My 125gal Reef Build from Day 1 PICS!

gooyferret · 04/29/2009, 01:12 PM

Well setting up my 125gallon reef tank and DIY stand and canopy, and they cycle has begun but thought I would start a thread to get ideas and opinions on setup. Also future purchases...

Current setup:
125gal reef ready tank, DIY stand and canopy
Alot of LR not sure on Lbs, but around 150+
4" of LS
In tank pumps: 2 MaxiJets with Sureflow mods 2100gph each.
Retrofit 250watt MH 14k bulbs Coralvue ballasts X3
Sump: 40gal Breeder tank
Return pump: Mag 12
Skimmer: Urchin Pro In sump skimmer with Mag 3 (want to upgrade)
Heaters: Visitherm stealth 250watts x2

Heres some pictures of stand and canopy DIY build:

Heres the tank sitting on stand with rock and sand:

The tank complete and cycling:

gooyferret · 04/29/2009, 01:14 PM

Let me know if you guys want other pictures also....Give me some advice on what else to get for the setup..Thanks

Sugar Magnolia · 04/29/2009, 01:30 PM

I see you went with imageshack.

Fantastic job on the stand and canopy. It looks great! It looks like you have a ton of rocks in there. Just make sure you have plenty of flow through and behind the rockwork so you don't end up with dead spots that accumulate detritus.

cccapt · 04/29/2009, 01:34 PM

What did you use to span that 6' length without using a support brace? You're looking at alot of weight...with nothing supporting the middle?

gooyferret · 04/29/2009, 01:45 PM

Its all engineered 3/4 CDX plywood, I will get some pics and show more of the build.

gooyferret · 04/29/2009, 01:51 PM

Here are the pictures from the build showing the support on the inside:

Ya i did use imageshack but its still not letting me create an account...

gooyferret · 04/30/2009, 09:23 PM

The 3/4" plywood 6" wide is what is actually holding the tank for support all the way across the front, back, and sides. There is corner reinforment as you can see in the last picture. Everything is then wood glued into place and nailed.

There is no center support in the front or back of the stand, that way i was able to design it with double doors 30" wide for a total opening of 60" in the front. This gives me complete access to the sump and equipment.

My wife dosent complain to much about my expensive hobby....YET! haha... Her and the dog fascinated...the tank is just cycling....LOL

gooyferret · 04/30/2009, 09:27 PM

Here is a front shot of the tank:

greatXss · 05/03/2009, 12:15 AM

Looks great so far!

robot2222 · 05/03/2009, 12:59 AM

i really like the stand and canopy.

gooyferret · 05/03/2009, 11:47 AM

Thanks I was thinking of putting on some crown molding or something along the top of it, but it might get in the way of the canopy opening......

My wife wanted a more country look to the stand and canopy, so this is what i figured out....It works for now.

gooyferret · 05/03/2009, 09:10 PM

Well I tested my ammonia again today and last time i tested (about 3 days ago) it was above 1.0 now its between 0 and .5

Looks like i will be done with the cycle shortly, and will be stocking the tank.

I will be doing a reef with SPS, LPS, and some softies...Any suggestions on what to get?

Also any fish suggestions?

TIA

r-balljunkie · 05/03/2009, 10:15 PM

No SPS for 8-12 months, or you will be throwing money away.

If you want the goodies, get some nice LPS acans, scolys, dendros, zoas. NO SPS. Be patient, let your tank settle in.

Also consider getting a QT tank, since you will be stocking up on fish quickly. Make them take a pit stop in QT it only takes one crash to wipe out some serious fish. Take it from me, expensive lessons.

Did I already say no SPS?

Also, in a few months or so, think about thinning out the rockwork a bitâ€¦â€¦ the wall of death going. I find its better to have a bit of separation in your tank, for better flow pattern. You have a 6 footer, no need to stack it up like so.

Also, ditch the skimmer. get something better. i would suggest going over the rating, factor of 2

Good luck, and yes it does get expensive, but who is counting!!

c

gooyferret · 05/03/2009, 10:29 PM

My next purchase is a new skimmer actually, the Urchin Pro i have is only rated for 125gal max so i will be upgrading that soon. Also may do a DIY calc reactor, to add on.

