How to Proceed Setting up a 125?
- Thread starter arbee
- Start date
arbee
New member
Spartan, you are awesome! Great idea and one I will check out this week.
The more I looked at the tank, the more the different wood colors would stand out and it was driving me nuts.
I was afraid I would have to get a canopy to cover the tip rim up--thats how much I hated seeing it.
Thanks for the suggestion!
arbee
New member
Yesterday morning Mark put the sand in the display tank. The water was a real mess most of the day. I put a HOT Magnum with the water polisher filter on last night after the sand had settled. Started up the water pumps and the Magnum and woke to crystal clear water this morning.
Now~~~~~I am at a crossroads. Mark and I had a serious talk this morning and I listed my concerns about the tank. He agreed with me on number 1 and 2. Number 3, not so much.
1: After I topped off the tank yesterday when the sand was in, we noticed somthing we thought was taken care of.
The tank/stand is not level. The common newbie mistake.
Before we put water in last weekend, we took the level to check and thought we were set. Nope.
2: I don't trust this stand. The reason I say that is because I don't know if anyone noticed, but the stand is a 180 stand. That means the 125 tank is setting towards the front of the stand.
Months back I was initially thinking of using the 125 for a sump/fuge and a reef ready 180 for the display, but backed down because the thought of such a large system intimidated me. Plus, I wanted to use the $800+ for a good light system.
3. Asthetics: I really don't like the look of the wood on this tank--being dark oak trim. I know it's a little thing, but it is something I will see and be unhappy about.
Now, we are at an impasse. I think that if we drained that tank to level it out, the sucker was coming down and I will bite the bullet and get a 180RR that fit the stand. This way I will sleep better at night trusting the stand to hold the tank, trusting the RR set up (not an overflow box) and as a bonus have some extra room for the fish I would love to have.
I would still use the 55 for the s/r and the 125 and the brand new LifeReef OF box will just be sold.
So it's Mark's turn to be highly upset with me. Bless his heart, he just shook his head and told me to decide what I want to do and then we will go from there. He is now working on the electrical in the workroom putting in the DJ boxes and a new shelf and worklight. Pics of that tonight.
I have 24hrs.....(Jack Bauer, where are you?)
The progress on this 125 is on hold until I make the decision on what is the best way to go.
Now~~~~~I am at a crossroads. Mark and I had a serious talk this morning and I listed my concerns about the tank. He agreed with me on number 1 and 2. Number 3, not so much.
1: After I topped off the tank yesterday when the sand was in, we noticed somthing we thought was taken care of.
The tank/stand is not level. The common newbie mistake.
Before we put water in last weekend, we took the level to check and thought we were set. Nope.
2: I don't trust this stand. The reason I say that is because I don't know if anyone noticed, but the stand is a 180 stand. That means the 125 tank is setting towards the front of the stand.
Months back I was initially thinking of using the 125 for a sump/fuge and a reef ready 180 for the display, but backed down because the thought of such a large system intimidated me. Plus, I wanted to use the $800+ for a good light system.
3. Asthetics: I really don't like the look of the wood on this tank--being dark oak trim. I know it's a little thing, but it is something I will see and be unhappy about.
Now, we are at an impasse. I think that if we drained that tank to level it out, the sucker was coming down and I will bite the bullet and get a 180RR that fit the stand. This way I will sleep better at night trusting the stand to hold the tank, trusting the RR set up (not an overflow box) and as a bonus have some extra room for the fish I would love to have.
I would still use the 55 for the s/r and the 125 and the brand new LifeReef OF box will just be sold.
So it's Mark's turn to be highly upset with me. Bless his heart, he just shook his head and told me to decide what I want to do and then we will go from there. He is now working on the electrical in the workroom putting in the DJ boxes and a new shelf and worklight. Pics of that tonight.
I have 24hrs.....(Jack Bauer, where are you?)
