel sorely ignorant of what's out there. I would like to get the equipment and start the process if that makes sense. don't need high end but also willing to pay for quality. thanks in advance for any advice
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- Thread starter hammcd2
- Start date
Welcome back Ham! Here is a bare bone list from memory; I also recently was looking at setting up a 40g breeder size tank…going with a 60g (same footprint just taller)
- IF you are going to run a sump. Consider getting a DC return pump, skimmer w/ DC pump (DC pumps allow more control; newer style). Traditional pump / skimmer work well too. I run the Eshopps S120 and Sicce 3, 4, 5 return pumps (depends on flow needs)
- mechanical filtration. Traditional socks are a thing of past (I still run them
). But Fleece Rollers are the new thing.. constant roll of fiber to filter and remove out of the system (vs. sock holding detritus)
- Heater. Titanium heaters with built in controller. Simple & Reliable.
- ATO. So many options. Laser level / magnet work great.
- In tank circulation (if needed). MP10 still works wonders. Other similar style pumps.
- Lights. LED is standard now. Unless you get a strip light (3ft). You will need 2 pendant style lights for good coverage (Kessil, AI prime, Red Sea). Depends on coral selection.
- Fill it up, cycle, enjoy!
Everything else is convenience / based on coral demands (controllers, 2-4 part dosers, etc.). I run a classic apex system and a 4 part Red Sea doser.
- IF you are going to run a sump. Consider getting a DC return pump, skimmer w/ DC pump (DC pumps allow more control; newer style). Traditional pump / skimmer work well too. I run the Eshopps S120 and Sicce 3, 4, 5 return pumps (depends on flow needs)
- mechanical filtration. Traditional socks are a thing of past (I still run them
). But Fleece Rollers are the new thing.. constant roll of fiber to filter and remove out of the system (vs. sock holding detritus) - Heater. Titanium heaters with built in controller. Simple & Reliable.
- ATO. So many options. Laser level / magnet work great.
- In tank circulation (if needed). MP10 still works wonders. Other similar style pumps.
- Lights. LED is standard now. Unless you get a strip light (3ft). You will need 2 pendant style lights for good coverage (Kessil, AI prime, Red Sea). Depends on coral selection.
- Fill it up, cycle, enjoy!
Everything else is convenience / based on coral demands (controllers, 2-4 part dosers, etc.). I run a classic apex system and a 4 part Red Sea doser.
Cheap Amazon stuff has come a long way over the last few years, so much so that I find the upcharge for brand names to be harder to justify than ever. Here's my 'budget' recommendations:
Lights:
Nicrew, Smatfarm, and Viparspectra (all on Amazon) and Noopsyche (their own website) are all great lighting options. Been running some of these for a few years now without a single issue. Agree you would want two fixtures to get good coverage and avoid shadows, but they don't need to be particularly powerful for a 40b.
Pumps (both internal and external):
DC is definitely the way to go. Never had a problem with jebao or hygger stuff. I particularly like Jebao's newer 'EP' line of pumps. Silent, powerful, efficient, and very adjustable (1% increments from 30-100). Jebao even has a Vortech clone now if you really want that no-wire look for your wavemaker(s). The exact type and size of pumps you'll need will depend on your setup though and what kind of corals you'll be keeping.
ATO:
I like any of the cheap optical ones since they are simple, compact, and reliable (and yes, cheap
). I own 5 from a few different sources and have never had a problem. I recently got one of these for just $30 and so far it's been great: https://a.co/d/02QcZBF
Sump:
I always make mine out of Aqueon tanks so I can't comment on off the shelf acrylic sumps. For a DIY sump for a 40b I'd probably use a 20g long.
Dosing:
Kamoer X4 Pro can be had on AliExpress for just over $200. Great value for a highly accurate and reliable doser. This is one area where I would skip the Jebao because their dosing heads are driven by friction between the motor shaft and the plastic wheels of the peristaltic pump. They wear out over time, especially in a salty environment, and the shaft can slip, leading to inaccurate doses.
For $120, this one also looks very promising, but will need to see more reviews. May end up being an unbranded red sea doser? https://a.co/d/bjedbo9
Cycling:
Live sand works (according to Aquabiomics DNA testing)! Use it!
FritzZyme 9 (or turbostart 900 if it's refrigerated) and BioSpira have been tested to be the fastest cycling bottle bacterias.
Rock:
Tampa Bay Saltwater is an excellent source for true live rock, but if that's too pricey dry rock is fine too. The 'Money Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock' from saltwateraquarium.com is a great value.
I'm not up to date on skimmers in that size range unfortunately so I don't have any specific recommendations there.
Lights:
Nicrew, Smatfarm, and Viparspectra (all on Amazon) and Noopsyche (their own website) are all great lighting options. Been running some of these for a few years now without a single issue. Agree you would want two fixtures to get good coverage and avoid shadows, but they don't need to be particularly powerful for a 40b.
Pumps (both internal and external):
DC is definitely the way to go. Never had a problem with jebao or hygger stuff. I particularly like Jebao's newer 'EP' line of pumps. Silent, powerful, efficient, and very adjustable (1% increments from 30-100). Jebao even has a Vortech clone now if you really want that no-wire look for your wavemaker(s). The exact type and size of pumps you'll need will depend on your setup though and what kind of corals you'll be keeping.
ATO:
I like any of the cheap optical ones since they are simple, compact, and reliable (and yes, cheap
). I own 5 from a few different sources and have never had a problem. I recently got one of these for just $30 and so far it's been great: https://a.co/d/02QcZBFSump:
I always make mine out of Aqueon tanks so I can't comment on off the shelf acrylic sumps. For a DIY sump for a 40b I'd probably use a 20g long.
Dosing:
Kamoer X4 Pro can be had on AliExpress for just over $200. Great value for a highly accurate and reliable doser. This is one area where I would skip the Jebao because their dosing heads are driven by friction between the motor shaft and the plastic wheels of the peristaltic pump. They wear out over time, especially in a salty environment, and the shaft can slip, leading to inaccurate doses.
For $120, this one also looks very promising, but will need to see more reviews. May end up being an unbranded red sea doser? https://a.co/d/bjedbo9
Cycling:
Live sand works (according to Aquabiomics DNA testing)! Use it!
FritzZyme 9 (or turbostart 900 if it's refrigerated) and BioSpira have been tested to be the fastest cycling bottle bacterias.
Rock:
Tampa Bay Saltwater is an excellent source for true live rock, but if that's too pricey dry rock is fine too. The 'Money Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock' from saltwateraquarium.com is a great value.
I'm not up to date on skimmers in that size range unfortunately so I don't have any specific recommendations there.
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