Dan's new 120! [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

TikiDan

03/12/2008, 10:08 PM

Well, after a small crash wiped out most of my 125 gallon tank a few months ago, I decided to regroup and start over.
I picked up a tank off of craigslist and started planning. This is what I started with.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5377.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5382.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5384.jpg

Looks pretty good but I figure that since I have the time I might as well go slow and do this the way that I want.

Here are the plans that I made up as a visual aid for me to see what direction I wanted to take with this build.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/newtank.jpg

I was so tired of my back hurting from bending over to look into my 125 (stand was only 28 inches high) that I had a metal frame stand built that stood 40 inches high! Now I can walk up to the tank and just look in. :)

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5477.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5480.jpg

Now that I had the stand I wanted, I needed to plan out my rockwork.
I was so inspired by Crazy4acros tank in the SPS forum that I wanted to try and do the drilling and stacking method for the tank.
I bought 75 lbs of tonga and shelf rock from marcorocks.com and dried out a few of the big pieces from the old tank and started drilling.

Here is a link to view Crazy4acros amazing tank!
And thanks again for the inspiration!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1288059

After a few attempts, I came up with 2 pillars that look descent but not perfect.
I still need to rearrange a few rocks but it looks ok.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/Pillars.jpg

Thats all I got so far, I am hoping to get water into it in a few more weeks.

I hope you enjoy the ride!

JustinReef

03/12/2008, 10:47 PM

Good start...I think maybe you could make one of the pillars a little shorter though. What did you make the pillars with? Rods?

BLKTANG

03/12/2008, 10:48 PM

cool.

TikiDan

03/12/2008, 10:53 PM

The tank is 24 inches high so I was trying to fill the space and cover up the overflows.

I used a 1/2 inch masonry bit and a 1/2 inch fiberglass rod and made a shishkabab :)

Once I get the pillars the way I want them, I am going to go back in with some aquamend and rubble to cover up the part of the rod that show through.

TikiDan

03/14/2008, 05:42 PM

Lets talk about a fish list!

I want to get a few real nice fish, not the average fish that are in everyones tanks, But not wanting to spend 1000's of dollars on a fish either. maybe around the $100 or $200 range.

What would be some nice choices?

TikiDan

03/16/2008, 05:36 PM

no input on the fish, so how about water movement?

My thoughts were leaning towards a TUNZE Turbelle® stream Kit TS12

or a TUNZE Wavebox

What would work better on a 4 foot tank?

BLKTANG

03/16/2008, 05:46 PM

I personally like the VorTech pumps for water movement.3000gph in one unit.

Whisperer

03/16/2008, 05:52 PM

Try not making the pillars symmetrical (yours almost look like mirror images). Also, consider coral placement if you are planning to have corals. You do not have plenty of space for corals as the pillars are almost vertical and not much lateral extensions. This is just my suggestion. It's what you like that matters.

TikiDan

03/16/2008, 05:56 PM

I was noticing that today! I need to pick up a few more pounds of the shelf rock I think. And I want to make at least one overhang from the bottom of the right pillar coming out towards the front right corner of the tank.

Whisperer

03/16/2008, 06:05 PM

Sounds good. I was afraid you might take my suggestion negatively. :D

TikiDan

03/16/2008, 06:16 PM

At this point in the build all feed back is appreciated :)

TikiDan

03/16/2008, 11:14 PM

I picked up a 65 gallon glass tank for my sump, and am debating whether I need to add baffles and refugium, or go without them. I am just afraid of having micro bubble get back to the display.

If I used baffles to block the bubbles I could get 3 sections with about 15 gallon per section and have 15 to 20 gallons open for water when the return is turned off.
Is there even a point in having a refugium that small?

str8clownr

03/17/2008, 12:54 AM

15 gallons for a fuge is a pretty decent size, i have a 20H for a sump/fuge, and the part dedicated to the fuge is only like 8 inches across and maybe, MAYBE 10 gallons total volume. I have chaeto in there and it works wonders, 15 gallons is real nice size...

nice build, i want a 120 soon

arts007

03/17/2008, 01:07 PM

What return pump are you using? I just finished my 120 about a month ago... Im using an ocean runner 6500 as a return in a 40 breeder for a sump and I was getting quite a bit of bubbles, I had to use a filter sock to contain it. Here is the thread that I put up.. build (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1347358) I went thru it pretty quickly but the finished tank is at the bottom with the equip list

TikiDan

03/17/2008, 01:21 PM

I am using a mag12 for the return

TikiDan

03/17/2008, 06:16 PM

I did a little work on the rock pillars and need to know if it looks better.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/3-17-08.jpg

Shekki

03/17/2008, 06:46 PM

Getting there. I would try to get some space between the flat rocks. The pillar on the right looks like a rock sandwich. It's still much better than before.

