New SCA 120 gallon build

Hello folks, I just scored a 120 gallon starfire tank, sump, stand, and skimmer this weekend. I've had the 40B going for almost a year and knew early on that eventually that I'd want a bigger tank. I just didn't think it would be this soon. I got a deal I couldn't refuse. I want to take the time to set it up right. I have a few concerns and possible modifications before I get it wet. My goal is to set up the sump with alot of macro to minimize water treatment. Ideally, I'd like to only rely on the skimmer and macro for water treatment, though I'm not set against using phosguard or GFO or carbon if needed. Some of the questions I'll need to figure out are: cooling, sump questions, lighting, live rock vs dry rock. Thanks for all the help so far and thanks in advance for the future help.

 

Congratulations! You planning on using the 40b as your sump? Or just gonna run 2 tanks?;D

I have a remote sump and have already planned to extend my system to add another tank to the entire setup later on.

Looking forward to watching your progress.

 

Hey MD, the new system came with a good sized sump so I'll use that. I haven't decided what to do with the 40. Its starting to run so well I hate to take it down. I don't think my wife would like two yanks is the living room. Your remote sump is probably the best idea. You probably have more room to stretch out and build it based on what you need rather than based on space available.

 

well if you are doing fish also you need a QT/HT tank.. just trying to help you justify keeping the 40 up ha ha

 

Just like to get some clarification on posting questions. I found this on the "show off your tank" forum and wondering if it's still preferred to post questions under separate catagories?
http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...-build-threads-topic-133041.html#.U0M48_ldUgg

 

Absolutely right Chris. That is one area I've chose to ignore. I've been lucky so far but I know that only goes so far. I was looking a Happy Coral I think and they apparently have fish in qt, some for months. Not sure if that's 100% dependable. Anyone have any more info on their qt procedures?

 

leveling up the stand

I'm in the process of leveling the cabinet. I'm using cedar shims and intend to score at the edge and snap them off. I don't know if this is the best way to do this. The problem I'm anticipating is there will be the ends visible. I guess I could stain them and hope for the best. Does this look like the best way to do this? Open to suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

Those are nice tanks. Congrats!

Thanks for noticing that. If you have lot of questions, then it is best to post them on appropriate boards. This board is mainly to document your build.

 

Thanks Matt. So far everything looks solid on the stand and sump. I haven't taken the tank out of the box yet but the ones I saw look great. That makes good sense on posting. I was wondering how this was going to work posting here.

 

ok, so a long overdue update. I just did the plumbing for the drain/sump today. The left is going into the skimmer compartment and discharging upward. The right is going into the fuge. I'll drill a series of holes for the drain on the right.