120G SW Build - A First!

Dapperjman · Mar 10, 2016

Hey all,

I've been reading and lurking here a while and I decided to finally make a build thread! This will be my first saltwater tank and because I decided to go bigger with a 120, it will make this larger than any freshwater aquarium I've ever had. I will probably start as a FOWLR and eventually get to a mixed reef once I build some confidence up.

Below is my current equipment list I've been collecting for a while (almost all used):

120 gallon tank (60x18x24) with herbie overflow and angle iron stand
55 gallon sump/refugium
SRO3000INT skimmer
(2) Eheim Jager 300W heaters
(3) Kessil A360W with controller
TLF phosban 550 reactor
Vertex RX-U 1.5L reactor
Helix Max 55W UV
BRS 75GPD RODI
(2) MP40QD
Jecod DCT12000

Equipment still to purchase:

Misc plumbing parts
ATO

The stand that came with the tank is awesome - it was made with angle iron and stands around 40" tall. It was skinned in plywood painted black but I'm redoing it and will skin it and build a canopy that will be stained a medium to dark stain. It has to look good for the wife to approve

Original:

After ripping off the plywood, I decided to alter the stand first. The only way the 55 gal sump will fit is by lifting the stand on/off of it. I cut the side braces off and moved them up a few inches higher allowing me to slide the 55 gal in from the side now. Definitely not a welder, but it's sturdy, haha!

Added gussets to some corners then painted it for protection:

I bought some 1x2s and framed a canopy:

Then I bought some birch plywood and skinned the canopy. I made a "clamshell" type door with a piano hinge and I will likely install some shocks to help with opening it.

I purchased some rough maple boards as well that I will plan on making some trim and doors out of. Hopefully it comes together! Stay tuned for more.