Davo's one two oh yeah!

davocean · 06/27/2014, 12:56 PM

Ok, so I'm about to move and decided to downsize slightly in the process from my 150g to my new 120g, which really is kind of what I wanted originally anyway.
I really like the footprint of a 120g, 4x2x2, it's just the perfect tank size for me and what I normally keep, a great footprint for scaping, and so easy to gear up and moderate maintenance which works for me.
I scored a great deal on the tank through SCA here in SoCal, 1/2" starfire glass w/ euro bracing.
While I dread moving I'm actually pretty excited about this new build.
Here's my new baby coming out of box!

davocean · 06/27/2014, 01:22 PM

I spent the day yesterday making the stand frame, basic 2x frame that I will wrap w/ something pretty later, this at least gets me going.
I made the center brace removable attached w/ just 4 screws for easy sump access on setup.

davocean · 06/27/2014, 01:50 PM

I also made some acrylic rod holders for pillars, think I'm going w/ 2 islands in this, going to try to keep a fairly minimalistic scape in this tank, open area for swim room.
Basically I just heated 1/2" rods w/ a propane torch slowly till they started to bend, form a V shape base, attach to flat acrylic w/ zip ties and weldon #16 to secure.
Then setup an old piece of ply as a template for rock layout.

ExpensiveHobby · 06/27/2014, 02:04 PM

that's one perty tank.
Smart move with the removable center brace. Nothing worse than working in the sump with a big piece of wood directly in the path of everything

anbosu · 06/27/2014, 03:02 PM

The tank looks awesome

davocean · 06/27/2014, 03:15 PM

Thanks, playing around w/ my rock right now, trying to figure out scape.
Feel free to make comments or suggestions here, and keep in mind there will be a sand bed, but think I'm keeping it kind of shallow on this tank rather than my usual DSB since I'm not planning to keep sand dwelling nems this time around.
This tank is mainly going to be about my clowns and magnifica sea anemone, basically the only thing I'm keeping from my 150g.

taylor t · 06/27/2014, 03:18 PM

Nice! I dread the thought of some day changing my glass. At the same time, I look back and I really enjoy putting a system together... I think it's the idea of hemorrhaging cash that I dread... Nice choice for size, I think that's my next size too. Best of luck in your move.

Sugar Magnolia · 06/27/2014, 03:37 PM

I love the structure on the right. The left, not so much. I'd place the larger piece on the bottom but flip it the other way around and place the smaller rock on top.

That tank is sweet!!

davocean · 06/27/2014, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylor t

Nice! I dread the thought of some day changing my glass. At the same time, I look back and I really enjoy putting a system together... I think it's the idea of hemorrhaging cash that I dread... Nice choice for size, I think that's my next size too. Best of luck in your move.

Thanks, and believe me this was not self motivated and I was dreading it.
I've been in the same place for 14 years and just got word they were selling the property.
I figured no one was going to rent to me w/ a 150g, so I decided a major downsize was in order because no way do I want to give up my clowns, I've had them 5 years now.
I was planning on something like a 60g cube, but I found a cool new place and they don't care about tanks(kinda rare around here for people renting) and I saw SCaquariums was relocating and ditching their stock at a price just too low for me to not grab this 120g.
So all of this lessens the sting of what I'm about to go through.
Plus the new owner is having me build them an inwall cabinet for the 150g, so I scored a small job out of this as well.
Not only do I have to move, but I have to setup for the new owner of the 150g and they are 45min away, and then I get right back over here and then set this up at the new place and move all my stuff.
Sigh...gonna be a harsh week...

davocean · 06/27/2014, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia

I love the structure on the right. The left, not so much. I'd place the larger piece on the bottom but flip it the other way around and place the smaller rock on top.

That tank is sweet!!

Thanks Adrienne, and I'm kinda w/ you on that, I'm happy w/ the right side, the left I just can't seem to find that sweet spot, but I'll try that.

