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View Full Version : DPS's 120g build thread!


DamnPepShrimp
09/07/2008, 09:12 AM
This is my first build thread, I've had many many tanks and setups over the years, but this one I think deserves its own thread. It will be an on going process so I'll keep everything updated here. I've always been into FOWLRs and over the last 2 years started getting into reefs. This tank is going to be a mixed reef, haven't decided if I want any SPS yet, I really don't like the expensive twigs, plus I love the movement of softies and LPS, especially how hardy they are. Here is the list of equipment I am starting with:

120g dual RR tank (4'x2'x2')
50g sump w/refugium (36"x18"x18")
10g for top off w/ JBJ ATO
OceanRunner 3500 return pump
Tek T5 6 bulb setup
Octopus NW 200 skimmer (have mods for it if needed)
two lil fishies phos reactor
Koralia 2 powerheads (2)
Koralia 1 powerheads (2)
Koralia nano powerheads (2)

I got the stand built last night using the 2x4 and the template here on RC. I hope to get the tank cleaned and put up tonight, along with adding sand and some new water to get rid of the cloudiness. I will be getting water changes from other tanks to speed up the cycle process. Thanks for looking and hopefully this build will move pretty quick!

DamnPepShrimp
09/07/2008, 09:14 AM
Here are pics of my stand, do you think I will have a problem with it painted black? Meaning, with evaporation and condensation, I am worried about maybe somehow it getting back into the sump and causing a tank crash? Or am I being paranoid?

Anyway, I plan to put sides on it and doors etc later on, for now I just want to get the tank up and running.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-84.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-85.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-86.jpg

Logzor
09/07/2008, 09:30 AM
You are going to skin this, do trim, and door after the tank is running?

That sounds tricky.

DamnPepShrimp
09/07/2008, 05:52 PM
Yep, shouldn't be too hard. Just cut and fit the plywood, putting on doors isn't so bad. I am not making an elaborate stand, I want all the attention in the tank, not whats holding it up.

DamnPepShrimp
09/07/2008, 05:56 PM
So here is some more pics...
My lights
Tek T5
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-87.jpghttp://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-88.jpg
Actinics only
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-89.jpg
Full spectrum
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-90.jpg
Octopus NW 200 skimmer
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-91.jpg
Notice the soda can
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-92.jpg
OceanRunner3500 pump
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-95.jpg

DamnPepShrimp
09/07/2008, 06:00 PM
Heres the dirty 120g, notice all the other fish equipment and tanks behind it, haha. I'm sure a lot of people have a corner of the garage that looks like this!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-93.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-94.jpg

Here's the tank in the final resting place, adding about 35g of new water. The rest will be cycled water from other tanks.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/DamnPepShrimp/photo-96.jpg

Now I just have to figure out how to hang my lights. I have a drop ceiling, so I don't know if I should hang them or just have them sit in the tank on some sort of canopy.