Nook's 120g SPS Tank

[Nanook]

Well, after playing around with 1100 gallons for a few years, I have resigned myself to the fact that it will be a softy system exclusively. So, I just ordered a 120g tank and will be setting it up specifically for acropora.



My basic equipment list will be as follows:



120g non-reef ready tank

Lifereef LF1-125 Berlin filter

Lifereef VS2-24" venturi protein skimmer

Lifereef overflow box

2- 400 watt 20K Radium on Bluewave HQI ballast

2- 110 watt VHO URI superactinic

1- Ranco single stage temperature controller

2- 200 watt Ebo-Jaeger heaters

GEO 6x18 calcium reactor

2- Tunze 6105 powerheads, unless Roger recommends something different

Custom canopy that will raise and lower


That is the basic setup. Tank will be bare bottom with starboard. Softies will not be in this tank Let me know if you have any differing ideas, I know this is kind of old school, but it works for me.

 

[dvanacker]

1100g eh? So what are your current tanks? Cant wait to see the results of this one. !

 

[Drae]

Your light combos will produce some of the best looking pop ever in a reef tank. Your acros will be so electric with those 400's and vho's it's not even funny. No doubt in my mind that your tank will look amazing.

 

[sirreal63]

Go for it Dave! Why the Venturi skimmer?

 

[Nanook]

1100g eh? So what are your current tanks? Cant wait to see the results of this one. !

Current tanks are 375g and 470g softy, clam, gorgonians, few SPS and lots of fish Here is my build thread for the 1100g system:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1223445

Your light combos will produce some of the best looking pop ever in a reef tank. Your acros will be so electric with those 400's and vho's it's not even funny. No doubt in my mind that your tank will look amazing.

Thanks, I just happen to have a couple of the Bluewave dual 400w HQI ballasts lying around and several new pair of waterproof VHO end caps. I really love the 400w Radiums on HQI ballast...the PAR increase is substantial and the colors really do come out compared to the 250's.

Go for it Dave! Why the Venturi skimmer?

The Lifereef sump and skimmer are from my first 120g system. I sold them to a friend about 10+ years ago and they are coming back to me, so the price is right BTW, that venturi skimmer really pulls out a lot of junk and is very easy to maintain. There won't be much in the way of bioload in this tank with fish as I primarily want beautiful acropora. I don't want to be fighting that battle with this tank.

 

[sirreal63]

No doubt they work well, and I understand why now, I don't think I would buy one new but in this case it makes perfect sense.

 

[Nanook]

No doubt they work well, and I understand why now, I don't think I would buy one new but in this case it makes perfect sense.

Yeah, the technology nowadays produces skimmers that pull more for sure, but these skimmers pull out some really nasty crud, maybe just a bit slower. The build quality of the Lifereef equipment is really sweet...given my druthers, I would really like all new GEO stuff, but it isn't financially in the mix this time around.

 

[sirreal63]

I am not positive the newer skimmers pull more, but they do use less electricity. I wouldnt worry about anything being old school, i seem to remember old school works extremely well. This will be a fun one to watch.

 

[Nanook]

The Lifereef skimmer comes with my 10 year old Iwaki 30RXLT....only 90 watts. I am debating drilling the back of the 120g for a glass holes overflow, but would have to get pretty drunk and find a good friend to come over here and drill that bad boy. Price on the tank new from The Corner Reef was only $359! Decent price.

 

[sirreal63]

I drilled my 12mm glass for the GH, it is super easy to do.

 

[mpoletti]

Good luck Dave.

 

[Nanook]

Good luck Dave.

Thanks, with my luck with sticks I will really need it:lol: Your tank has always been an inspiration to me

 

[diciple]

MacBook skip thiGH overflow and do Bernie or biannual much quite drilling glass ex especially thicker glass just keep bit wet you candlelit!!

 

[diciple]

I mean NanookSorry!

 

[fishmanstan]

Should be great build.

 

[fishmanstan]

Nice tank. I have a 4' 120 SPS dominate. Let me know when you're ready for SPS. I'll hook you up with some frags

 

[Mr D smack]

The Lifereef skimmer comes with my 10 year old Iwaki 30RXLT....only 90 watts. I am debating drilling the back of the 120g for a glass holes overflow, but would have to get pretty drunk and find a good friend to come over here and drill that bad boy. Price on the tank new from The Corner Reef was only $359! Decent price.

We can drill it!!!!! :beer:

 

[sirreal63]

We can drill it!!!!! :beer:

Load him up with some single malt and he will be brave enough to do with you. :bounce2:

 

[ReeferMark]

Nook's 120G SPS

Nook's 120G SPS

Nook,

I read your thread from six years ago, but never saw any pictures of the tanks filled with water, fish and corals. How about some pictures? Great looking basement!

Mark

 

[galleon]

Dave! Good to see you around again!