Smotz's 120g Build Thread

[Smotz]

Plumbing complete and leak tested!

 

[Smotz]

filled it up with fresh water for a "dry" run

Took a bit to get the herbie system dialed in but seems to be perfect!

 

[fernalfer]

That's great. My sand comes in tomorrow and I have made 80 gallons of RODI saltwater so far. I will be aquascaping and adding sand and hopefully about 80 gallons of saltwater tomorrow. Your build is coming along great. Best of luck

 

[Smotz]

wet "dry" run

 

[fernalfer]

you putting rock in first, then sand then salt water? Also what method are you going to use to cycle. I just got done Aquascaping my 120 last night.

 

[Smotz]

I am definitely taking my time on this one. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby!
Next steps are to drain the tank & sump. Move upstairs next to the existing 60 Cube (slightly concerned about the weight).
I will be using a PVC + Rod structure to hold the rocks. So PVC frame, then sand, then rocks, then water.

Can I see a picture of your aquascape?

 

[fernalfer]

I used the egg crate which made both structures solid. I wanted 2 separate structures with a sort of valley in between and some flat pieces for coral placement. Also wanted some caves. Somewhat achieved it I think. Plus wife likes it which is good. Need to keep her happy so I can continue to drain my wallet to this expensive hobby

 

[Smotz]

Aint that the truth! Looks good!

I used the egg crate which made both structures solid. I wanted 2 separate structures with a sort of valley in between and some flat pieces for coral placement. Also wanted some caves. Somewhat achieved it I think. Plus wife likes it which is good. Need to keep her happy so I can continue to drain my wallet to this expensive hobby

 

[Smotz]

just drained the fresh water. Next step is to somehow get it upstairs. I will need to offer people beer.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Any updates for us ??

 

[Smotz]

Thank you for the interest. Yes, albeit, slow moving.
Brought the stand upstairs to get a better visual. Drilled a hole in the floor for the ATO/Water change system.
In the meantime, I decided to make some Stout

 

[120reefkeeper]

Stout!!!! Yes my favorite!! [emoji16]

 

[Smotz]

Bringing the tank up today! Brought over a crazy hand truck from work. Need to bring it out the basement back yard and around to the front door. Will post updates! Wish me luck!

 

[Smotz]

By the way - moved the stout in to the secondary fermentor and took a taste! Yummy!!

 

[bknapp]

Great start so far. Slow and steady wins the reefing race.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Save the stout for after the move. Trust me on this!!!! Lol

 

[Smotz]

Save the stout for after the move. Trust me on this!!!! Lol

I hear that. I am going to add cracked Sumatra coffee beans to the fermentor to make a coffee stout.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Nice! I've had some coffee stout before . I love it personally, but you better like coffee because it will overpower all other flavors in said brew!

* mouth starts watering *

[emoji12]

 

[Smotz]

it's upstairs. Jeez it was heavy!

 

[Smotz]

Aquascaping time! I am planning on using fiberglass "dowels" to secure the rocks together. As of now I am planning on rocks directly on the glass then sand.