My pride & joy ,120 reef build

[ed102475]

This is my biggest build yet to date and maybe my largest ill ever go.
Its a 120 gal 5'x18"x24" .
I will start with pictures of the 150 lbs of base rock (dry ) I put in it after
adding 200 lbs of fine sand.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255097_2148109942272_1232012439_32591391_2213357_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248851_2148110742292_1232012439_32591392_1932370_n.jpg

these rocks are big one weighing over 50 lbs.

[ed102475]

I was very nerves when adding the big ones they are heavy and my tank from Floor to rim is about 5' tall lol . I had to do some chipping at one to fit it in.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251318_2148112582338_1232012439_32591393_6012282_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254839_2148116782443_1232012439_32591395_5276152_n.jpg

I thought it looked good at the time.

[ed102475]

then water

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/253998_2148118662490_1232012439_32591396_3014890_n.jpg

I went with crystal sea salt . I got it from the gulfarium here in Fl. along with the rocks. I am using the fluval FX5 canister filter . I'm still looking for a good hob skimmer . I don't want a sump due to salt creep getting out of control.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247202_2148091621814_1232012439_32591373_7048931_n.jpg?dl=1

FX5 is rated up to 400 gal tank.

[ed102475]

I got my lights :lolspin:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246877_2148121182553_1232012439_32591397_6025295_n.jpg

A pair of 30" fixtures 1 -250w MH , 4- 24w t-5 each.
:bounce3::bounce2:

[ed102475]

then I added 20lbs of live rock and 10lbs of live sand to seed the tank .
I dropped 5 live clams from the sea food market to the tank to start a cycle all died but one it is alive and under the sand still as of yesterday.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/251607_2148099862020_1232012439_32591385_1230821_n.jpg

It has been about 3 weeks from the start.

[thebkramer]

Very Nice!! :bounce3:
Love the rockwork!! It looks like it was heavy!!
It be pretty neat to see that clam still alive 5yrs from now!!! :lol2:
So glad you decided to post your build here!! Can't wait to see it come alive!!!!

[ed102475]

I made some change after adding the live rock & live sand .

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/252499_2148093221854_1232012439_32591375_6674487_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253912_2148096901946_1232012439_32591380_1990269_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247931_2148093941872_1232012439_32591376_7038706_n.jpg

I like the way it looks but after looking at some tanks with minimal rock work I am torn.:headwallblue::headwally:

[thebkramer]

I like the way it looks but after looking at some tanks with minimal rock work I am torn.:headwallblue::headwally:

I really like it!! I love all the nook-n-crannies the rocks have!! Great for crabs, fish to sleep, and putting/attaching frags!! I'm excited to watch it grow!!! :bounce3:

[ed102475]

Thank you thebkramer . I love your tank . I am going to stock my own cheeky monkey , green goblin and others from your set up . Like the spot tail !
I didn't think any of the clams would live this long , I thought they would die in a day or two at most its been almost 2 weeks. anyone know the likely hood of it living long term and if it would be beneficial or not ?
Yeah thebkramer two of the rocks where like 40+ lbs I had to put on my grrr face :mad2: lol it was a work out .

[ed102475]

Btw I did add 6 Blue/Green Chromis but one died . I think he was just a weak fish , all the others are doing good.

[thebkramer]

Thank you thebkramer . I love your tank . I am going to stock my own cheeky monkey , green goblin and others from your set up . Like the spot tail !
I didn't think any of the clams would live this long , I thought they would die in a day or two at most its been almost 2 weeks. anyone know the likely hood of it living long term and if it would be beneficial or not ?
Yeah thebkramer two of the rocks where like 40+ lbs I had to put on my grrr face :mad2: lol it was a work out .

Thanks!! As long as you don't steal them from my tank.. we're all good!! :bounce3:
the clam probably won't live long.. they are cold water salt aren't they?? then again.. you never know with the crazy life we find in our systems and what they live through!!! Good Luck.. maybe he'll hold on.. just keep an eye on him!! Don't want him stinking the place up too badly!!

