Dan's new 120!

TikiDan · 03/12/2008, 10:08 PM

Well, after a small crash wiped out most of my 125 gallon tank a few months ago, I decided to regroup and start over.
I picked up a tank off of craigslist and started planning. This is what I started with.

Looks pretty good but I figure that since I have the time I might as well go slow and do this the way that I want.

Here are the plans that I made up as a visual aid for me to see what direction I wanted to take with this build.

I was so tired of my back hurting from bending over to look into my 125 (stand was only 28 inches high) that I had a metal frame stand built that stood 40 inches high! Now I can walk up to the tank and just look in.

Now that I had the stand I wanted, I needed to plan out my rockwork.
I was so inspired by Crazy4acros tank in the SPS forum that I wanted to try and do the drilling and stacking method for the tank.
I bought 75 lbs of tonga and shelf rock from marcorocks.com and dried out a few of the big pieces from the old tank and started drilling.

Here is a link to view Crazy4acros amazing tank!
And thanks again for the inspiration!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1288059

After a few attempts, I came up with 2 pillars that look descent but not perfect.
I still need to rearrange a few rocks but it looks ok.

Thats all I got so far, I am hoping to get water into it in a few more weeks.

I hope you enjoy the ride!

JustinReef · 03/12/2008, 10:47 PM

Good start...I think maybe you could make one of the pillars a little shorter though. What did you make the pillars with? Rods?

BLKTANG · 03/12/2008, 10:48 PM

cool.

TikiDan · 03/12/2008, 10:53 PM

The tank is 24 inches high so I was trying to fill the space and cover up the overflows.

I used a 1/2 inch masonry bit and a 1/2 inch fiberglass rod and made a shishkabab

Once I get the pillars the way I want them, I am going to go back in with some aquamend and rubble to cover up the part of the rod that show through.

TikiDan · 03/14/2008, 05:42 PM

Lets talk about a fish list!

I want to get a few real nice fish, not the average fish that are in everyones tanks, But not wanting to spend 1000's of dollars on a fish either. maybe around the $100 or $200 range.

What would be some nice choices?

TikiDan · 03/16/2008, 05:36 PM

no input on the fish, so how about water movement?

My thoughts were leaning towards a TUNZE TurbelleÂ® stream Kit TS12

or a TUNZE Wavebox

What would work better on a 4 foot tank?

BLKTANG · 03/16/2008, 05:46 PM

I personally like the VorTech pumps for water movement.3000gph in one unit.

Whisperer · 03/16/2008, 05:52 PM

Try not making the pillars symmetrical (yours almost look like mirror images). Also, consider coral placement if you are planning to have corals. You do not have plenty of space for corals as the pillars are almost vertical and not much lateral extensions. This is just my suggestion. It's what you like that matters.

TikiDan · 03/16/2008, 05:56 PM

I was noticing that today! I need to pick up a few more pounds of the shelf rock I think. And I want to make at least one overhang from the bottom of the right pillar coming out towards the front right corner of the tank.

Whisperer · 03/16/2008, 06:05 PM

Sounds good. I was afraid you might take my suggestion negatively.

TikiDan · 03/16/2008, 06:16 PM

At this point in the build all feed back is appreciated

TikiDan · 03/16/2008, 11:14 PM

I picked up a 65 gallon glass tank for my sump, and am debating whether I need to add baffles and refugium, or go without them. I am just afraid of having micro bubble get back to the display.

If I used baffles to block the bubbles I could get 3 sections with about 15 gallon per section and have 15 to 20 gallons open for water when the return is turned off.
Is there even a point in having a refugium that small?

str8clownr · 03/17/2008, 12:54 AM

15 gallons for a fuge is a pretty decent size, i have a 20H for a sump/fuge, and the part dedicated to the fuge is only like 8 inches across and maybe, MAYBE 10 gallons total volume. I have chaeto in there and it works wonders, 15 gallons is real nice size...

nice build, i want a 120 soon

arts007 · 03/17/2008, 01:07 PM

What return pump are you using? I just finished my 120 about a month ago... Im using an ocean runner 6500 as a return in a 40 breeder for a sump and I was getting quite a bit of bubbles, I had to use a filter sock to contain it. Here is the thread that I put up.. build I went thru it pretty quickly but the finished tank is at the bottom with the equip list

TikiDan · 03/17/2008, 01:21 PM

I am using a mag12 for the return

TikiDan · 03/17/2008, 06:16 PM

I did a little work on the rock pillars and need to know if it looks better.

Shekki · 03/17/2008, 06:46 PM

Getting there. I would try to get some space between the flat rocks. The pillar on the right looks like a rock sandwich. It's still much better than before.

Bax · 03/17/2008, 08:33 PM

Looks good, As for cool fish, a Regal or Majestic angel (not both) with a trio of anthias and a smallish tang would be a nice group of anchor fish.

As for the sump, biggest fuge you can and definitly baffles.