Bax

03/17/2008, 08:33 PM

Looks good, As for cool fish, a Regal or Majestic angel (not both) with a trio of anthias and a smallish tang would be a nice group of anchor fish.

As for the sump, biggest fuge you can and definitly baffles.

TikiDan

03/18/2008, 12:11 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/3-18-08.jpg

This looks better but I'm still not satisfied

Bax

03/18/2008, 01:48 PM

Cover it with corals and you'll never know the difference ;)

As for flow, in my AGA 120, I have a VorTech and 2x Tunze 6100 each on a single controler and a 6025 going on and off on my ReefKeeper.. I do not have all running at flull blast but I am still considering a thrird 6100 and using the multi controler for more random pulsing. Never too much flo! :D

mille239

03/24/2008, 08:26 AM

Looking very nice!!!! following along as I have a 120gal build in progress as well! (click on my red house if you're interested)

I really like the rockwork too! do you have any advice or tips to drilling the rocks, placing them on the rods, etc... I have a bunch of marco rocks waiting to be aquascaped, and I just received 12 ft. of 1/2" acrylic rod to play with. any advice would be appreciated! keep up the good work.

TikiDan

03/24/2008, 01:44 PM

Alrighty, had some time this morning to do a little rearranging

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5964.jpg

and here is a shot of my canopy with my reflectors mounted

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5962.jpg

TikiDan

03/24/2008, 01:46 PM

As for drilling the rocks it is super easy! I used a masonry bit but I think you could actually drill the dry rock with a regular bit.

You kind of want to plan out ahead of what rocks are going to go where before you drill though so that way you don't end up having to drill extra holes. ;)

tomasga

03/24/2008, 02:37 PM

looking nice, I would agree with BAX once you put in the corals you will love it......

Poisonus Yeti

03/24/2008, 02:58 PM

Looking good TikiDan.

How's the sump coming along?

danceswithfish

03/25/2008, 08:21 AM

Are you addding fans to your hood or do you have a chiller?

TikiDan

03/25/2008, 11:05 AM

definetly adding fans as a precaution, but here on the nor cal coast it usually stays below 80 degrees on the hottest days

TikiDan

03/28/2008, 01:42 PM

Ok, So I just filled it up with fresh water, should I let it run a while before I add salt to it?

Bax

03/28/2008, 02:07 PM

Did you use tap water or RO water?

Either way you may want to dump that first fill and consider it a rinse for the dry rock and sand. I am always amazed how much stuff comes off of "dry" base rock.

TikiDan

03/28/2008, 02:10 PM

I rinsed and soaked the rock pretty good when I drilled it and the tank seems pretty clear! so I think I might be ok

hstac

03/28/2008, 02:22 PM

TD, rookie question here... what size heater will you use? i'm building a 120g and have a 300w titanium heater... put it in the refugium or the tank? should i have a 2nd heater?

TikiDan

03/28/2008, 02:23 PM

I think I am using a 1000watt heater but not positive

TikiDan

03/28/2008, 02:29 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5975.jpg

TikiDan

04/07/2008, 12:28 PM

no big updates other than the diatoms are in full bloom, so I added 6 snails yesterday.

TikiDan

04/07/2008, 07:35 PM

I got my new impeller for my Euro Reef skimmer and WOW! This skimmer is already working after 2 hours.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/RS180b.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/RS180.jpg

Silverfin

04/07/2008, 07:46 PM

Very nice set-up. Looking forward to your progression!:thumbsup:

TikiDan

04/09/2008, 01:18 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5991.jpg

here is a shot from today with my diatoms in full bloom and boy is it ugly!

TikiDan

04/12/2008, 07:58 PM

Change of plans! the 120 will now be a planted seahorse tank!

I have enjoyed my 34 gallon seahorse tank more than I ever enjoyed my SPS tank, so for that reason, I am going to make this tank home to 3 pair of H. Reidi.

As for coral I am going to focus on gorgonians, ricordia, zoanthids, and possibly acans.

I planted some macro in my sand to create a grassy meadow instead of the typical sand that everyone else has. :)

chrismunn

04/12/2008, 08:14 PM

yay, gorgonians! cant wait!

hows the weather in Marin?

TikiDan

04/12/2008, 08:16 PM

Today was SO NICE!!! and will be even nicer tomorrow!

TikiDan

04/13/2008, 08:30 PM

Here are a few updates.