[ed102475]

I guess I forgot to mention I have a mj 1200 sure flow mod at 2100 gph flow rate and 2 Korella 1's , I am thinking of adding another mj 600 mod to the other side , My FX5 does about 700gph with media (carbon) so thats almost 3700 gph should I add the 1600 gph with the mj mod ?

[kruserm]

Nice build, very nice rock work....I just got a 120 but I need to take some pics and post it.

[aandfsoccr04]

yeah 120 gallon is my favorite size tank too. I really like your rock work and looks like you are on the right track.

[lacosta28]

I wouldn't pass up a sump because of the possibility of salt creep. That is minimal to the problems a canister can pose. Besides, the benefits of a sump outweigh the negatives.

[ed102475]

The canister will run carbon and add water movement only . I know there are allot of benefits to using a sump but salt creep all over the back of my wall is not a option for me . I don't know what problems a canister can cause if only used for gfo/carbon and water movement.
please let me know.

[Pinki]

Your tank looks great!! I like that arch you made in the middle. Look forward to more pics. :bounce2:

[ed102475]

Well , I am humbled after asking what could go wrong with a canister filter in my last post. I came home from work with my tank filled with micro bubbles grrrr:angryfire: Staying up most of the night :headwally: (10:30 pm Hay , I get up early for work.) taking it apart & putting it back together , trying to find something online to help me figure it out . I got it fixed , On the FX5 if you tighten the top to tight then it starts to warp the housing intern sucking air in the filter causing micro bubbles. So after all that the micro bubbles caused a algae bloom of ugly brown and green algae ewww.:angryfire:

:uzi:
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248679_2154456780939_1232012439_32598689_7105541_n.jpg?dl=1

This rock has some hair algae and at least one Aiptasia I can see should I take the rock out ? Its not that big I hate to lose the live stuff on it but I know how fast hair algae and aiptasia can spread.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251749_2154454020870_1232012439_32598684_4975050_n.jpg

The Aiptasia:uzi:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255750_2154454540883_1232012439_32598685_7840149_n.jpg

Should I turn off the lights ?

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252409_2154453220850_1232012439_32598682_2975835_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/255792_2154455740913_1232012439_32598687_2484570_n.jpg?dl=1

[IVXX]

How soon did you add your chromis to your tank after setting up?

[ed102475]

About 3 weeks , I added six and one died I posted all that info ^^ :) happy reefing.

[ed102475]

I am sure the new lighting is adding to the algae growth also . I had some cheap t-8's on it before that.

[IVXX]

see, I did the same thing, except, I added ONE damsel and I got flamed here on RC hardcore, I was even told "how would you like it if we dipped you in an acid bath."

turns out, my one damsel is happy camping and doing quite well.


I'm diggin' the tank man, keep us updated.

[sponger0]

You may need to give the tank time to stabilize with the algae. Have you tested for phosphates?

[ed102475]

I know about the fish police and I understand to a point . I tested my water and felt it was OK to add fish . Some people here push very hard , If they think you might be putting livestock in danger. The animals are pulled from the wild "in some cases" bagged for days maybe a week in shipping and then most of the time put in less than ideal conditions , this is the hobby , Is it right ? probably not , but I am doing every thing I can to give my fish and corals a good life. I didn't post any questions in the thread about adding fish , I did ask about the algae . I am worried about the rock with the hair algae and Aiptasia should I remove it .

IVXX ,
I am sorry you got attacked it happens here on RC .
This also is part of the hobby people want to teach what they know or think they know.
Even to the point of being rude.
I have never known a person to go to a LFS and talk to them the way they post to people
here about there tank conditions.
I am no expert but " I think I know allot." so the things I might want feedback on I post .
Happy Reefing

[jimmy_beaner]

If you don't kill them as soon as you see them, or remove the rock with them... you will continue to find little ones popping up. I get about 2 a week in my Biocube 29. Or, with a tank that size, you could get things that eat them.