TikiDan · 03/18/2008, 12:11 PM

This looks better but I'm still not satisfied

Bax · 03/18/2008, 01:48 PM

Cover it with corals and you'll never know the difference

As for flow, in my AGA 120, I have a VorTech and 2x Tunze 6100 each on a single controler and a 6025 going on and off on my ReefKeeper.. I do not have all running at flull blast but I am still considering a thrird 6100 and using the multi controler for more random pulsing. Never too much flo!

mille239 · 03/24/2008, 08:26 AM

Looking very nice!!!! following along as I have a 120gal build in progress as well! (click on my red house if you're interested)

I really like the rockwork too! do you have any advice or tips to drilling the rocks, placing them on the rods, etc... I have a bunch of marco rocks waiting to be aquascaped, and I just received 12 ft. of 1/2" acrylic rod to play with. any advice would be appreciated! keep up the good work.

TikiDan · 03/24/2008, 01:44 PM

Alrighty, had some time this morning to do a little rearranging

and here is a shot of my canopy with my reflectors mounted

TikiDan · 03/24/2008, 01:46 PM

As for drilling the rocks it is super easy! I used a masonry bit but I think you could actually drill the dry rock with a regular bit.

You kind of want to plan out ahead of what rocks are going to go where before you drill though so that way you don't end up having to drill extra holes.

tomasga · 03/24/2008, 02:37 PM

looking nice, I would agree with BAX once you put in the corals you will love it......

Poisonus Yeti · 03/24/2008, 02:58 PM

Looking good TikiDan.

How's the sump coming along?

03/12/2008, 10:08 PM	#1
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	Dan's new 120! Well, after a small crash wiped out most of my 125 gallon tank a few months ago, I decided to regroup and start over. I picked up a tank off of craigslist and started planning. This is what I started with. Looks pretty good but I figure that since I have the time I might as well go slow and do this the way that I want. Here are the plans that I made up as a visual aid for me to see what direction I wanted to take with this build. I was so tired of my back hurting from bending over to look into my 125 (stand was only 28 inches high) that I had a metal frame stand built that stood 40 inches high! Now I can walk up to the tank and just look in. Now that I had the stand I wanted, I needed to plan out my rockwork. I was so inspired by Crazy4acros tank in the SPS forum that I wanted to try and do the drilling and stacking method for the tank. I bought 75 lbs of tonga and shelf rock from marcorocks.com and dried out a few of the big pieces from the old tank and started drilling. Here is a link to view Crazy4acros amazing tank! And thanks again for the inspiration! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1288059 After a few attempts, I came up with 2 pillars that look descent but not perfect. I still need to rearrange a few rocks but it looks ok. Thats all I got so far, I am hoping to get water into it in a few more weeks. I hope you enjoy the ride! __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/12/2008, 10:48 PM	#3
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	cool. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

03/12/2008, 10:53 PM	#4
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	The tank is 24 inches high so I was trying to fill the space and cover up the overflows. I used a 1/2 inch masonry bit and a 1/2 inch fiberglass rod and made a shishkabab Once I get the pillars the way I want them, I am going to go back in with some aquamend and rubble to cover up the part of the rod that show through. __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/14/2008, 05:42 PM	#5
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	Lets talk about a fish list! I want to get a few real nice fish, not the average fish that are in everyones tanks, But not wanting to spend 1000's of dollars on a fish either. maybe around the $100 or $200 range. What would be some nice choices? __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/16/2008, 05:36 PM	#6
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	no input on the fish, so how about water movement? My thoughts were leaning towards a TUNZE TurbelleÂ® stream Kit TS12 or a TUNZE Wavebox What would work better on a 4 foot tank? __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/12/2008, 10:47 PM	#2
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	Good start...I think maybe you could make one of the pillars a little shorter though. What did you make the pillars with? Rods?

03/16/2008, 05:46 PM	#7
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	I personally like the VorTech pumps for water movement.3000gph in one unit. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

03/16/2008, 05:52 PM	#8
Whisperer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Punta Gorda, FL Posts: 4,020	Try not making the pillars symmetrical (yours almost look like mirror images). Also, consider coral placement if you are planning to have corals. You do not have plenty of space for corals as the pillars are almost vertical and not much lateral extensions. This is just my suggestion. It's what you like that matters. __________________ The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. --------- No one is born with intellect and age guarantees wisdom to no one. Current Tank Info: 120G reef, 30G sump, 10G QT tank

03/16/2008, 05:56 PM	#9
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	I was noticing that today! I need to pick up a few more pounds of the shelf rock I think. And I want to make at least one overhang from the bottom of the right pillar coming out towards the front right corner of the tank. __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/16/2008, 06:05 PM	#10
Whisperer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Punta Gorda, FL Posts: 4,020	Sounds good. I was afraid you might take my suggestion negatively. __________________ The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. --------- No one is born with intellect and age guarantees wisdom to no one. Current Tank Info: 120G reef, 30G sump, 10G QT tank