DaveMorris · 06/28/2014, 02:10 PM

Looking good Mr. Dave. I am actually going to put the first 50gals of freshly made saltwater in my tank tonight. I gotta get you over to my place to help me figure out my stand skin, sides, and canopy, not to mention the rest of the living room. I love that tank footprint as well. Mine is the same, but 2" taller. You know me...I like the height! Let me know when you need help setting up your electronics. (If you do need help)

davocean · 06/29/2014, 11:42 AM

Lol, you know the electronics waaayyy better than I do, I will gladly accept your help w/ that, and good luck w/ your tank start up!

davocean · 06/21/2015, 12:57 PM

Ok, so as it goes sometimes life gets in the way of what we would rather be doing, so after a way too long of a break it's time to get rolling on this thing again.
First thing I wanted to do was start modifying my octo canopy and stand.
I had to cut it down from a 5' tank to fit a 4' tank, and to keep octo centered that meant taking off 6" on each side.
I had to remove crown, and had to use a circular saw to make these cuts, and believe me it was nervy, one slip and it would have ruined my canopy.
It's not perfect as if I started from new and able to use my sliding compound miter saw, but overall I'm pretty happy w/ it.

nuxx · 06/21/2015, 01:41 PM

Pretty tank and great canopy

davocean · 06/21/2015, 03:02 PM

Thank you.
So here was another dilemma that has held me back, the place I'm renting is great, except for this stone floor I'm not so crazy about.
It's out of level 5/8" in a 4' span, which is terrible.
On top of that it's not smooth, lots of deviations.
My tank is trimless, so it's pretty critical to have level support across the entire bottom.
I also have to keep from damaging the floor.
So I laid down heavy plastic sheeting and made a form so I could do a thin concrete pad.
This will all be hidden and if I move from here it will lift right up w/out harming floor.
This will make a perfectly smooth, flat, level base.

davocean · 06/21/2015, 05:36 PM

Ok, capped w/ a hardy backer board and one of my biggest headaches in setting up is finally done...it's Miller time! (or Lagunitas IPA time, not quite the same ring to it but tastes much better!)

gi_eric22 · 06/21/2015, 05:50 PM

Love that canopy tanks gonna be sweet

Settings · 06/21/2015, 07:42 PM

Looks great! What where the dimensions of your older 150g?
How is the quality of the SCA compared to Lee Mar?

davocean · 06/21/2015, 08:48 PM

Thanks, my older 150g was 5x2x2.
That was a Leemar and they did a really good job on that particular tank, it's hard to say, this tank is pretty darn clean, nice seams.
My only honest gripe about the SCA is it comes predrilled smaller than what I would have gone w/, and the smaller drain made me go w/ a smaller return, and while I really love Eheims I went w/ an adjustable Tunze silence.
I like both companies a great deal so it wasn't a bad compromise.

Settings · 06/21/2015, 09:03 PM

Yes, that's is what holds me back from getting the 120g from SCA. I'm looking the have CD build a 4x30x24h. I'll set this one up with my version of a ghost overflow. I'll be watching your build!
Thanks for sharing

Sn8kbyt · 06/22/2015, 12:24 AM

Love it you poured concrete inside the place you are renting for a tank

kalosbios · 06/22/2015, 02:25 AM

Hi Dave--beautiful setup.

That is an ingenious fix for an level problem!!

Wish you all the best with your move. I used to live in SD, but living in SE France now--I miss the San Diego reefing community; not much here in comparison

I'll look forward to seeing your new system up and running--I've always admired your work.

Enjoy,

Gordon

DaveMorris · 06/22/2015, 02:39 AM

Its about time you got things rolling again. Keep us updated and let me know when you need me to come over to help with the electronics side. As you know, I am always happy to help a brotha out.

davocean · 06/22/2015, 07:48 AM

Thanks for the kind words guys, I'm pretty stoked to be setting up finally.
Now for my next "favorite" part, plumbing...

pigskin018 · 06/22/2015, 08:16 AM

Wow great idea on laying concrete to fix the level.

Everything looks great! Canopy especially. Can't wait for more pics.

