DeBo's 125G Build!

As you may have seen in my other build thread, I got a wicked deal on a 75 gallon tank. I was looking around online last night on a local traders forum for a 20G long so I can use a sump and ran across an add for a 125G. Called and went and looked at it. Brought her home!

Its a 125G, glass, dimensions are 6' X 18in thick x 21 tall (i believe, was quickly measuring yesterday)

It came with a aqua clear sump that has a skimmer built in (its pretty neat), maxi 1200 PH.. two 700GPH pumps (one for skimmer and one for return). It has an HOB overflow box and all the plumbing. Came with a heater, just lots and lots of stuff. She also came with some base rock as well. It came with the stand in the pictures as well. It is made with wood planks not ply and 2x4's.. she is REALLLY sturdy!

I got everything for $250 bux!

I cleaned for hours yesterday.. but she is up, plumbed, running, full of water, and has some base rock in it. I just need some more salt, sand and rock and she is ready to cycle. Then I will be looking for some lighting.

Thanks to mike for helping me get everything plumbed through text messaging! LOL.. We had a few water incidents with pump going to fast or to slow compared to overflow. Then he laughed because I didnt have the internal box in the tank. DUH for me.. but its my first time plumbing anything. LOL

Yes luna, there are pics!

Here it is getting all cleaned up, the stand in the backround:


Here is the sump/skimmer before it got cleaned:


Here she is with a little water and some base rock:


Here she is up, plumbed, and running:

 

Ohh on a side note.. anyone local need a 75G with overflow? LOL got a good deal.. or will trade for some sand or rock!

 

Cant wait to see some fish in that tank. Use your table salt if you have to.

 

Quick question.. some people are completely against bioballs. What do you guys think?

 

prob from the poor maintenance most people give them. its recommended to clean the bio balls every week (rinse in discarded tank water i assume), and then the general consensus is there fine. but apparently if you dont maintenance them regulary they become nitrate factories.

i use live rock rubble personally, seems more natural to me.

~Will.

 

The bioballs should be okay then...Will just rinse them regularly. If I use live rock in this section I am afraid debris from it will get sucked up by my return pump.

 

i keep a filter pad on a piece of eggcrate cut to fit the intake chamber over the live rock rubble that i replace every week to 10 days to keep such things from happening, but to each their own.

~Will.

 

I have never had a problem with my bio balls. I clean them every weeks. I dont usually do water changes and Im reading o nitrates any time I check.

 

Also... sand.. I read online (of course this was from the supplier) that I need 220lbs for this tank to have a 2" sand bed.. is that correct?

and if you know any good deals on sand.. places to get it.. etc.. let me know..
Should I go ALL live sand? Trying to find the most economical approach.

 

live Arogonite at petsmart is less than $20 for 30 lbs. Looks just like sand too.