Dbrewsky's 120 Gallon Build

dbrewsky · Feb 3, 2016

@Zero Nitrates - I haven't been able to test the flow levels on the Vectra just yet. I did order the Vectra L1, which is plenty of overkill for a standard return on a tank of this size. However, I am utilizing it to power a return manifold for reactors,and potentially in the future, allow me enough power to plumb in an auxiliary aquarium or two into the system if I want to. It might be really cool down the road to plumb a dedicated clown fish-anemone tank and/or a mangrove tank and this extra flow will help me facilitate that. Since the Vectra is a DC pump, it's a no brainer to throttle it back to meet my flow needs.

@reeferdon - The rock is 100 Lbs of dry Pukani rock from Bulk Reef Supply. I think the rock will look great in the tank and I have always had a good experience in ordering rock from BRS. They can usually pick your rock to your specifications and eliminate some of the uncertainty when ordering rock without seeing it in person.

dbrewsky · Feb 3, 2016

OK, here are some photos of the completed plumbing on the build. The complexity of the design I had envisioned and the tight constraints within the stand required precise measurements and accurate fitting which slowed the build considerably. In addition to this, my design on paper and the end result were quite different from each other. I ended up having to place multiple orders for additional parts, which further delayed my progress.

This is ok in my book, because I am not rushing to get fish and coral in this tank, i'm really focusing on building a good foundation for the system. I know it will pay off in the long run so I have been patient and methodical in this build. Its been wonderful to see the progress thus far and I am extremely pleased with the results.

dbrewsky · Feb 4, 2016

Next Step is fabricating an electrical panel and organizing wiring. I picked up this sweet little cabinet from IKEA. This is a BESTA model cabinet with a smoked glass door. I was super stoked when I saw a fellow R2R had found this as I was envisioning the same concept, but I figured I was going to need to custom make the cabinet and special order the smoked glass for a door. I would have tagged him, but could not find the original thread. I think its going to look really sick having the power cords/power supplies/apex modules be hidden while leds on the ecotech drivers, the apex LCD screen, etc shine through.

I am hoping to begin fabrication on the controller board that will fit inside this enclosure tomorrow.

I do have some water in the aquarium as I have been systematically leak checking the plumbing and starting to fill the main display tank.

I plan to leak test, then drain the system and begin working on the aquascape here in the next couple weeks.

My livestock and coral from my previous tank are sitting patiently in the utility room on the other side of the room from the display tank. We simply did not find any homes we were interested in that could work well for a dedicated fish room either in the basement below or behind the display tank. However I do plan to utilize this room as a fish room with quarantine tanks, storage, and in the near future a water storage system with a Automatic Water Change system plumbed to the 120. I Anticipate this will be primarily run via APEX DOS, with a secondary pump to facilitate larger maintenance or emergency water changes.

I plan to put a work surface, a utility sink and both fish and coral quarantine systems in eventually.

sharkreef · Feb 4, 2016

I have a vectra and using it for my setup and I was wondering how you connected it since it's not schedule 40.

dbrewsky · Feb 4, 2016

Sharkreef - I used abs to pvc transition cement to glue a schedule 80 1" slip-to-male barb adapter directly into the Vectras integral return Union. I then used silicone tubing to connect the pump to the hard plumbed return manifold.

Doing so prevents vibration transfer into my pvc plumbing which would resonate pump vibration. Also, this soft tubing transition made it easier to account for the slight angle changes between the Vectra and the return manifold.

fragit · Feb 5, 2016

This build is looking right! Following along for sure! Who fabricated your tank?

jdpeters · Feb 5, 2016

executed well so far man

dbrewsky · Feb 5, 2016

Thank you frag it and jdpeters. The patience on this build is paying off.

dbrewsky · Feb 5, 2016

@fragit - Planet Aquariums did the aquarium and stand fabrication. http://www.planetaquariums.com/

The only custom request I had on the tank itself was to use black silicone for the seams. I am using regular glass as I could not justify the rates for starfire panels and after having an acrylic tank I am nervous about scratching.

The stand and canopy are the heritage design. Due to the ceiling height above the aquarium, I had to have the canopy built with front access doors instead of the stock piano hinge lift top.

dbrewsky · Feb 6, 2016

All leaks on my plumbing are fixed finally!