[PCFisher66]

Where is the store in the Gulfaruim, by what you stated you live near FWB. I have been wanting to go in there to see the store but I don't see it when I drive by. Good luck on the tank though.

Tod

[ed102475]

Tod,
I live in niceville /Val-p you must go it's great.
When you walk in the front door there is a phone on the wall (back-right) pick it up and the Aquafarm will answer and come get you . They have good prices on Live Rock $3-$6 per pound , huge frage tanks for sps and softies .

[PCFisher66]

I guess I'll have to go, I live in Crestview and work on Eglin. I'll see if I can at least get there Friday after work and have a look around. Thanks


Tod

[thebkramer]

I know about the fish police and I understand to a point :thumbsup:


I did ask about the algae . I am worried about the rock with the hair algae and Aiptasia should I remove it .

Sorry !! UGHERZ!! happy that the canister didn't cause anything worse though! as for the algae.. it is unfortunately all apart of the "new tank" syndrome :( I would scrape away what you can.. and, of course, monitor. Have you checked your phosphates? you can if you like grab some more snails.. I like turbos to get the job done! lol The diatoms on the sand should disappear after awhile.. annoying yes! but will take care of itself. The HA is another annoying stage.. you can just pull what you can.. if you want.. take LR out and scrub it off :) I would scrub in a separate container with SW so not to kill any beneficial bacteria growing in/on it.
As for the Aiptasia.. I find that if you inject it with a syringe and lemon juice in their mouths.. it works wonders. Sadly, you may have to do more than once. Just be careful, because they can shot babies out.. and skinny white tentacles as a defense. The tentacles that they shoot out are stingers and can hurt like no other!!! IT happened to me.. it felt like what people describe as being stung by a jellyfish :( I actually had an allergic reaction and was rushed to ER.. but thats another story :sad2:
if they continue to pop up.. you can get some peppermints.. but they are hit and miss and have their own issues!!
Hope it all works out!!!

IVXX ,
I am sorry you got attacked it happens here on RC .
This also is part of the hobby people want to teach what they know or think they know.
Even to the point of being rude.
I have never known a person to go to a LFS and talk to them the way they post to people
here about there tank conditions.
I am no expert but " I think I know allot." so the things I might want feedback on I post .
+1 :fun5: ... I could add lots.. but I'll behave :p

[Captainfester]

matted filefish will eat your aiptasia quickly

[lacosta28]

As thebkramer said this is all part of the new tank process. I am positive the new lights had a lot to do with it too. It isn't anything to worry about. It will go away eventually. What do you have for a CUC currently?

[ed102475]

What do you have for a CUC currently?

I have 5 large turbos , 5 Nassarius , and about 12 hermits . I have seen some Small brittle stars on the rocks also.

[ed102475]

I went to the Aqua farm and picked up some Carbon and GFO for my canister filter also got that other mod for the MJ 600 and took out the Koralia 1'S.

[Joe0813]

tank is looking good... i like the rock work alot

[ed102475]

Ok, I got my skimmer its a CheapO' don't raz me I'm broke lol. I have a leak as you can see in the pictures and don't like the cheap connection that came with it . I want to Mod it any one know any good mods for a skimmer like this that will help with the air bubbles that come from the outlet using PVC and what I should do about the leak ? I was thinking about cutting off the original connection and fitting it with a new PVC 1/2" elbow then gluing it back to the black tube going to the pump . ?
I'm water testing with vinegar and water .

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268477_2211793494321_1232012439_32640251_3986815_n.jpg?dl=1

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268115_2211795294366_1232012439_32640255_308496_n.jpg?dl=1

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263879_2211792614299_1232012439_32640250_5277063_n.jpg?dl=1

[ed102475]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269654_2211794294341_1232012439_32640253_7820197_n.jpg

[Lynnmw1208]

if you are worried about salt creep from a sump, you can cut acrylic pieces to fit on top like I did and it stays in the sump. A good cheap skimmer is an eshopps. so if you are still having issues with the one you have, I'd look into theirs. I absolutely LOVE mine, but it's in sump.

