FB's 120 Tank Build - Page 2

FB · 07/02/2008, 01:53 PM

Just phoned and my Co2 tank is ready.

Hydrotested, New seal and Filled for $49.00. Dosen't sound to bad.

Semper Fi 1959 · 07/02/2008, 04:32 PM

I'm pretty sure you are NOT going to want to hear this but...

I would do the following:

I would go out and get a couple of Tunze's to replace

"2 X MJ1200
1 X MJ900
2 X Seio 620"

I know you already have the powerheads and all, but you can sell them or trade them for something. Since you are doing an SPS reef, flow along with lighting will be your 2 biggest areas of concern. And these are definitely 2 areas you won't want to skim on...

I personally never really liked maxi jets so maybe I'm just biased, but I think even just 2 Tunze 6101's on a 7095 multicontroller will be better for the tank, and even make it look cleaner. Do you know what the 120 will look like with 5 powerheads in it? Plus, you'll be getting a ton more flow from a few Tunze's. You may even find that 2 don't do it, so you can always add a 3rd later. But in my opinion, 2 PROPERLY PLACED 6101's on a controller along with your retrun should be enough. I only have 3 in a 6 foot tank...and some people think I could get away with only 2. Then again I have a wavebox too so...

Just my opinion, it usually means nothing to most!

Happy reefing!

FB · 07/02/2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Semper Fi 1959
I'm pretty sure you are NOT going to want to hear this but...

I would do the following:

I would go out and get a couple of Tunze's to replace

"2 X MJ1200
1 X MJ900
2 X Seio 620"

I know you already have the powerheads and all, but you can sell them or trade them for something. Since you are doing an SPS reef, flow along with lighting will be your 2 biggest areas of concern. And these are definitely 2 areas you won't want to skim on...

I personally never really liked maxi jets so maybe I'm just biased, but I think even just 2 Tunze 6101's on a 7095 multicontroller will be better for the tank, and even make it look cleaner. Do you know what the 120 will look like with 5 powerheads in it? Plus, you'll be getting a ton more flow from a few Tunze's. You may even find that 2 don't do it, so you can always add a 3rd later. But in my opinion, 2 PROPERLY PLACED 6101's on a controller along with your retrun should be enough. I only have 3 in a 6 foot tank...and some people think I could get away with only 2. Then again I have a wavebox too so...

Just my opinion, it usually means nothing to most!

Happy reefing!

I would LOVE to be able to get the kit, however it's $1000.00. Maybe when I start pushing some of my clowns out the door I can get it.

I am going to buy the MJ mod kit since it is only $20.00. Which will help my flow a little.

FB

Semper Fi 1959 · 07/02/2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FB
I would LOVE to be able to get the kit, however it's $1000.00.
FB

Try the for sale forum on this site...obviously they won't be $20, but they will definitely save you a ton of cash. People are always selling Tunze's on here. You can get a great deal sometimes if you look!

Happy to help.

FB · 07/05/2008, 07:50 PM

Well the tank setup began today.

We had to take the back centre brace out of the stand to get the sump in. Once in we screwed the board back into place.

After being shocked twice with my previous tank I now had the opportunity to put in a GFCI

With the sump in the stand and the GFCI in we were able to move the tank into position.

I decided to go the play sand route again. My 30 gallon tank had a ton of critters in the sand and my nitrates were always low.

Here is my friend adding the sand to the tank. We ended up using three bags. I placed the sand that was in my other tank in the refugium in the sump.

FB · 07/05/2008, 08:03 PM

The long painstaking process of adding water to the tank. 5gal / hour. I am also waiting for the water to start to clear. This coudl take a while.

About a 1/3 of the way there.

We mounted the power strip on the top back of the stand. There is another one on the other side. I also put a ball valve on the return so I can turn it off if required. This was a last minute decission and am very happy I did it. At the bottom left is my Euro-Reef RS135.

We mounted my 1 250W MH on the top of the hood with the ballast next to it. I still have to order another one.

FB · 07/05/2008, 08:12 PM

Lights all plugged in

With a toddler running around and another one on the way I needed to ensure no little hands or foriegn objects get into the sump. We put child prood locks on the doors.