I have been testing the Vectra in conjunction with the Herbie overflow system make the tank ridiculously quiet! I also had issues with one of the drain bulkheads as it didn't seem like the gasket was seating well and was not instilling great confidence. So I replaced the $5 bulkhead and it installed and sealed up without issue in like 5 mins. No sense in worrying about a cheap, easy to replace part.

Hows this for tight tolerances....?!?!?!

Jackcarp · Feb 7, 2016

dbrewsky said:
Next Step is fabricating an electrical panel and organizing wiring. I picked up this sweet little cabinet from IKEA. This is a BESTA model cabinet with a smoked glass door. I was super stoked when I saw a fellow R2R had found this as I was envisioning the same concept, but I figured I was going to need to custom make the cabinet and special order the smoked glass for a door. I would have tagged him, but could not find the original thread. I think its going to look really sick having the power cords/power supplies/apex modules be hidden while leds on the ecotech drivers, the apex LCD screen, etc shine through.

I am hoping to begin fabrication on the controller board that will fit inside this enclosure tomorrow.

I do have some water in the aquarium as I have been systematically leak checking the plumbing and starting to fill the main display tank. I plan to leak test, then drain the system and begin working on the aquascape here in the next couple weeks.

My livestock and coral from my previous tank are sitting patiently in the utility room on the other side of the room from the display tank. We simply did not find any homes we were interested in that could work well for a dedicated fish room either in the basement below or behind the display tank. However I do plan to utilize this room as a fish room with quarantine tanks, storage, and in the near future a water storage system with a Automatic Water Change system plumbed to the 120. I Anticipate this will be primarily run via APEX DOS, with a secondary pump to facilitate larger maintenance or emergency water changes.

I plan to put a work surface, a utility sink and both fish and coral quarantine systems in eventually.

Looking good! I used a smoked glass cabinet as well that I got from a friend of mine who installs home theaters. He had a lot of fun ideas and was getting excited about the build. I just hope I can make all the wiring organized in the cabinet.

Bps619 · Feb 7, 2016

Looking good!

FluffyxTxRex · Feb 7, 2016

Build looks fantastic! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CLEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! following

Dunnman39 · Feb 7, 2016

Looking great

dbrewsky · Feb 7, 2016

@Jackcarp - Looking good there on your build as well!! I'm learning that the aesthetics surrounding your reef are just as important as the coral and fish themselves. The detail work like the cabinets we are utilizing enhances the overall experience for myself as well as anyone who spends time around the aquarium. The smoked glass does allow me a "geek out" factor where I can create a unique look, while ensuring that my expensive electronics stay away from water, salt creep, and unintentional damage.

@FluffyxTxRex @Bps619 @Dunnman39 - thank you for the compliments, its been a lot of planning and tinkering with some swearing mixed in to get set up the way I have envisioned.

sharkreef · Feb 7, 2016

Just wondering why you went with the l1 instead of the m1 isn't the l1 overkill? I have the m1 for my 125 btw

dbrewsky · Feb 7, 2016

@sharkreef - I went with the Vectra L1 simply because I wanted to ensure that I can turnover my display tank, power any chemical reactors or other equipment and, potentially in the future, plumb in an dedicated anemone/clownfish cube or a mangrove refugium display. My design is I can overbuild slightly to account for any future needs and in the meantime since its DC, just throttle back the pump to my actual demand. Also, for $100 dollars more than the M1, its believe it to be a worthwhile investment to ensure my flow needs are met over the lifespan of the system.

dbrewsky · Feb 7, 2016

I have water!!!!

It is very exciting to see the tank now filled with ro/di and be able to see the system actually running!! Now that my water circulation solutions are installed and running (all very quiet) I will perform a water test for several days, drain the tank and start working on both aquascaping the display and installing/organizing Ecotech controllers, Apex modules, and routing all the cords.

Jackcarp · Feb 7, 2016

dbrewsky said:
@Jackcarp - Looking good there on your build as well!! I'm learning that the aesthetics surrounding your reef are just as important as the coral and fish themselves. The detail work like the cabinets we are utilizing enhances the overall experience for myself as well as anyone who spends time around the aquarium. The smoked glass does allow me a "geek out" factor where I can create a unique look, while ensuring that my expensive electronics stay away from water, salt creep, and unintentional damage.

I agree! Also-if I'm not constantly tinkering and trying new upgrades the novelty wears off too fast. I may have a touch of ADD. I almost like showing the fish room and the "behind the scenes" as much as the display tank.