There is alot of holes and caves in the LR, but i will be taking some out and putting below in the sump over time when its getting more full of corals! The funny thing is its stacked behind it also, there is alot of LR in the tank probably around 160-200lbs. Hard to tell how much i didnt weight it....LOL

r-balljunkie · 05/03/2009, 10:33 PM

good deal.

hold off on the calcium reactor. no need for some time, as you should be fine with regular water changes to keep up elements.

if your going to spend the bux, consider a reef controller, or a vortech pump. much much better investments early on. you wont have a load for a calcium reactor for some time (since your not getting sps for a few months...hint hint).

regarding live rock, my best guess is i have 90-100#'s tops in my tank, even though i wouldnt bet on it, probably less.

c

gooyferret · 05/03/2009, 10:38 PM

Ya this tank has been torn down for sometime and my mom tore her tank down also so i have her rock and mine also.. Which is nice if I start another tank.....Wife will be ****ed! At least i will have enough rock cured for that also! LOL

gooyferret · 05/03/2009, 10:39 PM

Im planning on DIY calc reactor that way its ready to go when i need it

downhillbiker · 05/04/2009, 01:04 AM

your tank is really coming along. that last pic looks gorgeous. how long before the first living creature goes in?

imcosmokramer · 05/04/2009, 07:00 AM

stand/canopy look amazing. can't wait to see this develop.

gooyferret · 05/04/2009, 12:28 PM

Well i think it would be this week im going to test ammonia lvls again tonight.

Any suggestions on fish and some corals?

gooyferret · 05/04/2009, 12:29 PM

Im going to be buying mostly frags for corals and then have them grow from that, so im being eco-friendly!

Give me some ideas for some softies and LPS...Might go to the LFS and get some frags on friday! Please suggestions would be great!

Alaskan Reefer · 05/04/2009, 04:56 PM

Really nice looking tank / stand / canopy. I would change up the aquascape some for flow / personal taste -- even if it's just to move some of what's in the middle to the front or something. I've aquascaped my 125g at least 50 times, and ultimately the two island look wins for me. The next money I'd spend on it would be to upgrade the skimmer, that's the weakest link in your equipment and the one piece that will make the most long term difference.

gooyferret · 05/04/2009, 06:35 PM

YUP i agree im planning on upgrading the skimmer very shortly.
The rock is all the way to the back glass its just alot of rock with no where to put it. I will maybe setup another tank in the near future and use some for that....

For my first additions do you think I could put 2 small clowns and 1 small 1" blue tang in?

w16227 · 05/05/2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gooyferret
YUP i agree im planning on upgrading the skimmer very shortly.
The rock is all the way to the back glass its just alot of rock with no where to put it. I will maybe setup another tank in the near future and use some for that....

For my first additions do you think I could put 2 small clowns and 1 small 1" blue tang in?

Not bad for 1st additions - but get percs or ocellaris for the clowns as they are much less aggressive than others - like maroons. The blue is a non-aggressive tang- so another decent 1st addition.

One nots on the blue tang - they are notorious for ICH. Tangs in general are more susceptible - so you need to be careful adding them. Not everone uses a QT tank- but a 4-6 week QT is rarely a bad thing.

Like a couple of others have said - you may want to remove some of the rock. Coral growth will fill out a lot of the top space - especially if you add SPS. Plus- a lot of corals are already on smaller rocks - so you will be able to puzzle piece more in to fill any gaps. what you really want to avoid are potential dead zones that block flow. These are the areas of the tank that will cause the most isseus down the line. Try and get the rock stacked and stable before adding the 1st fish - as you do not want to shift the pieces too much after you add livestock.

My tank is very similar - 125 with the corner overflows. The high water volume is nice - as you have more margin for error. I added 2 clowns and a rabbitfish as the first fish.

You may not need the calcium reactor for a bit - but if you go with LPS and some beginner SPS, you will probably need to supplement. After 2 months - I needed to start using kalk (though I did add a lot of corals).

good luck

gooyferret · 05/05/2009, 07:48 PM

Yes im planning on getting the tank fully stocked in or around the 6 month mark!

I will be getting frags since price is way cheaper!

I may get maybe 1 sps frag on friday and mostly just polyps and LPS for first additions for corals...