[Davey Jones]

Let me start by saying your aquascaping looks great but if it were mine I would make a couple changes. I like the arch, but I think the location could be better. Google the rule of thirds on how it applies to photography and apply the same thing to your arch instead of placing the arch dead center. Also, I'm not sure about the conch shell but if it wasn't there, I might decide I like it better with the shell than without.


Either way, just some constructive thoughts and the rock is rockin'

[ed102475]

Ok , I got the leak fixed and its running.
I picked up some new hosing and PVC fittings from Home Depot all is good .
I might want to mod the impeller anybody know a good safe mod ?

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267634_2225659040951_1232012439_32657748_6848597_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269460_2225658480937_1232012439_32657747_3632505_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264827_2225665361109_1232012439_32657750_5701471_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261254_2225657960924_1232012439_32657746_7514052_n.jpg

[ed102475]

I wanted to post some updated pic's. Here we go !
The clowns needed a home from a buddy that had to break his tank down ,
I am only keeping the 2 missbar Black & White Ocellaris , no sings of aggression. I will have the other 3 out in less than a week.:thumbsup:

I think the missbars are pairing up .

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264177_2227987059150_1232012439_32661473_809822_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269092_2227986139127_1232012439_32661471_1526171_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267999_2227982219029_1232012439_32661460_7722794_n.jpg

Some nice shots.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264823_2227988139177_1232012439_32661475_575439_n.jpg?dl=1

Garry well one of them my son calls them all Garry.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267398_2227985699116_1232012439_32661470_6460485_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270345_2227993019299_1232012439_32661485_2180949_n.jpg

Some $5 softy frags

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267931_2227984339082_1232012439_32661469_444510_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269973_2227983979073_1232012439_32661468_7910723_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267739_2227983659065_1232012439_32661467_4786987_n.jpg

[ed102475]

Full tank shots.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263019_2227981419009_1232012439_32661456_3820614_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268397_2227982939047_1232012439_32661464_4487478_n.jpg

[ed102475]

Can I buy a needle wheel impeller?

[ed102475]

I was bored so I thought I would share some pic's
The skimmer seems to be doing well .

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285750_2255502947030_1232012439_32697354_2151558_n.jpg

I thought this guy jumped for sure but then he just stuck his little head out one day ready for some food.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267804_2255496186861_1232012439_32697345_4487170_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283512_2255495266838_1232012439_32697343_1714197_n.jpg

It is very shy though.

I am seeing some good Coralline algae growth.
I am going to grow GSP on this rock .
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281813_2255494746825_1232012439_32697342_6555213_n.jpg

Some new tank mates

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/283828_2255497506894_1232012439_32697348_2972864_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268287_2255494186811_1232012439_32697341_5699459_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268951_2255495746850_1232012439_32697344_7992760_n.jpg

Has any one used this food ?

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/281466_2255492786776_1232012439_32697338_5726906_n.jpg

[ScubaPrawn]

I like all the pics.

I'm starting a 120g which is also five feet in length. I'll have to keep an eye on this thread.

I think I have the exact same light fixture too. What lights did you get for the MH and the T5s and do you like the color?

[ed102475]

I got the odyssea lighting 15k MH , I think I would like to try a 20k , the t-5's are actinic .
I like the fixtures very nice .

[ed102475]

this guy came out for the photo shoot.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285792_2255588949180_1232012439_32697541_7161379_n.jpg

this poor little guy so shy , I may neeed to hand feed him , He is scared of the clowns lol .
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/283316_2255590869228_1232012439_32697545_2944815_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267465_2255590469218_1232012439_32697544_4284684_n.jpg
I'll name him Cringer .

:strooper:

[ScubaPrawn]

Jawfish are awesome. I can't wait to get one.