The progress on this 125 is on hold until I make the decision on what is the best way to go.
Micki
Premium Member
My first suggestion would be go for the biggest tank you can. It's much easier to control. RR is always the best. The level problem does need to be taken care of no matter what tank you go with. Uneven means uneven stress on something and that's never a good thing. As for the looks you have to look at it every day make sure you like it. 
You can also get trim strips to glue over what you don't like. You can stain them to the color you want or even buy the matching color for your stand. (these are MY opinions only)! Good Luck!
You can also get trim strips to glue over what you don't like. You can stain them to the color you want or even buy the matching color for your stand. (these are MY opinions only)! Good Luck!
arbee
New member
Oh Micki, I am so glad to see you. I know you have been through setting up a 125 so it helps to know what you think.
I am still debating. I just don't know what to do.
I want a 180RR, but we are so close to having this one 'online'.
Tonight is 'date' night and I think over dinner and drinks we will be relaxed enough to discuss this and come to a consensus.
Been figuring $$ and the 180 looks bleak. But all the new equipment would work on the bigger tank.
Then again, I am looking at this tank with no lighting and I know I have to get something soon.
Tomorrow morn I'm sure I will know what to do.
One way is going to consist of time (pumping out water and leveling) or the other way is spending the moolah and then putting off several weeks until set up. I hate keeping my stuff in QT much longer...........
I am still debating. I just don't know what to do.
I want a 180RR, but we are so close to having this one 'online'.
Tonight is 'date' night and I think over dinner and drinks we will be relaxed enough to discuss this and come to a consensus.
Been figuring $$ and the 180 looks bleak. But all the new equipment would work on the bigger tank.
Then again, I am looking at this tank with no lighting and I know I have to get something soon.
Tomorrow morn I'm sure I will know what to do.
One way is going to consist of time (pumping out water and leveling) or the other way is spending the moolah and then putting off several weeks until set up. I hate keeping my stuff in QT much longer...........
arbee
New member
We got up this morning and started pumping water out of the display tank. Yep, decided to fix this 125 and get her leveled and working.
Mark and I moved the tank back about 4 inches on the stand, got the stand level from the floor. Went to HD and got some shim material--actually a wood trim type stuff that I stained. You won't see much of it at all next to the carpet, but I had to do that just in case it would be visible.
We got some wood that we will use to trim the front top of the stand where the tank bottom will be exposed and it will look like part of the stand when we finish.
Here is the tank tonight at the moment. I am getting ready to start refilling as soon as Mark puts the shim piece in.
Mark and I moved the tank back about 4 inches on the stand, got the stand level from the floor. Went to HD and got some shim material--actually a wood trim type stuff that I stained. You won't see much of it at all next to the carpet, but I had to do that just in case it would be visible.
We got some wood that we will use to trim the front top of the stand where the tank bottom will be exposed and it will look like part of the stand when we finish.
Here is the tank tonight at the moment. I am getting ready to start refilling as soon as Mark puts the shim piece in.
arbee
New member
The fish workroom is almost done. I am really pleased with it.
Mark worked up a storm and got a shelf above the sump tank along with a work light. Put up the DJ switch boxes for the electric. I have to find a good light to hang above the fuge and it will be just about done. Once I move the QT rubbermaid, i have a chest with porcelain top that I can do my water testing and other work on. When we go to Salty Critter this Sat, I hope to be able to have someone there to explain an auto top-off system so that will be the next job for the workroom.
Now, just getting the display tank problems worked out and we will hopefully get the tanks connected this weekend.
Mark worked up a storm and got a shelf above the sump tank along with a work light. Put up the DJ switch boxes for the electric. I have to find a good light to hang above the fuge and it will be just about done. Once I move the QT rubbermaid, i have a chest with porcelain top that I can do my water testing and other work on. When we go to Salty Critter this Sat, I hope to be able to have someone there to explain an auto top-off system so that will be the next job for the workroom.