03/16/2008, 06:16 PM	#11
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	At this point in the build all feed back is appreciated __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/16/2008, 11:14 PM	#12
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	I picked up a 65 gallon glass tank for my sump, and am debating whether I need to add baffles and refugium, or go without them. I am just afraid of having micro bubble get back to the display. If I used baffles to block the bubbles I could get 3 sections with about 15 gallon per section and have 15 to 20 gallons open for water when the return is turned off. Is there even a point in having a refugium that small? __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/17/2008, 12:54 AM	#13
str8clownr Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: mia Posts: 619	15 gallons for a fuge is a pretty decent size, i have a 20H for a sump/fuge, and the part dedicated to the fuge is only like 8 inches across and maybe, MAYBE 10 gallons total volume. I have chaeto in there and it works wonders, 15 gallons is real nice size... nice build, i want a 120 soon

03/17/2008, 01:07 PM	#14
arts007 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 600	What return pump are you using? I just finished my 120 about a month ago... Im using an ocean runner 6500 as a return in a 40 breeder for a sump and I was getting quite a bit of bubbles, I had to use a filter sock to contain it. Here is the thread that I put up.. build I went thru it pretty quickly but the finished tank is at the bottom with the equip list __________________ Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99% perspiration, which is why engineers sometimes smell really bad. Current Tank Info: 120g SPS reef tank. 2x 400 watt Reeflux 12k on lumenbrights

03/17/2008, 01:21 PM	#15
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	I am using a mag12 for the return __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/17/2008, 06:16 PM	#16
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	I did a little work on the rock pillars and need to know if it looks better. __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/17/2008, 06:46 PM	#17
Shekki Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ocean City, MD Posts: 651	Getting there. I would try to get some space between the flat rocks. The pillar on the right looks like a rock sandwich. It's still much better than before. __________________ Elos mini reef Current Tank Info: Elos mini, reefkeeper 2, Vortech MP20, ice cap moonlight, Reef Fanatic ATO

03/17/2008, 08:33 PM	#18
Bax Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,619	Looks good, As for cool fish, a Regal or Majestic angel (not both) with a trio of anthias and a smallish tang would be a nice group of anchor fish. As for the sump, biggest fuge you can and definitly baffles. __________________ 150 gallon Perfecto with 1500 gph GH overflow / DIY stand-wine bar / Dart Return / SRO XP3000 Ext skimmer / 75 g frag / 40 g fuge / 40 g DIY sump / Orphek P156 & Kessil 150A Current Tank Info: 150 DT/ 40B fuge/ 75g frag/ 40 g sump/ SRO XP 3000 Ext/ TUNZEs & VorTechs circulation/Dart return/ MTC Pro Cal/ UV & Oz

03/18/2008, 12:11 PM	#19
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	This looks better but I'm still not satisfied __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/18/2008, 01:48 PM	#20
Bax Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,619	Cover it with corals and you'll never know the difference As for flow, in my AGA 120, I have a VorTech and 2x Tunze 6100 each on a single controler and a 6025 going on and off on my ReefKeeper.. I do not have all running at flull blast but I am still considering a thrird 6100 and using the multi controler for more random pulsing. Never too much flo! __________________ 150 gallon Perfecto with 1500 gph GH overflow / DIY stand-wine bar / Dart Return / SRO XP3000 Ext skimmer / 75 g frag / 40 g fuge / 40 g DIY sump / Orphek P156 & Kessil 150A Current Tank Info: 150 DT/ 40B fuge/ 75g frag/ 40 g sump/ SRO XP 3000 Ext/ TUNZEs & VorTechs circulation/Dart return/ MTC Pro Cal/ UV & Oz

03/24/2008, 08:26 AM	#21
mille239 Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrison Twp., MI Posts: 1,644	Looking very nice!!!! following along as I have a 120gal build in progress as well! (click on my red house if you're interested) I really like the rockwork too! do you have any advice or tips to drilling the rocks, placing them on the rods, etc... I have a bunch of marco rocks waiting to be aquascaped, and I just received 12 ft. of 1/2" acrylic rod to play with. any advice would be appreciated! keep up the good work. __________________ -Blair Disclaimer: No trees were harmed in the creation of this post, though a significant number of electrons may have been inconvenienced. Current Tank Info: 120 SPS reef in progress, 120 mixed reef, currently being completely rebuilt)

03/24/2008, 01:44 PM	#22
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	Alrighty, had some time this morning to do a little rearranging and here is a shot of my canopy with my reflectors mounted __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/24/2008, 01:46 PM	#23
TikiDan Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mill Valley, CA Posts: 2,022	As for drilling the rocks it is super easy! I used a masonry bit but I think you could actually drill the dry rock with a regular bit. You kind of want to plan out ahead of what rocks are going to go where before you drill though so that way you don't end up having to drill extra holes. __________________ "We have two options in life, medically and emotionally, give up or fight like hell! " - Lance Armstrong Current Tank Info: formerly a 120 gallon Planted Sea horse Tank. Click the house for the thread.

03/24/2008, 02:37 PM	#24
tomasga Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sunrise, FL Posts: 168	looking nice, I would agree with BAX once you put in the corals you will love it...... __________________ --- 75 ALL Glass In wall Reef--- You will ReSpEcT my authoritAYYYYY CRAB.... Click on my red house to see my reef Current Tank Info: 75 in wall, 40 sump, 30 fuge

03/24/2008, 02:58 PM	#25
Poisonus Yeti Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 220	Looking good TikiDan. How's the sump coming along? __________________ - Yeti