Jetlinkin's New 120

[Jetlinkin]

I restarting my thread because I must have messed up on the first one. I could not see the pics. I sure hope this works. :headwally:

Well I decided it was time to upsize my tank. Actually, I am a little late with this thread. I found a good deal on a 120 last April, and have been busy with the new tank, but, I finally got around to sharing with everyone. I plan on documenting this tank looking forward, and maybe someone will learn from it, maybe even me.

A little background before I get to the pics. (I know, you all want the pics first) I started my first saltwater tank in 1996. I had done tons of freshwater growing up, and I had always heard that salt was major money, and major hassle. The owner of a LFS convinced me otherwise, and man am I glad he did. I have love this hobby ever since. My first tank was a 55 with a HOB power filter. I had one big piece of LR a pair of clowns, an anemone, and an anemone crab that hitched in on the LR. This first tank worked ok even with this junk. I finally got an overflow and a wet/dry filter, and kept buying LR, a piece at a time.

A couple of years after the 55, I had to upgrade, and got a drilled 99 with a tidalwave sump. By this time I had over 100 lbs of LR, but never enjoyed great success. I continued to learn as much as I could about reefing. I ditched the tidalwave, and went to a more traditional sump. I always just did OK with my tank for the past 18 years, but could never really grow coral. Even with easy corals, they never grew. I would just maintain them, and eventually they would just fade away.

I was lurking in my LFS store last April, and they had a 120 marineland reef ready. I have always hated my factory stand so I decided to build my own tall stand. I really wish I had taken more photos of the build, but I was too excited. I love building new tanks.

The first pics were after building the stand, and getting it moved into the house.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0451_zpse101fe5f.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0451_zpse101fe5f.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0452_zpsb557f01e.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0452_zpsb557f01e.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0453_zps7511783c.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0453_zps7511783c.jpg.html)

I think I have the makings of a catfish. Hope he likes saltwater

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0454_zpsd43b866e.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0454_zpsd43b866e.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0455_zps0a820b61.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0455_zps0a820b61.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0456_zps9c1bb96b.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0456_zps9c1bb96b.jpg.html)

More to come. :bounce2:

[Jetlinkin]

For the sump, I decided to make a custom one. I copied a plan from a tank I saw at Saltwater Empire near me. Lee designed this, and I saw it in operation, and liked it. I found an acrylic shop near me, and found some 1/2" cast acrylic. Cut up the pieces how I wanted the sump, and then flame polished the edges. My silicon skill leave a lot to be desired, but, it worked.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1779_zpsae9a31b7.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1779_zpsae9a31b7.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1780_zps6f7b1832.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1780_zps6f7b1832.jpg.html)

The first section is the drain from the tank, and has some LR rubble. The water then flows through 2 socks. The next chamber holds the skimmer, and I had some extra LR, so in it went. After a bubble trap, is the return pump. I had a GFO reactor on the last chamber for a while, but upgraded to a BRS reactor soon after these photos.

[Jetlinkin]

I have always wanted a controller. I am away from home 3-4 days a week for my job, so automation is my friend. Went with the Apex, a couple of MP40's and Radion G3 pro's for lighting.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1781_zpsbd342a6d.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1781_zpsbd342a6d.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1774_zps5b1b1444.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1774_zps5b1b1444.jpg.html)

I apologize for some of these early photos. I did not know how to set the custom white balance for my camera. I promise they get better. :blown:

[Jetlinkin]

While I was setting up this new tank, I had all the live rock in rubbermaid tubs, and all the livestock/corals in my small QT. This was stress. The tank was far too small for this task. I barely fed at all during this. I finally got the tank wet and salt mixed. I bought new sand (80 lbs fiji pink) and moved all the rock in. I really did not plan on this tank cycling, as I was using ~150 lbs. of well cured LR (17 years). I did buy a couple of small vials of bacteria booster that I added over the course of 3 days. I monitored for ammonia, nitrate, and nitrates. After a week, I could detect nothing, and decided to add the corals and a few fish. I put in my Sailfin a couple of Anthias, and my Orange spot Goby. I wanted the goby in the tank with sand as my small tank had none.

These pics are from two days after adding livestock to the new setup.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1775_zpscff14c9d.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1775_zpscff14c9d.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1776_zps7c4e108c.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1776_zps7c4e108c.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1777_zpsca1af732.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1777_zpsca1af732.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1778_zps5c1fbc15.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_1778_zps5c1fbc15.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0438_zpsf9889ef5.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20May%202014/IMG_0438_zpsf9889ef5.jpg.html)

[Jetlinkin]

Been busy over the last 5 months. I have been just watching the levels closely in the tank. I feel like a brand new reefer I tested so much. I just wanted to ensure that this new set up was stable. All the LR helped, but all the new glass, sump, and plumbing need time to get seasoned. It is still maturing but I am pleased with the stability I have seen so far. In the last 5 months I have added some fish and corals. Plus, I have seen a lot of coral growth. Looking at these pics really highlighted it for me.

Stocking list now:
5 Anthias
2 percs
1 Sailfin Tang
1 Orange Spot Goby
1 Midas Blenny
1 Cleaner Shrimp
3 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Rose BTA
1 Green BTA

Coral:
Branching Monti
Birdsnest
Green encrusting Monti
Red encrusting Monti
Green tip Acro
Zoas
Playas
Elegance Coral
Kenya Tree
Some hitchhiker zenia that is confined to an old clam shell (might be headed to sump soon)
Frogspawn
Hammer
Cabbage
GSP
A couple of new acro that I just got today, and don't even remember the name of.

Bonus, I finally figured out my white balance so my photos are a little better. I promise I will keep working on this to get some better shots.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1946_zpsd6d32259.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1946_zpsd6d32259.jpg.html)

My favorite guy. Full of personality, and won't leave me alone whenever I am near the tank.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1947_zpscd9f07f1.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1947_zpscd9f07f1.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1948_zps8692083d.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1948_zps8692083d.jpg.html)

The RBTA gets huge. I just wish he would come out in front.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1949_zps8a3fc9d5.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1949_zps8a3fc9d5.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1950_zps14b8f353.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1950_zps14b8f353.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1951_zps58bfb119.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1951_zps58bfb119.jpg.html)

These are the new ones I got today from Divers Den. Could not believe how big they were. I thought I was buying frags.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1952_zps85206590.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1952_zps85206590.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1953_zps1c27a956.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1953_zps1c27a956.jpg.html)

And I know everyone wants it. FTS

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1954_zps7afa7c46.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1954_zps7afa7c46.jpg.html)

I will keep the updates coming. After seeing the difference in the pics, I am amazed with the growth even in this short time. I am going to enjoy documenting the life of this tank. I have never done this in the past.
Thanks for looking, and all comments and suggestions are welcome. :beer:

[Jetlinkin]

I took some more pics tonight. I can't wait to see the difference in a couple of months.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1957_zps734cce6e.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1957_zps734cce6e.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1958_zpsc04405da.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1958_zpsc04405da.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1959_zps88206d59.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1959_zps88206d59.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1960_zpsc7720801.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1960_zpsc7720801.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1961_zpsa0418182.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1961_zpsa0418182.jpg.html)

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag332/kbroman1/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1962_zps2554eebd.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/kbroman1/media/120%20Reef%20October%202014/IMG_1962_zps2554eebd.jpg.html)

Comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you see something I am doing stupid, please let me know. I may have been doing this for 18 years, but I still feel like an idiot. There is so much in this hobby to learn, and I am far from being an expert. This forum has really saved this hobby for me. I have learned more in the past year of reading here, than the previous 17 years of crummy LFS advise.