My 120gal 4' reef re do

[CraigG]

Okay, I just tore down my 120the other day. I feel as of thing were just on the decline and I couldn't get it back on track. I have several theory's 1 my sand bed went bad 2 to many really big corals and anemones. So to start things off in the new system I am considering a bare bottom tank BB. I was wondering what you guys think about BB tanks and the proper way of installing them ie brand, thickness, color, etc.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Bare Bottom is a great set up. But, umm, what do you mean by proper way of installing them?

 

[CraigG]

Bare Bottom is a great set up. But, umm, what do you mean by proper way of installing them?

Sorry for being so vague. I was referring to marine board starboard type material. I've heard that some were leaving a 1/2" channel around the perimeter of the the tank to act as gutters to collect the detritus for easier removal of it ie syphon. I've also heard of people siliconing it in place. I would assume I would have to install it in 2 1'x4' pieces approximately. I've also wondered if I had the channel would I continue it around the back side of the tank? Seems like there could be a lot of options here.

 

[mallorieGgator]

Good question! I am considering barebottom also for my 35 gallon. I'd like to hear what others are saying.

 

[CraigG]

Well it's installed. Today I got some old starboard from a friends butcher shop 3/4" think and took it to a shop to have the surfaces planed. It came out really nice and was free. I installed it in 2 45"x11" panels and routed the back at 45deg so I could have it flush with the back and not jam up the silicone bead. I used aqueon aquarium silicon to adhere it to the bottom and fill in the gap at the back of the tank. Around the the sides and front I have a 1" channel for detritus to settle. Rocks should go in tomorrow!

 

[Mrfresh]

I love 120s
Can't wait to see more

 

[CraigG]

Thanks I'll keep this going through the build. Btw, I also upgraded the cabinet and installed a shower liner to protect against spills.

 

[Mrfresh]

That's a good idea and seems a lot easier then sealing it and painting it with a rubber coat paint.

 

[CraigG]

My buddy that runs a reef aquarium maintenance business turned me onto the shower liner. He told me he won't set one up without it anymore.

 

[MadBrad527]

That's a great idea...I'll have to keep that in mind for when I buy my 120 or 150 (haven't decided yet!). Thanks for the tip! Anyways, I love that 1 inch channel for collection, even though I prefer a shallow sand bed. Good move though, it will save you lots of time I'm sure.


Brad

 

[CraigG]

Thanks, the whole goal is to keep this system as clean as possible. My hypothesis is that sand over time may have the possibility of trapping waste that is hard to export. I believe one could see a decrease in coral growth due to this specifically sps corals. So this tank is going to be an experiment for me.

 

[CraigG]

Here is a pic of the 120 in her prime before the decline began.

 

[CraigG]

The scape is in, now time to fill it with salt and let it cycle.

 

[CraigG]

Just spent the day leveling my tank. Turns out its a half inch+ off level the length of the tank and a 1/4" off going the depth of the tank. When I originally ran the tank only the back left overflow ran due to the floor sloping. So I went to lowes scored a few packs of shims and set the stand and tank level. I spaced them approximately 5" apart around the whole perimeter of the tank and then covered the gap with some molding. So based on what I'm saying should this be safe for the long hull? Don't want to be mopping up a 120gallons of salt water.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Looking good bro! Liking the aquascape!

 

[CraigG]

Thanks

 

[CraigG]

Just spent yesterday putting a dedicated 20amp circuit to the tank. My first problem was my panel was tapped out. I went to the electrical store and bought a tandem 20amp break and consolidated 2 20amp circuits and put the Tank on the regular 20amp wired with 2-12 with a bare copper ground. My friend at the store talked me out of the GFCI. He said it would be way more likely to trip from moisture or anything really. So I went with 2x 20amp regular recepticals and wired them into a metal box right in the cabinet under the tank. I also upgraded my energybars to 1000J surge protectors. I'll post a pic later tonight I think it turned out nicely. Now I don't have to worry about tripping the break when running the vacuum cleaner anymore it used to be on a 15amp circuit non dedicated.

 

[Mrfresh]

I've never been big on bare bottoms tell the other day when a local pet store was setting up there display tank and they went bare bottom.

Can't wait to see what you do with urs.
Ur tank looked amazing
Sorry about ur tank declining

 

[CraigG]

I've never been big on bare bottoms tell the other day when a local pet store was setting up there display tank and they went bare bottom.

Can't wait to see what you do with urs.
Ur tank looked amazing
Sorry about ur tank declining

I hear you, I was the same way. I'm just trying something new. It was a shame to see the tank get old tank syndrome I'm going for a super clean tank with very little fish if any. I never had a all sps tank so here goes a shot at one.

 

[CraigG]

Just got done tightening up my wires. Also got my apex back today. It had been damaged by a power surge. I now have it protected by a surge protector.