Diatoms are clearing up nicely and I planted my first few macros in the sand :)

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6188.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6186.jpg

hstac

04/15/2008, 10:49 AM

td, cool plan. tank's looking pretty good.

kar93

04/15/2008, 10:59 AM

Looks good, Nice idea with the seahorses:thumbsup:

TikiDan

04/15/2008, 06:56 PM

Update:

I added a fan to my canopy and I have run my MH's for 6 hours today and my temp got up to 75 degrees. I should be ok with that until I save up enough to buy my chiller.

I will post pictures tomorrow after i move some stuff over.

TikiDan

04/16/2008, 01:44 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/4-16a.jpg

I got everybody moved over today!

They all look happy in their huge new home. :)

chrismunn

04/16/2008, 01:56 PM

do you have halimeada in the tank also?

TikiDan

04/16/2008, 01:59 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/4-16c.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/4-16b.jpg

TikiDan

04/16/2008, 01:59 PM

Yeah, i have halimeda in th top back :)

TikiDan

04/16/2008, 02:11 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6195.jpg

TikiDan

04/17/2008, 12:32 PM

everybody is happy and eating this morning :)

TikiDan

04/20/2008, 11:42 PM

It's been a few days now, and temps are pretty stable between 71 and 73 degrees with a 6 hour light cycle and fans. I have some time until I can afford my chiller but the fans seem like they will do the trick until summer gets closer.

TikiDan

04/23/2008, 12:33 PM

Here is the update for today

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6254.jpg

TikiDan

04/23/2008, 12:43 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6244.jpg

TikiDan

04/29/2008, 05:05 PM

the sea grass is growing in nice a fast :) I will snap a few pics tomorrow to show growth.

hawkeyes

04/29/2008, 07:37 PM

what species is that purple gorgonian?

TikiDan

04/29/2008, 07:44 PM

Not sure other than it is photosynthetic

TikiDan

05/01/2008, 11:27 PM

I am thinking about a cool design for my stand.....and I think I have decided on a "steampunk" theme!

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/Stand2b.jpg

All right. The diamond shape will be a stained glass window! the black broder will be black leather with brass upholstery tacks. Each panel will be held on by magnets.

I am still trying to decide on the crown molding to decorate the canopy, and around the top of the panels. :)

I think it will make for a nice contrast against the green sea grass.

TikiDan

05/01/2008, 11:29 PM

on top of that, I want to use brass gears and watch part as accent pieces against the black leather.

If I can find a couple of 6 inch round brass gears, I will use those in the side of my canopy for the fan covers.

TikiDan

05/06/2008, 02:43 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/5-6-08.jpg

here is a shot from today to show the grass growth.

TikiDan

05/08/2008, 11:53 PM

I picked up 2 more female and one more male H. Reidi a couple of days ago. So I have a total of 7. I need to get 1 more male and I should be set.

TikiDan

05/15/2008, 05:05 PM

I am really liking the way the seagrass is filling in the sand bed! Here is a crazy thought, what if I removed the left pillar of rocks and just had more room for seagrass?

TikiDan

05/17/2008, 11:54 PM

I picked up a Vortech MP40 today! I have it set in lagoon mode at about 1/4 power and the seahorses love the random, gentle flow! They are out more than ever and it is enough flow to keep detritus from settling without blowing the seahorse around.

I might try to get a small wave going to see if that works better, but I am not sure if the seahorse will be able to handle it.

gimmito

05/18/2008, 01:54 AM

TD,

The tank looks even better in person. You inspired me to do a seahorse tank one day in the RSM. I'm looking foward to seeing the "steampunk" skirt when it's installed.

The_Wonderboy

05/19/2008, 11:41 AM

I like the look of this tank - well done - I think you should leave the pillar - let the seagrass thicken where it's already at - the tank looks good with that very unique rock-scape :]

DonSh

05/21/2008, 12:53 AM

Would love to see it someday, dont make it to the bay area too often though.

Any new pics, maybe with the seahorses and grass now?

TikiDan

05/21/2008, 03:09 PM

Full Tank Shot
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/FTS5-21.jpg

I picked up this little piece of red macro. Not sure what it is but it looks cool!
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/RedMacro.jpg

One of my females
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/reidifemale.jpg

hawkeyes

05/21/2008, 04:11 PM

definitely keep both pillars. when the grass fills in, it'll look awesome!

Mappelbaum37

05/21/2008, 04:52 PM

Sorry, I read some of the thread, but not all of it. Dan, you said those grass plants in the sandbed were macros?

Whats the name of the macros...

Do they help with nitrates and posphates?

