My first 125

R_C · Feb 17, 2016

For about 2 month I have been on the fence on buying a 125 gallon aquarium. About a week ago I pulled the trigger and bought me a exactly what I wanted!

Came with a brown stand, sump and pump but it was not enough. I wanted to make it mine and by mine I mean CUSTOM. I decided to build a taller (fancier) stand and go with a bigger sump.
Got a 40 breeder tank, some wood and some Plexiglas and here we go. I have been working on it since Saturday and every day since.

Here is the latest:

CodyRVA · Feb 17, 2016

Nice start!

fragit · Feb 17, 2016

I'm going with a 40breeder sump for my build too! Nice work, take your time with every detail. On a side note don't use plexi glass in your sump for baffles. Plexi glass will not bond well to the glass. Go to a glass shop and get the glass cut. I just did this for mine and it cost me 35 bucks. Research everything, and then research it again.

R_C · Feb 18, 2016

Thanks for the info. What thickness glass did you use?

fragit · Feb 18, 2016

It was about 1/4" thick I believe turn around time was the day I ordered too. I think it was their stock plate glass. They will offer to "round" the edges for a price of course. I asked my glass shop to just quickly sand the edges so that I don't cut my self, and they were plenty dull, they did that for free. Glass in the long run is much better, you can clean it easier etc. And god for bid if you used plexi and one of the baffles let go, it would be a huge project to fix. Spend the dough and go glass.

R_C · Feb 18, 2016

Thanks for the info!

hybridazn · Feb 18, 2016

Off to a great start!

sharkreef · Feb 18, 2016

Also have a 125 gallon build have you thought of what you will be using for power heads?

R_C · Feb 18, 2016

I currently have 2 Jebaos. 1 RW-15 and 1 RW-8. I have them on my 75 and running them at the bare minimum. I also have a few koralias but I'm not sure I'll need them.

R_C · Feb 21, 2016

Very busy and successful Saturday. Finished my sump!
Stayed up until 3am to finish all the plumbing and of course was missing some pieces.
Got up early and got the missing pieces and began the last leg of this journey.
Doing the transfer as we speak

R_C · Feb 23, 2016

I have finally done it. I have transferred my 75 to my 125. I must say it was a lot longer than what I thought.
Took me about 13 hours to do it all with a few small breaks in between. I'm still in the process on building the outside shell and doors.

Here is an update:
40G Breeder

Painted Stand

Big Difference!

Plumbing

Fish move

Tank swap

And finally.....

I'm still moving thing from the other tank!
Light are on order and will be posting them soon.

I was up all night doing this and finally cleaned up at around 8am Monday morning. I'M TIRED!!

CodyRVA · Feb 23, 2016

Nice Work!

R_C · Feb 29, 2016

Quick update on the build.

Adding the sliding doors

Control panel

I still have to add the cover to this and an access door.

Sump and plumbing

WORK IN PROGRESS. DON'T MIND THE MESS

Updated rock work. Not sure if I keep it like that but it's good for now.

Assassin Smoke · Feb 29, 2016

Looks awesome! What kind of black paint did you use for the forty breeder?

R_C · Feb 29, 2016

Thanks. I used rustoleum gloss black.

Thomasj616 · Feb 29, 2016

Looks awesome!! Great work!! I have a 125 I had a 40 gallon breeder to start. When the power went out it filled right to the top so I switched to a 60 gallon just for piece of mind.
I love the sliding doors I like the clean look

R_C · Mar 1, 2016

Thanks!

R_C · Mar 7, 2016

I don thing that I have seen anyone use a shelving upright and modify it for a light rack.
I'm still working on it but here is an update.

I'm not that great on welding, but it will do. As I'm going to fill the holes.