Starting new to me nuvo sr120

[nemesistundra85]

So I acquired a nuvo sr120 and so far it has a hang on back skimmer and the 3 return pumps. I was gona transfer everything from my 60 gal cube but debating of I should leave that alone and start this tank fresh. Any opinions? I do have a blue hippo that will transfer for sure into the new tank but any opinions or ideas for the new tank would be appreciated. Searched for this kind of tank builds but their ain't much.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

The sr120 is sort of a rare tank. I've only seen one in person and I'm sort of an enthusiast for this brand Marine Depot did an entire build series on Youtube with the sr80 (I think) so I would check that out. If it was my tank I would probably do an SPS dominant with a bunch of smaller fish since these are long and sort of shallow tanks.

 

[nemesistundra85]

Ya I saw that video and though it's close somethings are different space wise. So what type, wattage heater should I go with, should I add a powerhead? Or just rely on the 3 return pumps and 6 nozzles?

 

[nemesistundra85]

Any suggestions on what size of heaters and if 1 or 2?

 

[mahindra.dev]

I have 2 150W Neo Therm in my 45G. They are set to 80F but controller via APEX at 77F & 78F, as One is a backup. For your tank size I’d def add 2 heaters.
1 300W & 1 250W and keeping 250W as a back up. These are my thoughts...

 

[HolisticBear]

There was a really beautiful SR-120 for sale just a few weeks ago, the owner might have some tips.

 

[mahindra.dev]

Btw for flow it depends. As these tanks are narrow the returns can help. But they are long as well.

Again my thoughts:
1 Gyre in each side. Check out BRS160. They did the same thing.

But now swap returns nozzles with the IM Spin Streams and make sure they are submerged. When submerged they are dead silent.

This gives varied flow all day. I run 2 Jebao SW-4 at varied levels of power, max @ 65% using apex, mounted on each side of the tank and the Spin streams. Corals love that flow.

 

[nemesistundra85]

So been a while and forgot to add pics as the build progressed but here are a couple pics of current setup. Went with a 10 gal Petco tank for the ato with a mj1200 pump. This tank drinks water in warm summer days so bigger tank has helped keep levels stable. Lasts about 4 -5 days. Next up is a hang on back remora pro skimmer . Have had issues with it and thinking I mite replace it real soon, just not happy with the skim amount it pulls. For the return pumps I'm using 2 565gph pumps from amazon and 1 mag 5 pump. So far no issues at all. The original im pumps that came with it were extremely loud. I threw in a full size innovate media reactor which I use seachem seagel to try and keep the water clear. I went with a single 300 watt heater and all winter I never had problems with temp but it barely fits in the back so mite switch out for a shorter 200 watt to ensure it stays submerged at all time. For the cooling I ended up getting a computer fan and wired it up to a power transformer and made some aluminum strips that screwed into the fan and are just long enough to hang in the "sump" area. Pics will explain what I mean. For lights and power heads I went the 72" current usa ic pro system with bluetooth controller. I have 2 "2100gph" power heads that plug into that controller. With the cool weather features and speakers hooked up I think it's well worth the price I paid. About 400 dlrs total for that system. Also just added the innovate cheatomax refuge light in the left return section with a media basket holding some foam filters and a small ball of chaeto. And lastly I got the new apex to control the return pumps, heater , fan, media reactor, and skimmer and fuge light. Just acquired a AI prime hd that I learned yesterday can be controlled thru the apex without any other modules or controllers needed. Very cool update that apex just came out with. Not sure if I'm going to use this light at the moment though since the current light is doing just fine and my 1 acro that I have in their is coloring up and growing beautifully.

 

[nemesistundra85]

A few more pics of corals and live stock. Pair of clowns, a yellow tang, six line wrasse, and a bicolor blenny I believe is the last ones name. I cannot for the life of me catch my blue hippo from my 60 gallon tank. The awesome rock work in that tank has also created caves for him to hide as soon as my hand or net even comes close to the water. And ideas from other people would be greatly appreciated. Thanks .

 

[Davy Jones]

Following along with this one! I have the SR80, and can confirm these tanks are pretty rare. So far I love mine even though its only been up about a month or so.

I didnt catch if you ever added any powerheads but you will need them unless you oversize the returns in the back. I am thinking about tossing in 2 of the Reef octopus varios 2 pumps but so far the dcs2000's I have are doing well enough.

Dont forget, the tank is SHALLOW, so with the sand, and rock most coral will only be under 10" of water or so. And LED's are pretty harsh on corals under shallow water, so keep that in mind

 

[nemesistundra85]

Yes for powerheads I'm using the current usa 2100 gph units. One on each end running at 40% on wave mode. And gona try to do mostly LPs and softies, I like seeing the tank move alot with the waterflow.