FB · 07/06/2008, 09:40 AM

Still filling the tank. What a slow process.

bkwudzjeep · 07/06/2008, 11:17 AM

Great build!! I am setting up a 120 as well....verrry sloow moving on my end.

One suggestion: I see a few hose barbs under your stand....some hose clamps would make a more secure hold, especially with the pressure from the return pump. They can also prevent a lot of salt creep coming from the connection.

Keep up the good work!! I know how hard it is to have to wait to get that full of water....makes you want to just go out and buy the first batch of water...

FB · 07/06/2008, 12:06 PM

I do plan on putting the hose clamps on, but the only things Lowes had were the metal ones. I heard you shoudn't use those as they will rust.

FB

SunnyX · 07/06/2008, 01:14 PM

Good build so far. In your first post you stated that you would be using homemade live rock. Will you be adding any other live rock to seed the homemade rock?

Personally I would have put 100% live rock into the tank. I wouldn't want to have a bad outbreak of algae in the beginning phase.

FB · 07/06/2008, 02:49 PM

I have 30 lbs of live rock from my 30 gal going in very soon. I have not started making the rock yet, so it's going to be a while before it is full. I have already seeded the sand with the sand from my current tank.

FB · 07/06/2008, 04:51 PM

The tank is almost full. I have 3 heaters and 3 power heads in the tank. 1 Seio 620 and 2 Koralia 4's. Current temp is 72.8. Start at 69.8 about 30 minutes ago.

Here are my current tank inhabitants awaiting the new tank. At the top left you can see the two clowns protecting their eggs they have laid on the tile.

I've got my Co2 up and running. I had orginally bought the 500 gallon CR at Big Als Tent sale which they claimed was used once for a show. I got it for $100.00. Today I filled it with water and the water just came pouring out around the pump. The entire pump case was cracked. I took it back and they gave me my money back. So I picked up the 250 since I only bought the other one because of the price.

I filled up the return section of the sump and added some salt. I then turned my Euro-Reef RS-135 on for a test drive. OOOOHH! Lots of bubbles.

Hopefully I can add all the fish and rock tonight. But that may be premature.

Later

FB

Dooly · 07/06/2008, 05:57 PM

I wouldn't put your fish in the tank

no live rock, new water, new sand?

rkelman · 07/06/2008, 06:25 PM

"2 X 60W PC light (Planning on using these for the refugium)"

That's way overkill for growing chaeto. You can get the same result with 1 40w spiral lamp.

The tank is looking good. I like the stand. Have you made the rock yet?

FB · 07/06/2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dooly
I wouldn't put your fish in the tank

no live rock, new water, new sand?

The live rock in the bin will go into the tank. I can't just leave my fish in the middle of the floor for a week. So they are going to have to go into the tank.

I am going to start to acclimate the rubbermaid soon with a drip system. I have 3 anemones on the rocks, a couple of possibly still alive corals (were not doing well before the move)

FB · 07/06/2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rkelman
"2 X 60W PC light (Planning on using these for the refugium)"

That's way overkill for growing chaeto. You can get the same result with 1 40w spiral lamp.

The tank is looking good. I like the stand. Have you made the rock yet?

I suppose it might be. Maybe I will use them for my juvenille clowns.

I have not starting making rock yet. So the new rocks is still atleast 8 weeks out, probably more. The tank will have to do with 30 lbs for now. I don't have the money to buy rock!

FB · 07/06/2008, 06:39 PM

The tank is almost 77 degrees. and probably only 10-15 gallons more of water.

rkelman · 07/06/2008, 06:42 PM

How many fish do you have in there? I understand the no money for rock thing.. I thought breeding clowns was supposed to MAKE money.. I know it costs lots...

phil519 · 07/06/2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FB
The long painstaking process of adding water to the tank. 5gal / hour. I am also waiting for the water to start to clear. This coudl take a while.

We mounted my 1 250W MH on the top of the hood with the ballast next to it. I still have to order another one.

Next time add a plate of some sort on top of the sand, then when you pour the water in, hit the plate first. This will reduce the amount of sand getting agitated and clouding the water so much.

Also - isn't it a little risky to place the ballast next to the MH light like that? Why can't you mount the ballast in the back of the stand or canopy? I'm thinking the concerns are heat and possible salt spray.
I could be totally off since maybe a lot of people mount their ballast next to their light - but I didn't think so.

