New 120 Gallon Tank Build.

[fernalfer]

So i've decided to get back into the reefing hobby and figured i'd post my progress. I will have some questions because i feel a lot has changed since i got out of the hobby years ago.

I bought a used 120 gallon dual of center overflow tank and stand. Right now i have just completed my custom stand. The original stand it came with was only 28 inches high and left me no room to work underneath in the sump. So i built a new stand 37 inches high.



Used tank and stand










Finished stand. It will be painted Black.

Next post will be of equipment i have purchased so far.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

That will be a nice setup when you get it going. You are doing a good job with the stand...

 

[don_chuwish]

Very nice. Yeah I have that same lame stock stand. I think it'll be firewood.

 

[don_chuwish]

Wow nice shop too, jealous of that!

 

[mgoulding]

Following along

 

[fernalfer]

Following along

Stand all painted black will put up picks soon. Right now i'm in a dilemma on whether i will cure my Marco Dry Rock in a 32 gallon Brute with RODI Saltwater, a power head, and some heat until i have zero phosphates readings. Or whether i should just put the rock right in the tank and cycle it normal and hope for the best.

 

[mgoulding]

I would only cure outside the tank if it was already established. Better to cycle all together the first time, IMO.

 

[fernalfer]

Ok i have not posted in awhile but here is an update to where i am at in my build. I have 120 lbs. of Marco Dry Rock curing in 2 44 gallon brute containers. Trying to get the phosphates out. They have been in containers for 1 full month now. Starting phosphates were 0.123 and today they are 0.031 checked with Hanna Checker. I also finished plumbing my sump today. Feel pretty good about it. Tell me what you guys think. I wanted good flow so left out unions and 90's. Used Ultra Flex PVC which to me made things easier. Here are some pics of my journey so far:

Lets start with what will be my QT tank: 20 gallons



I used that black paint that you can peel off if ever i decided to sell the tank:



Here is the tank on its custom built stand i made because the old one was not high enough for me. This one is 36 inches high:



And this is my completed Plumbing job. Lets hope for no leaks. Will be filling with hose water on friday to check for leaks:



I need to purchase some loc line for the returns and then its time to start making some salt. Sand will be here on Friday. Also added a dedicated GFCI outlet just for the tank so it is on its own circuit.

 

[codydemmel4]

very nice setup, following along.

 

[Land_shark067]

that new stand is great! i hate how short standard stands are. as a tall person I like tall tanks I dont have to hunch over to see into.

 

[fernalfer]

Ok i have leak tested the tank using freshwater. No leaks. now i'm in the process of making saltwater to start the fill. What a slow process making RODI water is. I will start aquascaping with the 130lbs. of Marco Dry Rock in the next few days. Still indecisive on whether to put egg crate down under rocks to keep them in place better. If i do it will not be on the entire tank bottom, just where the rock will be going down.