Now, just getting the display tank problems worked out and we will hopefully get the tanks connected this weekend.
arbee
New member
Thanks Micki~It is coming along. Started out rocky---especially with Mark and I working on a project this size together since...well, since 11 years ago when we built our house.
After a few bumps we decided to have FUN with this--even when things go wonky. And we are-----
Yesterday was a good example. I had the HOT magnum on the display to clear up the water. Mark walked by and noticed it wasn' t running. So we took it apart and had it in pieces to fix.....meanwhile I walk next to the 20L tank and realize my Coralife 65 skimmer is awful quiet. No bubbles just water pouring out. Thought I had another RIO ceramic shaft break (after buying a brand new pump for that skimmer last month). I fixed my problem, but Mark pronounced the Magnum DEAD. While this is taking place our pom is throwing up all over....she decided to drink some saltwater (she is fine today). I go upstairs and start to vacuum seal some new cyclopeeze and mysis shrimp into small packets..and the vacuum sealer took a dive down the dead hole (brand new last month)!
I started giggling and he cracked up.....so we decided then and there things NEVER go smooth or as planned with reef tanks and anything related to it and we may as laugh when things go bonkers.
It sure beats running around the room screaming and pulling out your hair
Rita, I will get a few pics later. I have a JBJ Auto top off. It works great and is easy to hook up. you plug it in and plug a pump to it and put the low water sensor where you want it and thats it. I use a maxi-jet 1200 for my top off pump. It has worked out very well. Just thought i would tell you.
Whaledriver
New member
Nice real life thread.
Hate to rain on your parade but I have metal clamps on every fitting on my systems! As hoses age they get loose and leak. And do you want to accidentally bump/pull a hose and start a leak? It only cost about $10 bucks to put them on all your fittings.
I would also keep an eye out for a second overflow. Again its for peace of mind in case one clogs up.
Hate to rain on your parade but I have metal clamps on every fitting on my systems! As hoses age they get loose and leak. And do you want to accidentally bump/pull a hose and start a leak? It only cost about $10 bucks to put them on all your fittings.
I would also keep an eye out for a second overflow. Again its for peace of mind in case one clogs up.
arbee
New member
Hello Whalediver......
Shhh! LOL
Actually I just feel better with the other clamps. I hate putting metel near anything saltwater.....I've seen what how it corrodes everything and would rather not have that in/near my system.
We are putting the plastic clamps on things, but Mark did put up a metal bar on the back wall in the workroom to support the pvc fixtures for the overflow box. We comprimised~
As far as another overflow box, I do have 2 more, one that I could utilize as a back-up.
Thanks for the good idea~~~
Rita
Shhh! LOL
Actually I just feel better with the other clamps. I hate putting metel near anything saltwater.....I've seen what how it corrodes everything and would rather not have that in/near my system.
We are putting the plastic clamps on things, but Mark did put up a metal bar on the back wall in the workroom to support the pvc fixtures for the overflow box. We comprimised~
As far as another overflow box, I do have 2 more, one that I could utilize as a back-up.
Thanks for the good idea~~~
Rita
arbee
New member
Busy day today. The shim trim is on the bottom to bring the tank level and it looks fine. Pics coming.
We changed to filters and DI resin on the RO/DI unit and also................
We got the tanks hooked up. No problems with flooding and the overflow and pump worked together like a dream (and not a nightmare!)
I put 2 Hydor Koralia 4 Turbo Pumps 1200 in the display. The look great--not too large. It's wonderful seeing a display without all the equipment hanging off of it.
We changed to filters and DI resin on the RO/DI unit and also................
We got the tanks hooked up. No problems with flooding and the overflow and pump worked together like a dream (and not a nightmare!)
I put 2 Hydor Koralia 4 Turbo Pumps 1200 in the display. The look great--not too large. It's wonderful seeing a display without all the equipment hanging off of it.
