4th SW tank but first real build. 120 reef - Page 4

allsps40 · 11/03/2010, 07:29 PM

Nice build. Corals are looking good. I have always like the the depth of that tank. With the overflow you have instead of the mega flows you get even more usable depth.

RVANANO · 11/03/2010, 08:01 PM

Thanks!! It was a tough choice deciding which overflow to go with. I plan on a 300 DD next when I move. If so, I will do an external rear overflow.

I hope to take some more FTS shots now that the pink algae is almost gone. The coraline has really filled in nicely on the rock now at 10 months.

Fishfish001. I have been told that 90 gallons is min for the small-med blue throats. That could be debated. I feel comfortable with them in the 4x2 w. failry minimal rock.

shaggss · 11/04/2010, 04:19 AM

hey looking good as usual! Great lookn triggers

Quote:

Thanks!! It was a tough choice deciding which overflow to go with. I plan on a 300 DD next when I move. If so, I will do an external rear overflow.

I think an external C2C with a Bean overflow would be very cool!

cheers

jasonrp104 · 11/04/2010, 04:51 AM

I went back and looked but I couldn't see how much rock you used. Just wondering because that's roughly the look I want for my upcoming 120. I love the open space BTW. Looks great, and I want to touch that giesman in dirty ways

RVANANO · 11/04/2010, 06:53 AM

Hahahaha. Thanks. The right rock island is composed of only 4 rocks. 3 smaller ones at about 3-4 lbs each acting as supports for the 25-30 lb'er on top. The left island is only 5-6 rocks totalling about 35 lbs or so. I would say all in all I have about 75 lbs. The Giesemman is a great fixture. Expensive but reliable, beautiful and silent

Unfortunately my yellow finned (male correct?) blue throat didn't make it. So odd. That's 2 blue throats that have died in my tank although the first one was from a blockage. Everything else is super healthy & happy. The blue reef chromis all dissapeared within a month too so I will definitely not ever buy another. That seems common. If I want schooling fish, I will go with Anthias.

So now my list of fish is as follows.

1 med blue throat
1 med sailfin tang
1 med yellow tang
2 clowns
1 flamehawk
1 YWG
1 small six line

Good news too.... My pink cotton candy type algae has almost been entirely wiped out by my Mexican Turbo snails.

RVANANO · 11/06/2010, 05:37 PM

I decided to start over on the plumbing for the fuge. Shortened up the overflow drains so that the fuge can drain into the same custom overflow bubble trap box I had made. All new plumbing for the fuge return as well. Added a small shelf for test kits and some various other things while I was in there.

I decided to put the calcium reactor on the shelf by the fuge. The CO2 tank will fit there as well. I raised the shelf up above the fuge a few inches so that I could mount the light underneath and put a small 5 gallon ATO tank as well.

Sorry for the camera phone pix. My wide angle lens is broken

RVANANO · 11/07/2010, 04:47 PM

Here are some better photos after it's all buttoned up. I need to work on wire management next.

RVANANO · 11/09/2010, 04:04 PM

Back on track now. The snails have pretty much eliminated all the pink algae so I moved the coral back to the rocks. Did a little rearranging too.

This is the tank at about 10 months.

RVANANO · 11/09/2010, 04:06 PM

blair graphix · 12/07/2010, 11:19 AM

Very nice tank... I am in the process of researching for a tank upgrade and think you just sold me on the overflow. I'll definitely have to look into that.

CeeGee · 12/07/2010, 12:48 PM

10 months and looking great!

I am most impressed with the neatness of the plumbing. That yellow tang looks a little thin might want to get him some nori. Then again could just be the pics. Good Job though I am really impressed.

RVANANO · 12/07/2010, 01:00 PM

Thanks everyone!!! I seem to get the most compliments on the cleanliness and use of space in the closet. I added a Deltec P509 calcium reactor in the closet as well so I need to update my pix. My only problem with the setup is that I need to do some serious wire management.

Yeah, the yellow tang just looks thin in the pix. He is currently fat and happy. And he eats Bryopsis!!! I feed nori every other day. I am amazed that everything goes crazy over that stuff. The cleaner shrimp, blue throat, six line, tangs etc. The tangs even let me touch them when they are feeding on the nori

At least I know how to catch them if need be.

It really does amaze me how much it's grown/matured over such a short time. I am anxious to see a comparison at 18-24 months!!!

heckhole · 12/07/2010, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVANANO

Friggin sweet looking setup, I wish I had the time/patience/funding to make my system so nice. I want to atleast double the size of my 75gal but your setup makes me think a 120 would be plenty.... I need to compromise due to limited space.

However, can I offer a bit of advice? Please, please find a 'safe' dry location for that power strip. Pipes leak, it happens from time to time. Where it's currently mounted is SCREAMING fire hazard.

RVANANO · 12/07/2010, 01:31 PM

Hahaha. That's why I posted my last comment about wire management. Next plan of action. It looks spacially different in the photo. The pipes are set out away from the wall several inches.

I spent a lot of time planning. It was well worth the delay on setting everything up. I went with the 120 b/c I didn't want to have wished I went bigger down the road. Although I already do! Itching for a 300+ DD. But limited in space. I plan on buying/building a house in 2-3 years and the room and/or house will be designed around the tank and not the other way around

KafudaFish · 12/07/2010, 01:48 PM

Very nice build. You should be pleased with it.

I bet there are those that never go out there I mean here that would like to see while they are resting on the couch.

WhoDey64 · 12/07/2010, 02:03 PM

Looking great, lets see some updated pics =)

RVANANO · 12/07/2010, 02:20 PM

Well hey Mike... Nice to see you here

I think it IS time for an update. I just cleaned the back glass yesterday so ask and you shall receive. I will update when I get home this eve.

thebanker · 12/07/2010, 03:10 PM

Brandon, nice build. Your sump and plumbing setup is cool. When I rebuild my tank I'll be calling you for some PVC how-to's!

RVANANO · 12/07/2010, 05:35 PM

Anytime my good friend^

Here are some updated pix. Not the best quality b/c my 17-85mm lens is broken

I also realized that not much has changed since the last photos so I will probably wait a bit longer for follow ups....

OKchris · 12/07/2010, 05:51 PM

Looking good

shaggss · 12/08/2010, 05:12 PM

RVANANO,

Great as usual! Well done. Good luck with cleaning up the wires, PITA job

How is that Flame Hawkfish doing? I really want one as well. They look great and have heaps of personality. Is he eating ok?

cheers

RVANANO · 12/08/2010, 08:14 PM

Thanks!!!! Always loved your tank!!!

The flamehawk is awesome. Eats whatever food you add. Terrific personality. Like the sheriff in the tank. Always looks mad like he is sizing you up lol. My wife loved it the first time she saw one. "I like that one cuz it looks pi**ed". Which is good b/c prior she didn't care about the tank at all. Have to get em started somewhere

forrealb50 · 12/08/2010, 08:31 PM

Stunning tank! Everything looks healthy and the trigger is the best fish in there!

RVANANO · 12/09/2010, 08:31 AM

I would like to get some opinions. I have been considering adding more rock to the back left and right corners. I want some more room for coral placement and I think the fact that the islands are more in the center, that the rocks all the way to the back left and right corners could help give a little more depth.

It's a tough call for me and I would need to find the ideal rocks piece by piece.

Thoughts or suggestions?

thebanker · 12/09/2010, 11:27 AM

Just gotta find the right rocks, or put in some fast growing SPS to fill out the space. I do think it would look good. You could always go with dry rock, scrub some existing coralline algae into the water column, and keep the dry rock in your refugium until it colors up a little.

Make sure you keep the "break" in the rockwork where it is. Looks cool and breaks things up a little, visually.

12/07/2010, 12:48 PM	#86
CeeGee Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: TN Posts: 3,272	10 months and looking great! I am most impressed with the neatness of the plumbing. That yellow tang looks a little thin might want to get him some nori. Then again could just be the pics. Good Job though I am really impressed. __________________ My algae WAS special. Current Tank Info: 75 gallon display, 40 gallon breeder sump, RLSS R6i, ATI Powermodule, Apex, Ecotech MP40's Last edited by CeeGee; 12/07/2010 at 01:15 PM.

12/07/2010, 01:00 PM	#87
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Thanks everyone!!! I seem to get the most compliments on the cleanliness and use of space in the closet. I added a Deltec P509 calcium reactor in the closet as well so I need to update my pix. My only problem with the setup is that I need to do some serious wire management. Yeah, the yellow tang just looks thin in the pix. He is currently fat and happy. And he eats Bryopsis!!! I feed nori every other day. I am amazed that everything goes crazy over that stuff. The cleaner shrimp, blue throat, six line, tangs etc. The tangs even let me touch them when they are feeding on the nori At least I know how to catch them if need be. It really does amaze me how much it's grown/matured over such a short time. I am anxious to see a comparison at 18-24 months!!! __________________ Brandon "Your opinion is appreciated. Unless it's stupid" -Me Current Tank Info: "Nano" 300 peninsula reef in progress

12/07/2010, 01:31 PM	#89
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Hahaha. That's why I posted my last comment about wire management. Next plan of action. It looks spacially different in the photo. The pipes are set out away from the wall several inches. I spent a lot of time planning. It was well worth the delay on setting everything up. I went with the 120 b/c I didn't want to have wished I went bigger down the road. Although I already do! Itching for a 300+ DD. But limited in space. I plan on buying/building a house in 2-3 years and the room and/or house will be designed around the tank and not the other way around __________________ Brandon "Your opinion is appreciated. Unless it's stupid" -Me Current Tank Info: "Nano" 300 peninsula reef in progress

12/07/2010, 02:20 PM	#92
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Well hey Mike... Nice to see you here I think it IS time for an update. I just cleaned the back glass yesterday so ask and you shall receive. I will update when I get home this eve. __________________ Brandon "Your opinion is appreciated. Unless it's stupid" -Me Current Tank Info: "Nano" 300 peninsula reef in progress

12/07/2010, 05:35 PM	#94
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Anytime my good friend^ Here are some updated pix. Not the best quality b/c my 17-85mm lens is broken I also realized that not much has changed since the last photos so I will probably wait a bit longer for follow ups.... __________________ Brandon "Your opinion is appreciated. Unless it's stupid" -Me Current Tank Info: "Nano" 300 peninsula reef in progress

11/03/2010, 07:29 PM	#76
allsps40 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 4,627	Nice build. Corals are looking good. I have always like the the depth of that tank. With the overflow you have instead of the mega flows you get even more usable depth.

11/03/2010, 08:01 PM	#77
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Thanks!! It was a tough choice deciding which overflow to go with. I plan on a 300 DD next when I move. If so, I will do an external rear overflow. I hope to take some more FTS shots now that the pink algae is almost gone. The coraline has really filled in nicely on the rock now at 10 months. Fishfish001. I have been told that 90 gallons is min for the small-med blue throats. That could be debated. I feel comfortable with them in the 4x2 w. failry minimal rock.

11/04/2010, 04:51 AM	#79
jasonrp104 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: vt Posts: 1,113	I went back and looked but I couldn't see how much rock you used. Just wondering because that's roughly the look I want for my upcoming 120. I love the open space BTW. Looks great, and I want to touch that giesman in dirty ways

11/04/2010, 06:53 AM	#80
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Hahahaha. Thanks. The right rock island is composed of only 4 rocks. 3 smaller ones at about 3-4 lbs each acting as supports for the 25-30 lb'er on top. The left island is only 5-6 rocks totalling about 35 lbs or so. I would say all in all I have about 75 lbs. The Giesemman is a great fixture. Expensive but reliable, beautiful and silent Unfortunately my yellow finned (male correct?) blue throat didn't make it. So odd. That's 2 blue throats that have died in my tank although the first one was from a blockage. Everything else is super healthy & happy. The blue reef chromis all dissapeared within a month too so I will definitely not ever buy another. That seems common. If I want schooling fish, I will go with Anthias. So now my list of fish is as follows. 1 med blue throat 1 med sailfin tang 1 med yellow tang 2 clowns 1 flamehawk 1 YWG 1 small six line Good news too.... My pink cotton candy type algae has almost been entirely wiped out by my Mexican Turbo snails.

11/07/2010, 04:47 PM	#82
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Here are some better photos after it's all buttoned up. I need to work on wire management next.

11/09/2010, 04:04 PM	#83
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Back on track now. The snails have pretty much eliminated all the pink algae so I moved the coral back to the rocks. Did a little rearranging too. This is the tank at about 10 months.

11/09/2010, 04:06 PM	#84
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404

12/07/2010, 11:19 AM	#85
blair graphix Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 43	Very nice tank... I am in the process of researching for a tank upgrade and think you just sold me on the overflow. I'll definitely have to look into that.

12/07/2010, 01:48 PM	#90
KafudaFish Cyprinius carpio Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,496	Very nice build. You should be pleased with it. I bet there are those that never go out there I mean here that would like to see while they are resting on the couch.

12/07/2010, 02:03 PM	#91
WhoDey64 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ft Lauderdale Florida Posts: 1,311	Looking great, lets see some updated pics =)

12/07/2010, 03:10 PM	#93
thebanker Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 2,315	Brandon, nice build. Your sump and plumbing setup is cool. When I rebuild my tank I'll be calling you for some PVC how-to's!

12/07/2010, 05:51 PM	#95
OKchris Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 45	Looking good __________________ Not just a hobby, its an obsession. Current Tank Info: Planning a 90 gallon t5 SPS

12/08/2010, 05:12 PM	#96
shaggss Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,709	RVANANO, Great as usual! Well done. Good luck with cleaning up the wires, PITA job How is that Flame Hawkfish doing? I really want one as well. They look great and have heaps of personality. Is he eating ok? cheers __________________ NEVER get eye level with an infants anus! New build, planning stages. 30 x 20 x 20", Geisemann Spectra 250W with Radium, Profilux controller, Profilux doser 2, Fluval SP4 return pump, Life Reef 28

12/08/2010, 08:14 PM	#97
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Thanks!!!! Always loved your tank!!! The flamehawk is awesome. Eats whatever food you add. Terrific personality. Like the sheriff in the tank. Always looks mad like he is sizing you up lol. My wife loved it the first time she saw one. "I like that one cuz it looks pi**ed". Which is good b/c prior she didn't care about the tank at all. Have to get em started somewhere __________________ Brandon "Your opinion is appreciated. Unless it's stupid" -Me Current Tank Info: "Nano" 300 peninsula reef in progress

12/08/2010, 08:31 PM	#98
forrealb50 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 510	Stunning tank! Everything looks healthy and the trigger is the best fish in there!

12/09/2010, 08:31 AM	#99
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	I would like to get some opinions. I have been considering adding more rock to the back left and right corners. I want some more room for coral placement and I think the fact that the islands are more in the center, that the rocks all the way to the back left and right corners could help give a little more depth. It's a tough call for me and I would need to find the ideal rocks piece by piece. Thoughts or suggestions? __________________ Brandon "Your opinion is appreciated. Unless it's stupid" -Me Current Tank Info: "Nano" 300 peninsula reef in progress

12/09/2010, 11:27 AM	#100
thebanker Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 2,315	Just gotta find the right rocks, or put in some fast growing SPS to fill out the space. I do think it would look good. You could always go with dry rock, scrub some existing coralline algae into the water column, and keep the dry rock in your refugium until it colors up a little. Make sure you keep the "break" in the rockwork where it is. Looks cool and breaks things up a little, visually.