Smotz's 120g Build Thread

Smotz · Apr 18, 2016

So it begins.

Having a canopy and stand built because I didn't like the ones that came with the deal.
Had a custom sump built because I wanted something more flashy than the 40B that it came with.
Going to put 2 x AI Hydra 52's and 2 x AI Vegas on it.
Got a lifereef skimmer that came with the deal that I'll be using.
Will be plumbing a manifold in to the ReefOctopus return pump that came with the deal.
I got PVC pieces everywhere!

reefwiser · Apr 18, 2016

The build start is always fun.

reef_grrrl · Apr 18, 2016

Following!

nathan75gallonmixedreef · Apr 18, 2016

Looking forward to see how this turns out!

Jaxon · Apr 18, 2016

Looks like a great start....

120reefkeeper · Apr 18, 2016

I'm in looks like a good one!

Smotz · Apr 18, 2016

This is the existing 60 I will be upgrading. I will run them in tandem for a while and slowly introduce the bioload

.

ScottMyers123 · Apr 20, 2016

Existing tank looks great. Can't wait to see the new build.

Smotz · Apr 21, 2016

Going to do a "dry" wet run in the basement using tap water. Do all the plumbing in a modular, removable fashion and double confirm there are no leaks.

Stand and Canopy built and picked up:

Smotz · Apr 21, 2016

Sump wet test. Let's hope it never gets this filled again!

120reefkeeper · Apr 21, 2016

Nice looking setup!

Smotz · Apr 22, 2016

180 Lbs of ReefFlakes came in

Smotz · Apr 22, 2016

My overflow plumbing:
This will be a double-herbie system. Nothing is glued yet.
The two inside overflows will be the "dry" emergency.
The two outside will be a full siphon.
I hate using 90's on the overflow but I have limited space - no room for 45's.
I am going to post a separate thread to get opinions on this.

Smotz · Apr 22, 2016

Added the gate valves!

fernalfer · Apr 22, 2016

Looking great i'm in about as far into my 120 build as you, great job down below on the plumbing. Thats alot of sand for a 120. assuming you are doing a deep sand bed.

I kept my plumbing very simple with the intention of using no 90's and limited unions for unrestricted flow. Because i used Ultra Flex PVC it can all be taken apart if needed aswell.

Built a custom stand as well 36" high

Was thinking about a canopy but opted to go with these lights: https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-48-v2/

They are nice and sleek and will just use the legs it comes with. definetly following your build progress. good luck.

Daniel@R2R · Apr 22, 2016

Looking great! Following!

Smotz · Apr 22, 2016

Looks good. Looks like you're doing the standard overflow and you tee'd off the return to both sides.

I am doing the herbie as I wanted 'silence'.

Actually, for a 4" DSB I would need 240 LBS of sand (according to the BRS calculators).

fernalfer said:
Looking great i'm in about as far into my 120 build as you, great job down below on the plumbing. Thats alot of sand for a 120. assuming you are doing a deep sand bed.

I kept my plumbing very simple with the intention of using no 90's and limited unions for unrestricted flow. Because i used Ultra Flex PVC it can all be taken apart if needed aswell.

Built a custom stand as well 36" high

Was thinking about a canopy but opted to go with these lights: https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-48-v2/

They are nice and sleek and will just use the legs it comes with. definetly following your build progress. good luck.

fernalfer · Apr 22, 2016

80lbs. gives me 1 to 1 1/2 inch sand bed but i also have 130 pounds of rock taking up some of that area. when leak testing my tank my durso's were silent. crossing fingers it stays that way.