Help planning new 120 build

[chark]

I want to start a new 120 mixed reef. My first 2 questions are:

1. Does anyone have an Oceanic Tech tank? Do you like i?

2. What are some of the ways to get good alternating flow? I do not necessarily want to go cheap but effective for the cost.

[lhoy]

I think there is a specific Oceanic Tech thread on Reef Central as I don't remember a specific thread here. Of course, anyone owning one should chime in. I just remember seeing the huge thread and thought it might help.

Well, two options on flow and both can be effective. Closed loops or combo of powerheads (or wavebox). I have wavebox with other powerheads and like it. I ahve seen some awesome closed loops like Brian's (Greenmako). Depends on if you are starting tank from scatch and can drill or not.

Lee

[RayAllen]

Several of us have oceanics. Great aquariums althought I have to say that ones made now days are not the same tank made just a few years ago. I have a oceanic 210g that I bought used which I think was built in 2002 and its going strong. Your 2nd question about flow Hydor Koralias, these things are powerful, not to bad to look at and very inexpensive. 3 Hydor #4s in a 120g would be nice.

[chark]

I am starting the tank from scratch. Nothing has been bought. I will be transferring all my current tank to that one when it is built.

I was leaning toward some type of wavemaker and pumps. Not sure what wavemaker to buy or what pumps would work for the wavemaker.

[RayAllen]

I think Tunze pumps are the best to use with wavemakers, but im someone with wavemaker experience will chime in. And welcome Chark; glad to have you aboard!

[Ed]

First, Welcome to MAAST!

Sorry for all the nonsense in the lounge.

If you are talking about a power strip type wavemaker or Red Sea wavemaker, Maxi Jets work well. However, I prefer the flow from a Koralia or Tunze Turbelle. A SCWD on your return might also be an option.

[JLiu]

The new Oceanic's aren't made with the same quality as the old Oceanics (before oceanic got bought out). The Tech series of tanks are nice with center overflow, no center brace and a starfire front pane. Tunze's work great for flow with a controller, but will be a bit pricey. The cheaper route to go is with a Hydor Koralia, but the Koralia's weren't designed for wave makers currently being used, according to Hydor they are in the process of making one available to use with their Koralia's.

[captexas]

120g is a great tank size. I always wanted one but always ended up with different tanks. There are some Tunze fanatics here that will chime in if you want to go with a higher end power head/wave maker setup. I have used the Red Sea wavemaker with Maxi Jet power heads and really liked it. Overall though, I got to where I didn't like the look of having a bunch of powerheads hanging in the tank so I later went with a closed loop. When it comes to closed loops, the options and layouts are endless and really all depend on what you want to do with it. I would suggest asking around to see if you can visit other nearby people and check out their tanks and talk about how they have theirs setup. Nothing beats seeing it in person to help understand how it all fits together and decide what will work for you.

[aquasport24]

you can ask to take a look at some of the people here with 120g. to have a better idea.

[chark]

Can anyone with a 120 give examples of how I might do a closed loop? Someone told me that a 120 was too small for a closed loop.

[RayAllen]

Can anyone with a 120 give examples of how I might do a closed loop? Someone told me that a 120 was too small for a closed loop.

Not true you can do a closed loop on a 75g if you want. What matters here is the size of the pump you choose to go with.

[JimD]

I have a closed loop on a 20 tall.

[RayAllen]

what are the measurments of your 120g? I had one a few years ago that was 60x18x22 or something like that. I know they come 48x24 though. Just curious

[RayAllen]

So you know, if you need any ideas. The tank of the month just happens to be a 120g.

[chark]

120 gal will be 48x24x24".

[hobogato]

keep in mind also that oceanic will sometimes temper the bottom of the tank after drilling it to make it reef ready. this is important information to know before you drill new holes for a closed loop. that is a great tank dimension wise, you will love the 24" width - much better for aquascaping than a traditional long tank.

[tony]

Can anyone with a 120 give examples of how I might do a closed loop? Someone told me that a 120 was too small for a closed loop.


lol, there is a 30 with a closed loop floating around here somewhere

[captexas]

Yeah, Ace made a great point that could end up making your decision for you. Definately find out if any parts of the tank are tempered glass and if so, which ones. If it's just the bottom, then you will have to come through the back of the tank for any returns/drains if you want to keep with the closed loop idea. Also, will this be a free standing tank or in wall setup? I was setting up an Oceanic 240g in wall tank at one time and I actually drilled the end pieces of glass for 2 return lines each using those swivel/jacuzzi jet style bulkheads. They looked much better than having locline sticking out of the side.