More input would be AWESOME! thanks!

04/29/2009, 01:12 PM	#1
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	My 125gal Reef Build from Day 1 PICS! Well setting up my 125gallon reef tank and DIY stand and canopy, and they cycle has begun but thought I would start a thread to get ideas and opinions on setup. Also future purchases... Current setup: 125gal reef ready tank, DIY stand and canopy Alot of LR not sure on Lbs, but around 150+ 4" of LS In tank pumps: 2 MaxiJets with Sureflow mods 2100gph each. Retrofit 250watt MH 14k bulbs Coralvue ballasts X3 Sump: 40gal Breeder tank Return pump: Mag 12 Skimmer: Urchin Pro In sump skimmer with Mag 3 (want to upgrade) Heaters: Visitherm stealth 250watts x2 Heres some pictures of stand and canopy DIY build: Heres the tank sitting on stand with rock and sand: The tank complete and cycling: Last edited by gooyferret; 04/29/2009 at 01:18 PM.

04/29/2009, 01:14 PM	#2
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Let me know if you guys want other pictures also....Give me some advice on what else to get for the setup..Thanks __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

04/29/2009, 01:30 PM	#3
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	I see you went with imageshack. Fantastic job on the stand and canopy. It looks great! It looks like you have a ton of rocks in there. Just make sure you have plenty of flow through and behind the rockwork so you don't end up with dead spots that accumulate detritus. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

04/29/2009, 01:34 PM	#4
cccapt Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: N.E. PA Posts: 842	What did you use to span that 6' length without using a support brace? You're looking at alot of weight...with nothing supporting the middle? __________________ /Larry Current Tank Info: 125 reef

04/29/2009, 01:45 PM	#5
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Its all engineered 3/4 CDX plywood, I will get some pics and show more of the build. __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

04/29/2009, 01:51 PM	#6
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Here are the pictures from the build showing the support on the inside: Ya i did use imageshack but its still not letting me create an account...

04/30/2009, 09:23 PM	#7
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	The 3/4" plywood 6" wide is what is actually holding the tank for support all the way across the front, back, and sides. There is corner reinforment as you can see in the last picture. Everything is then wood glued into place and nailed. There is no center support in the front or back of the stand, that way i was able to design it with double doors 30" wide for a total opening of 60" in the front. This gives me complete access to the sump and equipment. My wife dosent complain to much about my expensive hobby....YET! haha... Her and the dog fascinated...the tank is just cycling....LOL

04/30/2009, 09:27 PM	#8
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Here is a front shot of the tank:

05/03/2009, 12:15 AM	#9
greatXss Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Nicholasville, KY Posts: 267	Looks great so far! __________________ Where Kentucky's saltwater lovers come to hang and play 72 RR Bowfront 12 Nanocube Current Tank Info: 72RR Bowfront, 20g sump, 40LBS sand, 200LBS LR

05/03/2009, 12:59 AM	#10
robot2222 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: phoenix, arizonia Posts: 1,283	i really like the stand and canopy. __________________ 14 gallon biocube Current Tank Info: 72 gallon bowfront

05/03/2009, 11:47 AM	#11
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Thanks I was thinking of putting on some crown molding or something along the top of it, but it might get in the way of the canopy opening...... My wife wanted a more country look to the stand and canopy, so this is what i figured out....It works for now. __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/03/2009, 09:10 PM	#12
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Well I tested my ammonia again today and last time i tested (about 3 days ago) it was above 1.0 now its between 0 and .5 Looks like i will be done with the cycle shortly, and will be stocking the tank. I will be doing a reef with SPS, LPS, and some softies...Any suggestions on what to get? Also any fish suggestions? TIA __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/03/2009, 10:15 PM	#13
r-balljunkie Registered Reefer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Doha, Qatar Posts: 2,059	No SPS for 8-12 months, or you will be throwing money away. If you want the goodies, get some nice LPS acans, scolys, dendros, zoas. NO SPS. Be patient, let your tank settle in. Also consider getting a QT tank, since you will be stocking up on fish quickly. Make them take a pit stop in QT it only takes one crash to wipe out some serious fish. Take it from me, expensive lessons. Did I already say no SPS? Also, in a few months or so, think about thinning out the rockwork a bitâ€¦â€¦ the wall of death going. I find its better to have a bit of separation in your tank, for better flow pattern. You have a 6 footer, no need to stack it up like so. Also, ditch the skimmer. get something better. i would suggest going over the rating, factor of 2 Good luck, and yes it does get expensive, but who is counting!! c __________________ ▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀ 58G Oceanic Illuminata rimless with GH overflow , Mazarra LED x 3, Tunze 6095 x 2, Eheim 1260, BM-180 skimmer, TLF reactors, Apex LT .