FB · 07/06/2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by phil519
Next time add a plate of some sort on top of the sand, then when you pour the water in, hit the plate first. This will reduce the amount of sand getting agitated and clouding the water so much.

Also - isn't it a little risky to place the ballast next to the MH light like that? Why can't you mount the ballast in the back of the stand or canopy? I'm thinking the concerns are heat and possible salt spray.
I could be totally off since maybe a lot of people mount their ballast next to their light - but I didn't think so.

I'm not sure about the placement of the ballast. I will wait and see what everyone else says. I does get hot so maybe not the best place for it.

FB

FB · 07/06/2008, 08:24 PM

Just did some water tests. All tests were done with Salifert test kits

Salinity 1.027
Alk 7.9 dKh
Cal 390
Mg 1245
Nitrate 0
PO4 0

I'm a little suprised by the Cal results. I am using Red Sea Coral Pro Salt which is supposed to mix to 480 @ 1.026. It was almost my last test for this test kit so the kit could be off.

It's also good to see no Nitrates and PO4 in fresh water.

I tried one of my old Nutrafin PH test kits and it turned a colour not even on the chart It's about 3 years old so I threw it out.

I still have more RO water to add so the salinity should come back down a little.

sooja · 07/06/2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by phil519
Next time add a plate of some sort on top of the sand, then when you pour the water in, hit the plate first. This will reduce the amount of sand getting agitated and clouding the water so much.

Works like a charm, I use a frisbee or the lid from a salt bucket

FB · 07/06/2008, 09:09 PM

Almost there. Tank has overflowed and I am now filling up the sump.

FB · 07/06/2008, 11:13 PM

Well 1:00 am and the tank is running. Still need to add more water but the water is flowing

The water is starting to clear up

The skimmer is pulling a lot of silt out of the water.

No fish in the tank yet but I am debating it.

07/06/2008, 11:17 AM	#34
bkwudzjeep O\|\|\|\|\|\|\|O Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 2,078	Great build!! I am setting up a 120 as well....verrry sloow moving on my end. One suggestion: I see a few hose barbs under your stand....some hose clamps would make a more secure hold, especially with the pressure from the return pump. They can also prevent a lot of salt creep coming from the connection. Keep up the good work!! I know how hard it is to have to wait to get that full of water....makes you want to just go out and buy the first batch of water... __________________ "You can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead." ~Laurel and Hardy Current Tank Info: Taking a break for a while

07/02/2008, 01:53 PM	#26
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Just phoned and my Co2 tank is ready. Hydrotested, New seal and Filled for $49.00. Dosen't sound to bad.

07/02/2008, 04:32 PM	#27
Semper Fi 1959 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Corner of Alexander and Grove, 4th floor Apt. 20 Posts: 462	I'm pretty sure you are NOT going to want to hear this but... I would do the following: I would go out and get a couple of Tunze's to replace "2 X MJ1200 1 X MJ900 2 X Seio 620" I know you already have the powerheads and all, but you can sell them or trade them for something. Since you are doing an SPS reef, flow along with lighting will be your 2 biggest areas of concern. And these are definitely 2 areas you won't want to skim on... I personally never really liked maxi jets so maybe I'm just biased, but I think even just 2 Tunze 6101's on a 7095 multicontroller will be better for the tank, and even make it look cleaner. Do you know what the 120 will look like with 5 powerheads in it? Plus, you'll be getting a ton more flow from a few Tunze's. You may even find that 2 don't do it, so you can always add a 3rd later. But in my opinion, 2 PROPERLY PLACED 6101's on a controller along with your retrun should be enough. I only have 3 in a 6 foot tank...and some people think I could get away with only 2. Then again I have a wavebox too so... Just my opinion, it usually means nothing to most! Happy reefing!

07/05/2008, 07:50 PM	#30
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Well the tank setup began today. We had to take the back centre brace out of the stand to get the sump in. Once in we screwed the board back into place. After being shocked twice with my previous tank I now had the opportunity to put in a GFCI With the sump in the stand and the GFCI in we were able to move the tank into position. I decided to go the play sand route again. My 30 gallon tank had a ton of critters in the sand and my nitrates were always low. Here is my friend adding the sand to the tank. We ended up using three bags. I placed the sand that was in my other tank in the refugium in the sump.

