FB's 120 Tank Build

FB · 05/03/2008, 02:04 PM

I just picked up a 120 4'X2'X2' w/coner overflow. I got the stand and hood with it. It may be a while before I get it setup but I am so excited.

Will post some pics later.

Now I have to decide where to put it.

I already have an RS135 Euro-reef skimmer. I also picked up a coralife calcium reactor for $100.00.

I still need a Sump, Return Pump and Co2 Setup and one more MH light.

I plan on making DIY Rocks for the entire tank. I can't justify the price of live rock.

Later

FB

Cyber-Burn · 05/03/2008, 04:40 PM

Sounds like a nice upgrade man, lets see some pics

FB · 05/04/2008, 01:00 PM

Here are some pics of the tank.

Front view

Front/Side View

Side View

FB · 05/06/2008, 06:58 AM

I need some help designing my sump.

I currently have a tank measuring 29LX12WX16H ~25gallon

I would like to put the following in my sump

Euro-reef RS135 Skimmer
Phosphate/Carbon Reactor
Heater
Fuge

I was thinking of buying a Mag 9.5 as the return pump.

Please let me know if this tank is big enough

Thanks

FB

kar93 · 05/06/2008, 07:01 AM

You probably need a biggeer sump than that, For my 55 i am using a 20 so for a 120 i reccomend something bigger. Maybe you could use a 75?

reefnut2790 · 05/06/2008, 07:17 AM

a normal 30 gallon tank fits nicely under the stand on my 120

kar93 · 05/06/2008, 07:18 AM

Ive always gone by, the bigger the better and get whatever fits. So if a 30 fits fine then i dont see a problem with it. But i think the euro reef skimmers are quite big, but ive never owned an RS-135.
I think the 75 i suggested would actually be too big for maintenance etc. So get whatever fits IMO.

FB · 05/08/2008, 09:34 AM

I am planning to place an order for stuff I need for the tank.

Please critic my order/setup

I currently have the following

1 X 250W MH Icecap XM20K
2 X MJ1200
1 XMJ900
2 X Seio 620
2 X 60W PC light (Planning on using these for the refugium)
1 X saline solution air stone protien skimmer (not going on new tank)
1 X Euro-reef RS-135 Protien Skimmer
1 X Coralife Calcium Reactor (500 Gal)

Stuff I am ordering

1 X 250W MH Icecap XM20K
1 X Mag 9.5 (for return from sump)
2 X Sure Flow MJ upgrade kits (for my 2 mj1200)
1 X Milwaukee Regulator w/needle valve & solenoid
1 X Twp Little Fishies Phosban Reactor kit (2 reactors, 1 MJ400, 300ML Optiphos, 1.87L Black Diamond Carbon, 5 1/2 feet of tubing)

--------------------

So my overal setup will be an SPS dominated tank. Is thier anything else you can think of that I need. With the 2 MJ kits, 2 seio's and the return pump it should have atleast 40-44X turnover. I'm still going to need a Co2 tank but I think I can get a better price locally. I am still looking for a good deal on a sump maybe a 45 - 50 gallon.

I am still debating getting 2 54W T5 Actinic lights and changing the MH bulbs back to XM 10K bulbs.

Any and all input would be great. If you also have a 120 build thread that you could point me to that would also be great.

Thanks

FB

FL.Joe · 05/08/2008, 10:09 AM

just catching up

FB · 05/08/2008, 07:52 PM

Nobody has any comments. I'm just looking for opinions good or bad.

Thanks

FB

nu2reefva · 05/08/2008, 08:23 PM

im about to make the same build and i would suggest to go with the t5 actinics and the XM10Ks they are going to give you better growthand you can still get that 20K look in the hours with no MH

also if you can afford to i would upgrade the reflectors that come with the Ice Cap retro to lumineric minis or IIIs.
it costs a little more but way worth it.

FB · 05/08/2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nu2reefva
also if you can afford to i would upgrade the reflectors that come with the Ice Cap retro to lumineric minis or IIIs.
it costs a little more but way worth it.

