120 gallon SPS build

[kevin_e]

I have decided to upgrade from a 55 gallon SPS tank to a 120 gallon SPS tank after recognizing a crack in the 55's top framing. It seem easier/cheaper to just replace the framing or get a new 55, right?

Well, bought a 120 gallon Perfecto tank built in 2007. It has a corner overflow and black silicon. It came with a 40 breeder sump and a stand/canopy that I'm rebuilding.

All this was $150!!!

 

[kevin_e]

Here is the current 55:

 

[kevin_e]

Here is the 120 setup. I created the new stand with all of the same lumber and trim minus the rosette corners.

 

[kevin_e]

Here is the new framing and the new framing with the birch facade:

 

[kevin_e]

Here is the new stand without the doors. I would say it's much improved, more sleek and modern. The other stand looked so bulky. I cut about 5" off the framing top to bottom, side to side ad front to back.

 

[kevin_e]

I will stick with my current light setup. I am currently running 2x 250-watt Hamilton 20,000K bulbs using Galaxy and Lumatek select-a-watt ballasts. Additionally, have 2x ATI Blue Plus bulbs for dawn/dusk and supplementation. The lamps/bulbs are reflected using two 24" Pfo Parallel Metal Halide/t-5 Reflectors.

My Precision Marine skimmer is powered by Bubble Blaster 100 pump, but the body seems to be inadequate for this new pump, so I will likely be purchasing a larger skimmer body from Reef Octopus.

Besides the skimmer, I will not utilize any additional mechanical or chemical filtration outside of the occasional filter sock. I have used GFO, carbon, carbon dosing etc. before and while it works and has it's purpose, I found it to cause issues for my coral due to improper usage/sudden swings. I found better color with the KISS method. I will utilize chaeto algae in the sump for biological filtration.

I believe in heavy feedings. I found that my coral did better with a heavy dose of organics, so in addition to the heavy feedings, I will have a decent bioload.

Right now, I will transfer:

Yellow Tang
2x Lyre tail anthias
Blue Damsel
Percula Clown
Watchman Goby
Six-line Wrasse

Future additions may include:

Foxface Rabbitfish
Kole Tang

 

[sahin]

Bump. How is tank? Still going?

 

[kevin_e]

Sure is, thank you. I had several issues for the first several months. I lost almost all of my coral in the move and unfortunately, will be moving again in 3 months. I'll keep the stand, but will get a custom rimless 90 (48x24x18) with either a ghost overflow or an external coast to coast.

I bought a Giesmann Infiniti and MP 40s, so a rimless will look slick.

 

[kevin_e]

 

[sahin]

Thanks for the update. FTS looks nice despite issues. That scape has potential. I look forward to the new setup with the halides. Please link back here if you start a new thread. Thanks.