06/27/2014, 01:22 PM	#2
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	I spent the day yesterday making the stand frame, basic 2x frame that I will wrap w/ something pretty later, this at least gets me going. I made the center brace removable attached w/ just 4 screws for easy sump access on setup. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/27/2014, 01:50 PM	#3
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	I also made some acrylic rod holders for pillars, think I'm going w/ 2 islands in this, going to try to keep a fairly minimalistic scape in this tank, open area for swim room. Basically I just heated 1/2" rods w/ a propane torch slowly till they started to bend, form a V shape base, attach to flat acrylic w/ zip ties and weldon #16 to secure. Then setup an old piece of ply as a template for rock layout. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/27/2014, 02:04 PM	#4
ExpensiveHobby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Baltimore Metro Posts: 834	that's one perty tank. Smart move with the removable center brace. Nothing worse than working in the sump with a big piece of wood directly in the path of everything __________________ -Custom 4'x3'x16" rimless display tank. 3 Ocean Revive T247's, BRS Dual Reactors, ASM G4XX Skimmer, Hydor Smart Wave System, JBJ A-T-O, BRS Dosers. -Custom 6'x10"x10" fowlr, cadlights skimmer, Curr

06/27/2014, 03:15 PM	#6
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Thanks, playing around w/ my rock right now, trying to figure out scape. Feel free to make comments or suggestions here, and keep in mind there will be a sand bed, but think I'm keeping it kind of shallow on this tank rather than my usual DSB since I'm not planning to keep sand dwelling nems this time around. This tank is mainly going to be about my clowns and magnifica sea anemone, basically the only thing I'm keeping from my 150g. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/27/2014, 03:37 PM	#8
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	I love the structure on the right. The left, not so much. I'd place the larger piece on the bottom but flip it the other way around and place the smaller rock on top. That tank is sweet!! __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

06/27/2014, 12:56 PM	#1
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Davo's one two oh yeah! Ok, so I'm about to move and decided to downsize slightly in the process from my 150g to my new 120g, which really is kind of what I wanted originally anyway. I really like the footprint of a 120g, 4x2x2, it's just the perfect tank size for me and what I normally keep, a great footprint for scaping, and so easy to gear up and moderate maintenance which works for me. I scored a great deal on the tank through SCA here in SoCal, 1/2" starfire glass w/ euro bracing. While I dread moving I'm actually pretty excited about this new build. Here's my new baby coming out of box! __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/27/2014, 03:02 PM	#5
anbosu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 4,528	The tank looks awesome

06/27/2014, 03:18 PM	#7
taylor t Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Naperville, Il Posts: 2,396	Nice! I dread the thought of some day changing my glass. At the same time, I look back and I really enjoy putting a system together... I think it's the idea of hemorrhaging cash that I dread... Nice choice for size, I think that's my next size too. Best of luck in your move.

06/28/2014, 02:10 PM	#11
DaveMorris VP, SDMAS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,309	Looking good Mr. Dave. I am actually going to put the first 50gals of freshly made saltwater in my tank tonight. I gotta get you over to my place to help me figure out my stand skin, sides, and canopy, not to mention the rest of the living room. I love that tank footprint as well. Mine is the same, but 2" taller. You know me...I like the height! Let me know when you need help setting up your electronics. (If you do need help) __________________ Dave My 130g tank: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2387989 Current Tank Info: 130g build in progress

06/29/2014, 11:42 AM	#12
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Lol, you know the electronics waaayyy better than I do, I will gladly accept your help w/ that, and good luck w/ your tank start up! __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/21/2015, 12:57 PM	#13
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Ok, so as it goes sometimes life gets in the way of what we would rather be doing, so after a way too long of a break it's time to get rolling on this thing again. First thing I wanted to do was start modifying my octo canopy and stand. I had to cut it down from a 5' tank to fit a 4' tank, and to keep octo centered that meant taking off 6" on each side. I had to remove crown, and had to use a circular saw to make these cuts, and believe me it was nervy, one slip and it would have ruined my canopy. It's not perfect as if I started from new and able to use my sliding compound miter saw, but overall I'm pretty happy w/ it. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/21/2015, 01:41 PM	#14
nuxx RC Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 3,990	Pretty tank and great canopy __________________ Peter TankStop - Fish and Coral 470G Display - Build Thread Current Tank Info: Retired - 470 Gallon Mixed Reef (120x29x31")