05/03/2009, 10:29 PM	#14
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	My next purchase is a new skimmer actually, the Urchin Pro i have is only rated for 125gal max so i will be upgrading that soon. Also may do a DIY calc reactor, to add on. There is alot of holes and caves in the LR, but i will be taking some out and putting below in the sump over time when its getting more full of corals! The funny thing is its stacked behind it also, there is alot of LR in the tank probably around 160-200lbs. Hard to tell how much i didnt weight it....LOL __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/03/2009, 10:33 PM	#15
r-balljunkie Registered Reefer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Doha, Qatar Posts: 2,059	good deal. hold off on the calcium reactor. no need for some time, as you should be fine with regular water changes to keep up elements. if your going to spend the bux, consider a reef controller, or a vortech pump. much much better investments early on. you wont have a load for a calcium reactor for some time (since your not getting sps for a few months...hint hint). regarding live rock, my best guess is i have 90-100#'s tops in my tank, even though i wouldnt bet on it, probably less. c __________________ ▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀ 58G Oceanic Illuminata rimless with GH overflow , Mazarra LED x 3, Tunze 6095 x 2, Eheim 1260, BM-180 skimmer, TLF reactors, Apex LT .

05/03/2009, 10:38 PM	#16
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Ya this tank has been torn down for sometime and my mom tore her tank down also so i have her rock and mine also.. Which is nice if I start another tank.....Wife will be ****ed! At least i will have enough rock cured for that also! LOL __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/03/2009, 10:39 PM	#17
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Im planning on DIY calc reactor that way its ready to go when i need it __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/04/2009, 01:04 AM	#18
downhillbiker Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 2,831	your tank is really coming along. that last pic looks gorgeous. how long before the first living creature goes in? __________________ The friendliest GIANT you'll ever meet. Current Tank Info: 200g Marineland Deep Dimension (Lumenmax Reflectors/Dual PFO 400w/Radium 20K) and 2xFrag Tanks (One TEK T5 fixture and one MH, Galaxy/Phoenix) on same system w/100g sump w/6"x100g DSB, AquaC EV-1000 Skimmer, Reeflo Barracuda return pump

05/04/2009, 07:00 AM	#19
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	stand/canopy look amazing. can't wait to see this develop. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

05/04/2009, 12:28 PM	#20
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Well i think it would be this week im going to test ammonia lvls again tonight. Any suggestions on fish and some corals? __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/04/2009, 12:29 PM	#21
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Im going to be buying mostly frags for corals and then have them grow from that, so im being eco-friendly! Give me some ideas for some softies and LPS...Might go to the LFS and get some frags on friday! Please suggestions would be great! __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/04/2009, 04:56 PM	#22
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	Really nice looking tank / stand / canopy. I would change up the aquascape some for flow / personal taste -- even if it's just to move some of what's in the middle to the front or something. I've aquascaped my 125g at least 50 times, and ultimately the two island look wins for me. The next money I'd spend on it would be to upgrade the skimmer, that's the weakest link in your equipment and the one piece that will make the most long term difference. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

05/04/2009, 06:35 PM	#23
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	YUP i agree im planning on upgrading the skimmer very shortly. The rock is all the way to the back glass its just alot of rock with no where to put it. I will maybe setup another tank in the near future and use some for that.... For my first additions do you think I could put 2 small clowns and 1 small 1" blue tang in? __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/05/2009, 07:48 PM	#25
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Yes im planning on getting the tank fully stocked in or around the 6 month mark! I will be getting frags since price is way cheaper! I may get maybe 1 sps frag on friday and mostly just polyps and LPS for first additions for corals... More input would be AWESOME! thanks! __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef