New Tank Build - 53" x 22" x 25" (~120G)

[neogenix]

So I got a saabtech's tank (http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?55113-from-trashed-to-prized-maint-thread.&highlight=prized), stand and skimmer, and this will be the thread where I go through the whole build process. Feel free to tag along. It's significantly larger than my current tank, so it's going to be interesting... also, I've learnt a lot since my last build, so i'm doing things ALOT differently.

So far, here're things that're planned / underway :

* AI LED Lighting
-> After a lot of thought, reading, and maths (did all the maths for all the assortment of lighting types, for bulbs electricity, etc...) it seemed to be that the biggest initial cost was LED's, but after a few years they pay off. Then i managed to get a really great deal from SaltySupply on the SOL blues so I went for them... they arrive next week! :)

* NextReef XL Reactors for GFO, Carbon, and BioPellets (Blue one for the BPs)
-> Everyone here seems to be having a great old time with BP's, and then after some reading they seem to be the way to go... The side effect is that I'm NOT going to be running a fuge, and rather a frag tank. I was going to order the regular sized ones, but I'll get a bigger tank than this at some point, so there's no reason to not buy bigger ones when the price difference was like 15% :)

* RKE Controlled!
-> I've got the RKE with the SL1, SL2, Net and MLC controller modules. I'll be using it to do everything from monitoring, to automated wave maker. I'll be using it for ATO, and at some point automated water changes ;)

* Koralia Evo 1400 Powered!
-> I've got 4 of the buggers that'll be running off the RKE to be the wave maker. At some point I may go Vortech, just couldn't warrant that and the LED's...

* RO/DI Consuming!
-> My shiny MaxCap SpectraPure will power this from the other side of the house... yay!

* Ecoxotic Stunner Strips
-> UV Stunner strips from Ecoxotic (http://www.ecoxotic.com/catalog/product/view/id/55/category/16/) *Still need to get these*

So far the work that's been completed is :

* Vinegar for around a month or so... MANY MANY GALLONS LATER ! ;)
* Breakdown, and plumbing pull apart.
* Stand clean-out (There was some soundproofing foam in the stand, it's been removed)
* Clean, sand and re-seal the stand
* Re-paint the back of the tank

Things that are left to order/do :

* New skimmer
* Acrylic for new sump
* Tools for acrylic work
* Complete sealing the stand
* Lighting for frag tank
* New pumps (Sicce for both the reactors, and the return)
* New plumbing (maggie muffler too!)
* LR Epoxy
* More Sand!!
* Dosing pumps for the Coral Snow, Cal, Mag, Alk
* THE GREAT MIGRATION!

This week Gabe hand picked me some AWESOME LR, I'll see when I can get some pics up, but they're 4 pieces of branching table LR, which are going to go awesomely on the top of each of the rock piles.

The sump is going to be an interesting design, both my first attempt to work with acrylic, and the perfect sump for 'automation'. I'm going to do everything from quick connect bulkheads, to probe holders... and no fuge...

So Questions? Comments? Etc...

[txg8gxp]

Sounds like a great plan. I can't wait to see some pics

[Mr Cob]

Nice tank....looking forward to some pics.

[hobogato]

yep, was very nice when kevin had it, and it looks like you have planned it out well. look forward to watching your progress.

[Big_Pun]

after all the talks about this tank, im finally glad to see this is coming together. so are you going bio pellets?

[roscozman]

All sounds good.

[neogenix]

after all the talks about this tank, im finally glad to see this is coming together. so are you going bio pellets?

Lol, well I just want to do it right ;) Slowly makes it happen... also, I did spend a few weeks in europe, and sf, which didn't help the project along! Yes, I'm going to go BP, here's the reactor that I've got coming :

http://nextreef.com/solidreactors.html

specifically:

http://nextreef.com/images/SMR1/SMR1XL.jpg

to go with this for my GFO and Carbon :

http://nextreef.com/images/Monster/Monster.jpg

I'm going to replace out the barb fittings with PVC schedule fittings and create a solid frame with a manifold and gate valves above each of the 3 reactors (1x SMR1XL, 1x Monster XL) with a last run off valve at the end. This should allow me to drive the reactors each independently, and without the return being on at the same time... Sicce of course, before you ask.



yep, was very nice when kevin had it, and it looks like you have planned it out well. look forward to watching your progress.

Yup, I'm hoping to take it the next few steps further... automation, automation, automation... and a bit of a clean up :)


Nice tank....looking forward to some pics.

May actually post the first few tonight, we'll see though.


Sounds like a great plan. I can't wait to see some pics

Yup, and thanks for all your help so far, with the LED's, and everything else :D


All sounds good.

Thanks!!

[Mr Cob]

Good job at planning...that's the step I enjoy most. Just wish my pocket book would keep up...subsequently it can also be the most frustrating step.

[neogenix]

Good job at planning...that's the step I enjoy most. Just wish my pocket book would keep up...subsequently it can also be the most frustrating step.

Yup, when I got the LR this weekend it made me want to just skip to putting water in it... It's crazy but I've been working on this for around nearly 3 months I'd say... Gabe's spent hours listening to my thoughts about everything from media, to sump sizing... Poor Gabe :) Oh, and Chris too!

[Mr Cob]

lol, I feel yah...I'm going on about the same myself with the 85g....I did put water this weekend though :)

It's great that you post your plans and speak to people about it too....that gives you an opportunity to step back and allow others to point out anything you may have overlooked.

You now have reached your thread limit for posting without pics. Please post pics within your next two posts or else.....haha.

[Big_Pun]

Yup, when I got the LR this weekend it made me want to just skip to putting water in it... It's crazy but I've been working on this for around nearly 3 months I'd say... Gabe's spent hours listening to my thoughts about everything from media, to sump sizing... Poor Gabe :) Oh, and Chris too!

its always great to bounce ideas off fellow hobbyist, if you need any help let me know.

[txav8r]

Sounds like a well planned system. Looking forward to seeing pictures!

[neogenix]

lol, I feel yah...I'm going on about the same myself with the 85g....I did put water this weekend though :)

It's great that you post your plans and speak to people about it too....that gives you an opportunity to step back and allow others to point out anything you may have overlooked.

You now have reached your thread limit for posting without pics. Please post pics within your next two posts or else.....haha.

hah! I'll start putting some up tonight, there's sawdust everywhere, but I'm sure you guys can look past that ;) I'll also have the unboxing of my NextReef, and AI gear this week some time to put pics up.


its always great to bounce ideas off fellow hobbyist, if you need any help let me know.

Thanks Chrissy!


Sounds like a well planned system. Looking forward to seeing pictures!

Thanks! Should hopefully have some in the next few days...

[neogenix]

Just got the tracking bits for my NextReef Monster, and XL BP reactors :

NextReef SMR1 XL Media Reactor
Recommended Tank Size: 375 gallons Marine
Height: 23" Overall Height / 21" Reaction Chamber (585mm / 535mm)
Width: 6" Overall (150mm)
Reaction Chamber: 21" x 4" (535mm x 100mm)
Total Capacity: 230 cubic inches / 1.0 gallons / 127 fluid ounces / 3.8 litre
Inlet / Outlet: 5/8" 90 Degree Barb Fittings - fits standard 5/8" ID tubing

NextReef MR1 Monster Media Reactor
Recommended Tank Size: 600 gallons Marine / 1200 gallons Freshwater
Height: 23" Overall Height / 21" Reaction Chambers (585mm / 535mm)
Footprint: 12.5" x 6" (325mm x 150mm)
Reaction Chamber: 21" x 4" (Dual) (535mm x 100mm)
Total Capacity: 465 cubic inches / 2.0 gallons / 255 fluid ounces / 7.6 litre
Inlet / Outlet: 1/2" 90 Degree Barb Fittings - fits standard 1/2" ID tubing

With the sizes, I think I may actually be able to put them side by side in my sump :) (6x18.5...)

[Big_Pun]

you should get two of these http://reefbuilders.com/files/2010/10/nextreef-BR1-comparison.jpg

[neogenix]

So I got home tonight only to find these lil 'ol things sitting in the entrance :

9800 9803

And then as requested, here's a progress shot, it's the best that I could do as the back has been resprayed already, but everything is completely covered in sawdust...

9799 9801

I can't wait to try out these reactors!!

[txg8gxp]

Looks good, Lots of nice reactors :)

[CoryDude]

Are you mounting the stunner led's in a hood? Just wondering how you're planning on incorporating those into your AI fixture. BTW, the stunners are amazing looking in person. May want to contact Aquatek to see if you can get them local. The panoramas are great looking also, but it sounds like you've already order the AI's.

[neogenix]

Looks good, Lots of nice reactors :)

Yup, going to work on replacing out the fitting shortly. Want to do something similar to this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrdFWsnbvNc&feature=player_embedded. Essentially, have them in serial off the same pump, and have them all return into the sump, one of them right in front of the skimmer of course. I'm hoping to put the sump together in such a way that the skimmer piece is sectioned off to allow for enhanced skimming of the BP out.


Are you mounting the stunner led's in a hood? Just wondering how you're planning on incorporating those into your AI fixture. BTW, the stunners are amazing looking in person. May want to contact Aquatek to see if you can get them local. The panoramas are great looking also, but it sounds like you've already order the AI's.

I'm thinking about mounting them on the rail between the AI modules. The alternative is to mount them in the stand, there's no hood though, but the strips can be spaced enough to have 2 or so per side, each aiming into the tank directly. I was thinking about just using them for UV as the AI stuff would cover my blue needs.

[neogenix]

After an unfortunate experience with SaltySupply.com, I just made the final equipment order...

SoCal Tropical Fish Outlet:

3x Aqua Illumination SOL Blue Modules
1x Aqua Illumination Controller
1x Aqua Illumination 60" Rail + Mounting Legs
1x Vertex 1000ml BioPellet Bag
1x Bubble Magus NAC9 Skimmer

Bulk Reef Supply :

1x GFO Bulk
1x Carbon Bulk
(and misc...)

Tank Depot.com :

1x 35G Water Storage

..... So can't wait for it to get here... That means I now have all my gear underway... tank has been cleaned up and refinished, stand has been cleaned up and needs last coat of paint tonight. Outside of that, just need to do the sump, pumps, and live sand... fun times!!

[FireWater]

Equipment list and the planning sound great. I look forward to seeing it put together and hearing how it all works out.

What made you go with the nac9 over the 7?

[neogenix]

Equipment list and the planning sound great. I look forward to seeing it put together and hearing how it all works out.

What made you go with the nac9 over the 7?

Ah, so I wanted to get something a little bigger than I needed, but then came across the deal I got for the NAC9 (I'm paying just over 200 bucks for the NAC9) which was just too good to pass up.. At worst I'll skim for a few hours at a time, and just use that to limit the skimming, but all in all, I just couldn't bring myself to pass up on that vs the 7. Also interestingly enough, for the nearly 3x the rating size, it uses 3w less power... :D

[FireWater]

I was curious as to why after reading the capacity of each skimmer. I plan on using the nac7 on my 120 so I knew the 9 was overkill for me. I did notice that Bubble Magus uses several different pumps - seems the "lower end" uses the Aquabee pump while the "upper" end uses Eheim. That would explain the wattage difference I guess. When do your Sols come in?

[neogenix]

I was curious as to why after reading the capacity of each skimmer. I plan on using the nac7 on my 120 so I knew the 9 was overkill for me. I did notice that Bubble Magus uses several different pumps - seems the "lower end" uses the Aquabee pump while the "upper" end uses Eheim. That would explain the wattage difference I guess. When do your Sols come in?

Ah, at the moment the NAC7, and the NAC9 both use Atman pumps from what I can see (a bigger model, with lower wattage on the 9), they seem to vary them out wherever they make sense at the time for the range / model. I'm sure they use cheaper ones in the cheaper models though :) My whole order should arrive on Tuesday. Hopefully over the next week I'll order the other bits (maybe need a bigger heater, some more dosing pumps, another PC4 for my RKE)... Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday !!! :) Bring on tuesday!!! in the meanwhile, my Yamaha RX-V 1065 arrived this morning ... :D

[FireWater]

Atman, Aquabee, Ehiem..... I got all of them mixed up.LOL. I am still not 100% sure what I am going to go with. I feel that the nac7 should be plenty for mine but, if I run across a great deal like the one you found then bigger it is. I am one of those that believes the ability to over skim can be a good thing.

When ever you get the SOLs running I would love to check them out one day. I am still going to run the Evolutions over my tank but, I always look for other stuff to throw money at.

[neogenix]

Atman, Aquabee, Ehiem..... I got all of them mixed up.LOL. I am still not 100% sure what I am going to go with. I feel that the nac7 should be plenty for mine but, if I run across a great deal like the one you found then bigger it is. I am one of those that believes the ability to over skim can be a good thing.

When ever you get the SOLs running I would love to check them out one day. I am still going to run the Evolutions over my tank but, I always look for other stuff to throw money at.

Yup, I'm pretty sure the NAC6, 7, and even 8 would be fine for most folks, but I just couldn't pass up the 9 for that... I'm actually going to probably check to see what the pull rate is, but I may cut it down to a few hours... but from what I've been seeing online in the videos, generally what happens with massive oversized skimmers, is that there is only skim-mate (spelling) produced when nutrients are added to the tank... Which means I'll def need to define, and use a feeding mode on my RKE.

[neogenix]

So, I completed my order from BRS this weekend too, it arrives tomorrow. In addition my order from SoCal Tropical Fish Outlet (AI, etc...) will only arrive tomorrow because fedex couldn't work out how to knock louder :P If anyone's interested in unboxing pics tomorrow, let me know!

[FireWater]

Uhh...... Ya, I am interested in unboxing pics. That way i can live vicariously through your new stuff while I wait for mine to get here.

[neogenix]

So got everything today, and while unpacking, i was like... what is this big thing (covered in bubble wrap) and then I thought, wow the skimmer is shorter than I thought, but hey at least it's nice and wide... and then I realised it was *JUST* the skimmer cup. Everything arrived in once piece, and is currently under testing.

1028110280102791027810283

You can see how big it is from the soda can on the top. It's HUGE!

[Big_Pun]

wow the pic you sent me yesterday doesnt show how big that skimmer really is, i think i still might try and fight one under my tank, good thing my stand is 36 inches high. so how do you like the lights, are you going to mount them on your current system to test.

[neogenix]

wow the pic you sent me yesterday doesnt show how big that skimmer really is, i think i still might try and fight one under my tank, good thing my stand is 36 inches high. so how do you like the lights, are you going to mount them on your current system to test.

The lights are pretty hardcore, and yes I'm going to put them on my current system tonight ;) Also, you could always get a smaller one NAC8, or even a NAC7, if you really want a giant skimmer ;)

[neogenix]

Just added the new firmware to both my RKE and my AI's. OMG the AI firmware is AWESOME! it's got lightning, separate channel control (blue1, blue2, and white independently) and cloud cover, as well as 14 different ramp points through the day... oh, and the firmware upgrade was AMAZINGLY easy. The new controller arrived sometime this week, and C2 was great about support, I'm an idiot though and ended up snapping one of the plates, but they're sending me some free ones, wow!

The bits I ordered from BRS arrived :
* Carbon
* GFO
* Hole cutting kit
* Push connect bulkheads (pretty bad ***!!), going to use them for my dosing into my sump
* Random other stuff...

The big purchase I've just made is a pair of these :
http://glassbox-design.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ORA-Black-Ice-Semi-Snowflake-420x297.jpg

They are so badddddd A** ooking...

[ramsey]

When are you putting water in this tank? Good god, you have a build thread that's four pages long and your tank is still empty! :P Clowns look cool!

[neogenix]

When are you putting water in this tank? Good god, you have a build thread that's four pages long and your tank is still empty! :P Clowns look cool!

Not all of us have jobs that afford us such luxury time ramsey ;) (we used to work together btw for those who don't know)

[ramsey]

Not all of us have jobs that afford us such luxury time ramsey ;) (we used to work together btw for those who don't know)

With your salary I thought you could outsource your job and/or life and still be rolling in it. :)

[Mrs. z28pwr]

With your salary I thought you could outsource your job and/or life and still be rolling in it. :)

Jose is wondering why you haven't written a script to do your job Patrick...

I've been very tempted in going with those LED lights but I'm waiting to see them on your tank and see how they do with the par meter since my tank is 30" tall I may have to go with the regular 2 whites and 1 blue to get the additional PAR.

[neogenix]

With your salary I thought you could outsource your job and/or life and still be rolling in it. :)

lol, not quite.


Jose is wondering why you haven't written a script to do your job Patrick...

I've been very tempted in going with those LED lights but I'm waiting to see them on your tank and see how they do with the par meter since my tank is 30" tall I may have to go with the regular 2 whites and 1 blue to get the additional PAR.

Unfortunately the scripting of my current job isn't possible... what I may try do is script ramsey's job, and then take his salary. The Royal Blue ones should have the same sort of power output that the white ones do... or at least close.

[Europhyllia]

That was January... are you on vacation again?

[neogenix]

So, I skipped San Antonio and have appeared in Denver. Been a whole long time but sold everything on my way out and now that I'm back in colorado and settled in I'm starting a tank up again. Likely won't be positing a build thread here but if anyone's interested I'll send along the thread in the other forum for my build. 110 acrylic tall here I come!


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[Big_Pun]

So, I skipped San Antonio and have appeared in Denver. Been a whole long time but sold everything on my way out and now that I'm back in colorado and settled in I'm starting a tank up again. Likely won't be positing a build thread here but if anyone's interested I'll send along the thread in the other forum for my build. 110 acrylic tall here I come!


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cant wait till MACNA we will cause some trouble and have fun. congrats on a new build!

[neogenix]

Yup. Who ever is coming up for macna, you better plan on saying hi!


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[Big_Pun]

Yup. Who ever is coming up for macna, you better plan on saying hi!


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ya ill say hi at breakfast lol

[ramsey]

So, I skipped San Antonio and have appeared in Denver. Been a whole long time but sold everything on my way out and now that I'm back in colorado and settled in I'm starting a tank up again. Likely won't be positing a build thread here but if anyone's interested I'll send along the thread in the other forum for my build. 110 acrylic tall here I come!


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What's up Patty!? Glad to hear you're getting back in. I'm thinking about going to MACNA so I'll holler if I end up there. How's Jim and Anson doing?

[neogenix]

They're good! We're all working together so it's fun times! And yes @big_pun will be abusing my ceramics!


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[ramsey]

Awesome man, fell them and the wife I said hello. Like I said, I'll holler at you if I got to MACNA. I'm pretty sure I will be. Hope everything's well!