06/21/2015, 03:02 PM	#15
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Thank you. So here was another dilemma that has held me back, the place I'm renting is great, except for this stone floor I'm not so crazy about. It's out of level 5/8" in a 4' span, which is terrible. On top of that it's not smooth, lots of deviations. My tank is trimless, so it's pretty critical to have level support across the entire bottom. I also have to keep from damaging the floor. So I laid down heavy plastic sheeting and made a form so I could do a thin concrete pad. This will all be hidden and if I move from here it will lift right up w/out harming floor. This will make a perfectly smooth, flat, level base. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/21/2015, 05:36 PM	#16
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Ok, capped w/ a hardy backer board and one of my biggest headaches in setting up is finally done...it's Miller time! (or Lagunitas IPA time, not quite the same ring to it but tastes much better!) __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/21/2015, 05:50 PM	#17
gi_eric22 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Madison Ohio Posts: 65	Love that canopy tanks gonna be sweet

06/21/2015, 07:42 PM	#18
Settings Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 229	Looks great! What where the dimensions of your older 150g? How is the quality of the SCA compared to Lee Mar?

06/21/2015, 08:48 PM	#19
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Thanks, my older 150g was 5x2x2. That was a Leemar and they did a really good job on that particular tank, it's hard to say, this tank is pretty darn clean, nice seams. My only honest gripe about the SCA is it comes predrilled smaller than what I would have gone w/, and the smaller drain made me go w/ a smaller return, and while I really love Eheims I went w/ an adjustable Tunze silence. I like both companies a great deal so it wasn't a bad compromise. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/21/2015, 09:03 PM	#20
Settings Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 229	Yes, that's is what holds me back from getting the 120g from SCA. I'm looking the have CD build a 4x30x24h. I'll set this one up with my version of a ghost overflow. I'll be watching your build! Thanks for sharing

06/22/2015, 12:24 AM	#21
Sn8kbyt Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Manitowoc, WI Posts: 607	Love it you poured concrete inside the place you are renting for a tank __________________ 220 gallon DT and 90 gallon sump, all DC powered, APEX gold with DOS, feeder, and a few extra modules, Avast Marine swabbie on Skimz Monster 258, 6 Rapid LED Onyx fixtures, BRS dosers, 4 Jaebo RW-15. Current Tank Info: 220 Gallon, 29 Gallon, 2-20L QT, and a 20 gallon tall octogon tank waiting to be setup for a seahorse tank.

06/22/2015, 02:25 AM	#22
kalosbios Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lans-en-Vercors, France (near Grenoble) Posts: 68	great fix!! Hi Dave--beautiful setup. That is an ingenious fix for an level problem!! Wish you all the best with your move. I used to live in SD, but living in SE France now--I miss the San Diego reefing community; not much here in comparison I'll look forward to seeing your new system up and running--I've always admired your work. Enjoy, Gordon __________________ Gordon Current Tank Info: coming soon...120l nano

06/22/2015, 02:39 AM	#23
DaveMorris VP, SDMAS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,309	Its about time you got things rolling again. Keep us updated and let me know when you need me to come over to help with the electronics side. As you know, I am always happy to help a brotha out. __________________ Dave My 130g tank: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2387989 Current Tank Info: 130g build in progress

06/22/2015, 07:48 AM	#24
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Thanks for the kind words guys, I'm pretty stoked to be setting up finally. Now for my next "favorite" part, plumbing... __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/22/2015, 08:16 AM	#25
pigskin018 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Gonzales LA Posts: 56	Wow great idea on laying concrete to fix the level. Everything looks great! Canopy especially. Can't wait for more pics.