I agree that looks like an awesome upgrade. My only concern is the size of them. My hood is only 9 inches from the top of the wood to the rim of my tank. This dosen't leave much room for me sticking my hand in if required. The hood is not something I want to be taking on and off each time I was in the tank

nu2reefva · 05/09/2008, 07:36 AM

thats true im kinda building my own so its gonna be built around the lumis.

they do look great on a tank though.

kfisc · 05/09/2008, 08:09 AM

If your tank is going in the basement, let me make a pitch for a rubbermaid stock tank for a sump- they're roomy and easy to maintain. Also, I have an RS-135 for my 90; I like it a lot, but it may be a bit small for a 120, depending on stocking levels. Good luck!

FB · 05/09/2008, 09:55 AM

It is not going in the basement.

I had thought about rubbermaid.

Thanks

FB

Hornet · 05/09/2008, 10:39 AM

I'm getting ready to start a build with a 4ft tank and I've seen that a lot of people use a 40 gal breeder tank ( 36" x 18" x 16" ) for a sump. I'll probably go with that on my build unless I get froggy try building something outta acrylic myself.

FB · 05/11/2008, 10:49 PM

I'm really on the fence lighting wise.

I want to try a complete T5 setup. 8 X 54W bulbs

I was thinking URI bulbs with 2 AquaSun 10K, 3 Actinic White 12K and 3 Actinic.

But this is a lot of money and I already have one metal halide. I just don't know! I've been trying to find some information about T5 lighting but have had some difficulty. I Know they are comparable to MH but AHHHH!!!! Can't Decide.

FB

FL.Joe · 05/12/2008, 06:05 AM

i'm looking into to t-5 as well. i have a 55g glass tank for a sump with a 13g acrylic fuge i'm planning on using in my system. i see alot of people using the feed tubs that are 100g, if you have the room for them.

FB · 05/21/2008, 08:22 AM

I think I have somewhat decided on my lighting.

I am going to go with 2 250W MH ICECAP XM 10K bulbs

I am also going to get at least 2 48" 54W T5 but was thinking of doing 4. Would that be two much

If I did two I was going to get the URI Super Actinic Blue.
If I do four I was thinking of get the 2 X URI Super Actinic Blue and 2 X Actinic White 12K. One of each at the front of the tank and one of each at the back of the tank.

Please give me your opinions

Thanks

FB

sjames · 05/21/2008, 09:59 AM

If your going to run 10k MHs. Id use all blue bulbs. You wont need any PAR from the t5s just some blue to eliminate the yellow tinge of the 10ks.

FB · 05/21/2008, 11:11 AM

So then two should be enough?

sjames · 05/21/2008, 11:22 AM

I currently run 2. I think it would look a bit better with 4.

FB · 05/21/2008, 03:25 PM

I'm not getting any special deal on the second set of T5's so I'll buy one set and if I want more I can buy more!

FB · 05/23/2008, 11:31 AM

I was able to get a great deal on a used Co2 Tank, Regulator, Solenoid and needle valve. The tank may need to be hydrotested before filling but that only cost $17.00. He also gave me a 10lb contanier of ARM Calcium Reactor media for $10.00

I also got a deal on a 60 gallon tank, 45 gallon sump and metal stand. I am going to use the sump in my new tank and use the 60 gallon in my breeding setup somehow.

So I think all I need now are the lights, return pump and a phosban reactor.

Oh and live rock and sand of course.

FB · 07/02/2008, 09:25 AM

I picked up my return pump on the weekend. The Mag 9.5 along with the return and drain hose.

My Co2 tank is in getting hydrotested as we speak. Once completed they will fill it.

I still need to order my second MH light.

I think I may acutally get water in it this weekend but that may be a bit premature.

