My first build

[disclosure11]

Hey everyone, wanted to post a few pictures of my first tank build. Just finished the plumbing so just need to get some ro/di and then I can get the cycle rolling. The tank is 120 gallon with a 40 gallon breeder as my sump refugium. The one pic shows the tank under my one Radion, with a second coming soon. Will post more pics as I add to the build and start the cycle.

 

[Loki]

Nice looking tank! I love 120's! I will be following along


I'm on my phone....

 

[revsgirl]

Great lookin' setup you have there!

 

[disclosure11]

Thanks for the positive feedback guys! I'm excited that i'm in the home stretch of getting the tank up and running but if i've learned anything about this hobby, patience is key. Hope to have all the components up and running soon!

 

[swannyson7]

Looks good! What are your stocking plans?

 

[disclosure11]

Going to do fish and coral....will probably start out simple with some green chromis or a pair of clowns, and then as the tank matures, add on. Still learning about all the different varieties and i feel like my mind changes every day with what i would want in the tank so i will probably just go with my gut at the time and see what happens.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Awesome!!! I like your setup!!! Would you mind sharing some info on the equipment you are using? Delaware Valley Reefer's Club is having a frag swap coming up in October in Conshohocken. There is also one hosted by the NJ reefer's club on November 3rd in Edison, NJ.

 

[disclosure11]

Krista, thanks for the positive feedback. Here is what I have and what I plan to get:

DIY stand:30d x 48w x 40h
120g dual overflow
Ecotech Radion (have one, buying another)
Neptune systems apex lite
40g breeder 3 chamber sump refugium
Mag 18 return
Hydor koralia power heads (3 not yet installed)
SCA302 eBay knockoff skimmer ( the one corner I cut)

Would love to get more info about the Delaware valley reef club. Not sure if my tank will even be cycled in time to buy any frags but would be cool to check out.

 

[skinz78]

Great looking tank, I love the 120's!

 

[rajkovich207]

I by all means don't mean any disrespect by this comment but thought I should add this before it causes problems. First the sand you have, what kind is it? If its from home depot or is like playground sand it is silica based and will more than likely cause bad algae problems, and second in the pic of your sump I see white caulk. It may be a glare but of its mold resistand that can have devistating effects on your tank. Sorry to be "that Guy" but good luck!!!

 

[disclosure11]

No disrespect at all....you guys all know more than me so i appreciate any and all feedback. The sand is actually pool filter sand from Leslie's pool supplies and isn't silica based. The white you see in the sump is the result of me being an idiot and grabbing white silicone instead if clear but I did make sure that it wasn't mold resistant as I did read it would cause problems.

 

[disclosure11]

Actually, let me correct myself, it is Leslie's Pool Filter Sand but it is actually Silica based. What are your concerns with it being Silica based? I'm they can cause some diatom and algae outbreaks, do i have anything else i should be worried about? Is it enough of a concern that i should swap out the sand since I haven't added my RO/DI yet? Thanks

 

[Saltlife]

Nice tank and welcome.

 

[rajkovich207]

pool sand

I honestly would, I am going on my third tank in a year and a half because of no brainer mistakes I could have avoided but couldnt correct for some reason. sand is expensive though. Anything that feeds off of silicates be it diatoms other "pest" algaes or tunicates (also known as pineapple sponges, harmless and in fact I like them other than how big they ended up getting) will feed off of what leaches out of your sand. If it were me I would save myself the headache and just replace it while I had the chance. Also I noticed you are running a deep sand bed, I have never ran one personally but am a fan, with some simple up keep they can do wonders IMHO. If you have not read it I would get the book... have to grab it... "Sand Bed secrets" by DR. ron shimek, I have talked to the guy several times on the marine depot forums and he is very knowledgeable and super nice. The book can be found on amazon for about $7 but in short supply runs upwards of $1100 yes one thousand one hundred dollars. it is.. a small 31 page book in essay format but contains tons of info regarding soly DSBs and its infauna. best of luck bud!

here is the amazon link for the book if you are intereste.
Sand Bed Secrets: The Common-Sense Way to Biological Filtration: Dr. Ron Shimek: 9780966454963: Amazon.com: Books

 

[disclosure11]

Rajkovich, thanks for the good info. Any recommendations on a better sand option? i'm assuming a white aragnoite? I know Marco rocks has 160lbs for $109, any other places to look? I agree it's not cheap (one of the factors in going with the pool filter sand, $30 for 200lbs) but as you said, i'd rather get it right now to avoid future issues.

 

[rajkovich207]

If you go dry its a little cheaper you can get 40 lbs bags for something like $25. There was a site that would give you 60 lbs worth of sand for every 25 or so pounds of rock purchased. I can not for the life of me remember the name of it though. Carrib sea is what I have used in the past, dirty stuff so rinse well if you get it. The tank I am currently setting up is completely dry and I am going to use Dr Tim's one and only to kick start it. And am going so crazy with it from the abundant of crud I got out of the rocks from my lfs I will be adding my won pods.

 

[rajkovich207]

The name of the site is reefrocks. Net I believe. I just checked and they sell 40lbs live sand for 24.95 with free shipping.

 

[kevinf]

Looking good. You also would want to put the rock first then sand. Avalanche central!

 

[disclosure11]

Thanks Kevinf! I actually have the rock on PVC legs to prevent any avanlanches. They were all drilled multiple times to allow for flow. Maybe i will take a picture of the rock on the supports once i remove this current batch of sand.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Krista, thanks for the positive feedback. Here is what I have and what I plan to get:

DIY stand:30d x 48w x 40h
120g dual overflow
Ecotech Radion (have one, buying another)
Neptune systems apex lite
40g breeder 3 chamber sump refugium
Mag 18 return
Hydor koralia power heads (3 not yet installed)
SCA302 eBay knockoff skimmer ( the one corner I cut)

Would love to get more info about the Delaware valley reef club. Not sure if my tank will even be cycled in time to buy any frags but would be cool to check out.

Here is a link about the frag swap: DVRC frag swap