07/05/2008, 08:03 PM	#31
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	The long painstaking process of adding water to the tank. 5gal / hour. I am also waiting for the water to start to clear. This coudl take a while. About a 1/3 of the way there. We mounted the power strip on the top back of the stand. There is another one on the other side. I also put a ball valve on the return so I can turn it off if required. This was a last minute decission and am very happy I did it. At the bottom left is my Euro-Reef RS135. We mounted my 1 250W MH on the top of the hood with the ballast next to it. I still have to order another one.

07/05/2008, 08:12 PM	#32
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Lights all plugged in With a toddler running around and another one on the way I needed to ensure no little hands or foriegn objects get into the sump. We put child prood locks on the doors.

07/06/2008, 09:40 AM	#33
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Still filling the tank. What a slow process.

07/06/2008, 12:06 PM	#35
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I do plan on putting the hose clamps on, but the only things Lowes had were the metal ones. I heard you shoudn't use those as they will rust. FB

07/06/2008, 01:14 PM	#36
SunnyX Moved On Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,991	Good build so far. In your first post you stated that you would be using homemade live rock. Will you be adding any other live rock to seed the homemade rock? Personally I would have put 100% live rock into the tank. I wouldn't want to have a bad outbreak of algae in the beginning phase.

07/06/2008, 02:49 PM	#37
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I have 30 lbs of live rock from my 30 gal going in very soon. I have not started making the rock yet, so it's going to be a while before it is full. I have already seeded the sand with the sand from my current tank.

07/06/2008, 04:51 PM	#38
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	The tank is almost full. I have 3 heaters and 3 power heads in the tank. 1 Seio 620 and 2 Koralia 4's. Current temp is 72.8. Start at 69.8 about 30 minutes ago. Here are my current tank inhabitants awaiting the new tank. At the top left you can see the two clowns protecting their eggs they have laid on the tile. I've got my Co2 up and running. I had orginally bought the 500 gallon CR at Big Als Tent sale which they claimed was used once for a show. I got it for $100.00. Today I filled it with water and the water just came pouring out around the pump. The entire pump case was cracked. I took it back and they gave me my money back. So I picked up the 250 since I only bought the other one because of the price. I filled up the return section of the sump and added some salt. I then turned my Euro-Reef RS-135 on for a test drive. OOOOHH! Lots of bubbles. Hopefully I can add all the fish and rock tonight. But that may be premature. Later FB

07/06/2008, 05:57 PM	#39
Dooly Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,108	I wouldn't put your fish in the tank no live rock, new water, new sand?

07/06/2008, 06:25 PM	#40
rkelman Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Belleville, Ontario Canada Posts: 3,438	"2 X 60W PC light (Planning on using these for the refugium)" That's way overkill for growing chaeto. You can get the same result with 1 40w spiral lamp. The tank is looking good. I like the stand. Have you made the rock yet?

07/06/2008, 06:39 PM	#43
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	The tank is almost 77 degrees. and probably only 10-15 gallons more of water.

07/06/2008, 06:42 PM	#44
rkelman Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Belleville, Ontario Canada Posts: 3,438	How many fish do you have in there? I understand the no money for rock thing.. I thought breeding clowns was supposed to MAKE money.. I know it costs lots...

07/06/2008, 08:24 PM	#47
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Just did some water tests. All tests were done with Salifert test kits Salinity 1.027 Alk 7.9 dKh Cal 390 Mg 1245 Nitrate 0 PO4 0 I'm a little suprised by the Cal results. I am using Red Sea Coral Pro Salt which is supposed to mix to 480 @ 1.026. It was almost my last test for this test kit so the kit could be off. It's also good to see no Nitrates and PO4 in fresh water. I tried one of my old Nutrafin PH test kits and it turned a colour not even on the chart It's about 3 years old so I threw it out. I still have more RO water to add so the salinity should come back down a little.

07/06/2008, 09:09 PM	#49
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Almost there. Tank has overflowed and I am now filling up the sump.

07/06/2008, 11:13 PM	#50
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Well 1:00 am and the tank is running. Still need to add more water but the water is flowing The water is starting to clear up The skimmer is pulling a lot of silt out of the water. No fish in the tank yet but I am debating it.