FB

05/03/2008, 02:04 PM	#1
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	FB's 120 Tank Build I just picked up a 120 4'X2'X2' w/coner overflow. I got the stand and hood with it. It may be a while before I get it setup but I am so excited. Will post some pics later. Now I have to decide where to put it. I already have an RS135 Euro-reef skimmer. I also picked up a coralife calcium reactor for $100.00. I still need a Sump, Return Pump and Co2 Setup and one more MH light. I plan on making DIY Rocks for the entire tank. I can't justify the price of live rock. Later FB

05/08/2008, 10:09 AM	#9
FL.Joe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Petersburg, Fl Posts: 158	just catching up __________________ JoJo, Proud Pitbull Daddy Current Tank Info: 135g reef tank, 55g glass sump

05/08/2008, 08:23 PM	#11
nu2reefva Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 427	im about to make the same build and i would suggest to go with the t5 actinics and the XM10Ks they are going to give you better growthand you can still get that 20K look in the hours with no MH also if you can afford to i would upgrade the reflectors that come with the Ice Cap retro to lumineric minis or IIIs. it costs a little more but way worth it. __________________ "Dont you just love the smell of Acro in the Morning!" Current Tank Info: 120, ATB 840, LMIII 2-Part baby, 250 watt 20k radiums on new Ice Cap, Lumenbright III, VHO actinics, Nano Wavebox, Dart Closed Loop with OM 4 Way, Eheim Return, 100Lbs of Marshal Rock, 150Lbs of Sand

05/09/2008, 07:36 AM	#13
nu2reefva Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 427	thats true im kinda building my own so its gonna be built around the lumis. they do look great on a tank though. __________________ "Dont you just love the smell of Acro in the Morning!" Current Tank Info: 120, ATB 840, LMIII 2-Part baby, 250 watt 20k radiums on new Ice Cap, Lumenbright III, VHO actinics, Nano Wavebox, Dart Closed Loop with OM 4 Way, Eheim Return, 100Lbs of Marshal Rock, 150Lbs of Sand

05/09/2008, 10:39 AM	#16
Hornet Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hampton Roads, VA Posts: 145	I'm getting ready to start a build with a 4ft tank and I've seen that a lot of people use a 40 gal breeder tank ( 36" x 18" x 16" ) for a sump. I'll probably go with that on my build unless I get froggy try building something outta acrylic myself. __________________ 150 gal, 40g sump, Constellation T5 Light Fixture, Octo Ext. 200, ACIII, OM-4way Current Tank Info: 150 gal, 40g sump, Constellation T5 Light Fixture, Octo Ext. 200, ACIII, OM-4way

05/03/2008, 04:40 PM	#2
Cyber-Burn Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 30	Sounds like a nice upgrade man, lets see some pics

05/04/2008, 01:00 PM	#3
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Here are some pics of the tank. Front view Front/Side View Side View

05/06/2008, 06:58 AM	#4
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I need some help designing my sump. I currently have a tank measuring 29LX12WX16H ~25gallon I would like to put the following in my sump Euro-reef RS135 Skimmer Phosphate/Carbon Reactor Heater Fuge I was thinking of buying a Mag 9.5 as the return pump. Please let me know if this tank is big enough Thanks FB

05/06/2008, 07:01 AM	#5
kar93 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lincoln Posts: 5,521	You probably need a biggeer sump than that, For my 55 i am using a 20 so for a 120 i reccomend something bigger. Maybe you could use a 75?

05/06/2008, 07:17 AM	#6
reefnut2790 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: cincy, ohio Posts: 123	a normal 30 gallon tank fits nicely under the stand on my 120

05/06/2008, 07:18 AM	#7
kar93 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lincoln Posts: 5,521	Ive always gone by, the bigger the better and get whatever fits. So if a 30 fits fine then i dont see a problem with it. But i think the euro reef skimmers are quite big, but ive never owned an RS-135. I think the 75 i suggested would actually be too big for maintenance etc. So get whatever fits IMO.