Thanks

TikiDan

05/21/2008, 05:21 PM

I pretty much made my display into a refugium. I used Caulerpa Prolifera for my grass (which isn't actually a sea grass) and yes it will work as an export for my nitrates.

TikiDan

05/24/2008, 01:33 AM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/HorseInTheGrass.jpg

Got a pic of one hanging out looking for pods :)

lvreefer

05/24/2008, 05:54 AM

Awesome tank. I like that you created such a large display for a species tank. How are the corals responding, and what kind of bulb are you using? Please keep us updated!

lvreefer

05/24/2008, 06:00 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12586784#post12586784 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TikiDan
I picked up this little piece of red macro. Not sure what it is but it looks cool!
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/RedMacro.jpg
I believe it is either Halymenia duchassaignii or Gracilaria curtissae. It's hard to tell, but as it grows it will be more distinguishable.

TikiDan

05/24/2008, 12:46 PM

The corals (zoas) seem to be fine at the cooler temp, although I do notice it takes them longer to fully open in the morning when the light come on.

I need to buy new bulbs but they are 20k ushios about 1 year old.

kar93

05/25/2008, 02:31 PM

Dan, What do you feed the seahorses? Do you have one of those feeders that hang on the side of the tank? I'm thinking of getting some for my 55.

TikiDan

05/26/2008, 01:19 AM

I feed frozen mysis cubes.

TikiDan

05/30/2008, 07:28 PM

I broke down and bought new bulbs today! I picked up 2 Ushio 10k to switch out my
19 month old 20k's :) I also added a 54 watt actinic t5 :)

Bax

05/30/2008, 08:47 PM

i think you'll like that Dan

TikiDan

05/31/2008, 09:55 PM

Here is the shot from today. It is pretty yellow but it is toning down a little

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/5-31FTS.jpg

TikiDan

06/01/2008, 12:53 PM

here are two shots to show growth of the grass.

the first is from 4-13-08
the second is from 5-31-08

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6188.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/5-31RS.jpg

The_Wonderboy

06/09/2008, 05:02 AM

Lookin good - got any newer update photos?? :]

TikiDan

06/19/2008, 10:38 PM

I added some red grape and codium a couple of weeks ago! I will try and add pics tomorrow!

DetectiveTofu

06/20/2008, 08:33 AM

I like it Tiki - keep it up!

TikiDan

06/25/2008, 05:03 PM

took some new pics today :)

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6494.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6485.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6483.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6473.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6468.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6462.jpg

hottuna

06/25/2008, 05:29 PM

thats a beautiful idea with the macro in the sand....just dont add any tangs! lol...

TikiDan

07/21/2008, 04:39 PM

well I decided to open up my landscape so i could have some more room to plant seagrass. Not completely happy yet but its a start.

Before:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/5-31FTS.jpg

After:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6582.jpg

it looks like a big pile of rocks from this shot but it really is full of big holes.

I am planing on planting some taller grass along the base of the rocks and along the back. After I do this I think it will look alot better

kar93

07/21/2008, 04:47 PM

Thats a real reef garden now, Dan. Could this be a future TOTM?

TikiDan

07/21/2008, 04:50 PM

just wait till I get the sea grass in there! :)

TikiDan

07/21/2008, 05:17 PM

Progress photos!

4-13-08
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6188.jpg

5-31-08
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/5-31RS.jpg

7-21-08
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6597.jpg

TikiDan

07/21/2008, 05:28 PM

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6603.jpg

bhotep

07/22/2008, 12:25 PM

That tank is amazing. As I am thinking of creating a sandbed with grass like plants too, do you have any idea if the caulerpa will only stay in the sandbed or will it spread on to the liverock?

TikiDan

07/27/2008, 12:18 AM

Update! I added 60 lbs. of sand today! in a few weeks I'll Be able to add a whole bunch of grass! At that point, I will pull out all of the C. Prolifera. I will try to take picture of it tomorrow. I have about 6 inches in the back and it slopes down to about 3 inches in the front.

Bax

07/27/2008, 05:59 AM

Looks great!

Do you collect your grasses or buy on line?

TikiDan

07/27/2008, 12:32 PM

i am ordering on line :)

Bax

07/27/2008, 02:32 PM

Can you PM me a link?

TikiDan

07/28/2008, 12:48 PM

After talking to a few members I decided to take out even more rock to make room for the seagrass. here are before, and after pics of the transformation my rock work has gone through.

3-25-08

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_5975.jpg

5-21-08

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/FTS5-21.jpg

7-21-08

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/_MG_6582.jpg

7-28-08

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/7-28FTS.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/rocks.jpg

And here is the Sandbed :)
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Tikidan/new%20120g/DSB.jpg