Not My First Tank but My First Build Thread

esquare · May 14, 2023

120 Gallon Planet Aquarium Mega Matrix Rimless.
Been working on the Sump Room in the basement and taking my time so this has been a slow build.

Water Mixing Station

Here are a couple of Art Reef Rock Structures that will be going in the tank.

X-37B · May 14, 2023

Nice start! Start a build thread and get the badge.
Are you running blues or pros?

esquare · May 14, 2023

I went with the blues and am waiting to see how I like them when I get water in the tank. I have been moving very slow on this build as I want to do everything as "right" as possible.

X-37B · May 14, 2023

esquare said:
I went with the blues and am waiting to see how I like them when I get water in the tank. I have been moving very slow on this build as I want to do everything as "right" as possible.

Cool! You will like them. I run 4 gen5 15 blues on my 80g.

esquare · May 14, 2023

Nice!
I went with 2 as I prefer the look of them mounted on the back but the overflow doesn't allow for a 3rd in the middle. I plan on mostly LPS with a couple of SPS and if I need to add more lights for better spread or par I will have to figure out a mounting option. I don't like hanging from the ceiling as that creates a problem routing the cords and I don't like the long side to side mount.

X-37B · May 14, 2023

My tanks only 16" tall, 12.5" from rack to surface. I went with 4. If it was a 120 I would have done 2 xr30's, for reduced shadowing and Im into acros only. I have a 6 year old frogapawn in my 45 though.
I run the full ab+ currently at 90% scheduled.
1hr up/down and 10hrs peak.
I get excellent growth and colors. I do need to measure par one day, lol.

I have been 100% leds for over a year now and glad I made the move from halides.

Propane · May 14, 2023

Super nice setup! Sink right next to the sump is priceless!

esquare · May 14, 2023

I plan on running the AB+ as well.

Thanks, I had to put a sump pump under the sink as I didn't have plumbing roughed in the basement.

esquare · May 15, 2023

I got a label maker and started labeling things (this could get addictive). Also ordered a sheet of textured ABS for the bottom of the glass to protect it. I'm sure the ABS isn't necessary but it will make me feel better.

Gumbies R Us · May 15, 2023

Very neat and organized that is for sure!!!

esquare · May 15, 2023

Gumbies R Us said:
Very neat and organized that is for sure!!!

Thank you, My OCD is making this build take a while. I need to come up with a fish list now so I can plan on which ones to add first. I have a basic coral list but want to hold off on those for a while.

Bozburn · May 15, 2023

Awesome setup! Looking forward to seeing this one up and running.

esquare · May 15, 2023

Bozburn said:
Awesome setup! Looking forward to seeing this one up and running.

Thank you!

esquare · May 19, 2023

I got the rocks and sand in, hopefuly the water will go in this weekend.

Bozburn · May 19, 2023

I wish I had your patience

. Looking good!

esquare · May 19, 2023

Bozburn said:
I wish I had your patience . Looking good!

Thanks, Every other tank I've done I've gone as fast as I could. This one I want to take my time and get it right

esquare · May 28, 2023

I got water in the tank about a week ago and have been working out a few bugs like dialing in my 2 Inkbird heater controllers and getting some noise issues resolved with my 2 Sicce Syncra SDC 9.0 return pumps. So far, Sicce has been fantastic to work with. I don't expect every product to be perfect every time, but you find out how good a supplier/manufacturer is when there are problems and Sicce has been top notch.

I'm going to have to work on taking better pics with these Radion Blues on AB+. I am getting used to the blue tone but it makes pictures difficult.

esquare · Jun 4, 2023

Getting closer to adding fish but first I wanted to address my low ph issue so I ran a 1" pvc pipe outside and connected it to the protein skimmer. PH went from 7.75 yesterday morning to 8 this morning.

I used this
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Wal-rich-2202060-1-PVC-Termination-Vent-w-SS-Screen

As a screen to keep critters out and painted it gray to match the siding. I used a uniseal to go through the siding (Overkill but I had several 1" uniseals so I used it.)

I then used this push connect fitting https://www.menards.com/main/m-6809598.html
to connect the 3/8" ID 1/2" OD tubing to the 1 " pvc and the 3/8" ID tubing slips right over the air nipple on my skimmer.