05/08/2008, 09:34 AM	#8
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I am planning to place an order for stuff I need for the tank. Please critic my order/setup I currently have the following 1 X 250W MH Icecap XM20K 2 X MJ1200 1 XMJ900 2 X Seio 620 2 X 60W PC light (Planning on using these for the refugium) 1 X saline solution air stone protien skimmer (not going on new tank) 1 X Euro-reef RS-135 Protien Skimmer 1 X Coralife Calcium Reactor (500 Gal) Stuff I am ordering 1 X 250W MH Icecap XM20K 1 X Mag 9.5 (for return from sump) 2 X Sure Flow MJ upgrade kits (for my 2 mj1200) 1 X Milwaukee Regulator w/needle valve & solenoid 1 X Twp Little Fishies Phosban Reactor kit (2 reactors, 1 MJ400, 300ML Optiphos, 1.87L Black Diamond Carbon, 5 1/2 feet of tubing) -------------------- So my overal setup will be an SPS dominated tank. Is thier anything else you can think of that I need. With the 2 MJ kits, 2 seio's and the return pump it should have atleast 40-44X turnover. I'm still going to need a Co2 tank but I think I can get a better price locally. I am still looking for a good deal on a sump maybe a 45 - 50 gallon. I am still debating getting 2 54W T5 Actinic lights and changing the MH bulbs back to XM 10K bulbs. Any and all input would be great. If you also have a 120 build thread that you could point me to that would also be great. Thanks FB

05/08/2008, 07:52 PM	#10
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	Nobody has any comments. I'm just looking for opinions good or bad. Thanks FB

05/09/2008, 08:09 AM	#14
kfisc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,020	If your tank is going in the basement, let me make a pitch for a rubbermaid stock tank for a sump- they're roomy and easy to maintain. Also, I have an RS-135 for my 90; I like it a lot, but it may be a bit small for a 120, depending on stocking levels. Good luck!

05/09/2008, 09:55 AM	#15
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	It is not going in the basement. I had thought about rubbermaid. Thanks FB

05/11/2008, 10:49 PM	#17
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I'm really on the fence lighting wise. I want to try a complete T5 setup. 8 X 54W bulbs I was thinking URI bulbs with 2 AquaSun 10K, 3 Actinic White 12K and 3 Actinic. But this is a lot of money and I already have one metal halide. I just don't know! I've been trying to find some information about T5 lighting but have had some difficulty. I Know they are comparable to MH but AHHHH!!!! Can't Decide. FB

05/12/2008, 06:05 AM	#18
FL.Joe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Petersburg, Fl Posts: 158	i'm looking into to t-5 as well. i have a 55g glass tank for a sump with a 13g acrylic fuge i'm planning on using in my system. i see alot of people using the feed tubs that are 100g, if you have the room for them. __________________ JoJo, Proud Pitbull Daddy Current Tank Info: 135g reef tank, 55g glass sump

05/21/2008, 08:22 AM	#19
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I think I have somewhat decided on my lighting. I am going to go with 2 250W MH ICECAP XM 10K bulbs I am also going to get at least 2 48" 54W T5 but was thinking of doing 4. Would that be two much If I did two I was going to get the URI Super Actinic Blue. If I do four I was thinking of get the 2 X URI Super Actinic Blue and 2 X Actinic White 12K. One of each at the front of the tank and one of each at the back of the tank. Please give me your opinions Thanks FB

05/21/2008, 09:59 AM	#20
sjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Posts: 675	If your going to run 10k MHs. Id use all blue bulbs. You wont need any PAR from the t5s just some blue to eliminate the yellow tinge of the 10ks.

05/21/2008, 11:11 AM	#21
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	So then two should be enough?

05/21/2008, 11:22 AM	#22
sjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Posts: 675	I currently run 2. I think it would look a bit better with 4.

05/21/2008, 03:25 PM	#23
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I'm not getting any special deal on the second set of T5's so I'll buy one set and if I want more I can buy more!

05/23/2008, 11:31 AM	#24
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I was able to get a great deal on a used Co2 Tank, Regulator, Solenoid and needle valve. The tank may need to be hydrotested before filling but that only cost $17.00. He also gave me a 10lb contanier of ARM Calcium Reactor media for $10.00 I also got a deal on a 60 gallon tank, 45 gallon sump and metal stand. I am going to use the sump in my new tank and use the 60 gallon in my breeding setup somehow. So I think all I need now are the lights, return pump and a phosban reactor. Oh and live rock and sand of course.

07/02/2008, 09:25 AM	#25
FB Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgetown, ON Posts: 1,305	I picked up my return pump on the weekend. The Mag 9.5 along with the return and drain hose. My Co2 tank is in getting hydrotested as we speak. Once completed they will fill it. I still need to order my second MH light. I think I may acutally get water in it this weekend but that may be a bit premature. FB