Newbie 125 gal build

Hi I've been lurking here for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. As of now I have

125 gal tank
(2) - Mag 7 pumps for sump return
30 Gal sump
RO/DI system (ordered today)

Major interest is going to be Corals and Inverts.

Now the questions begin, What do I put in the tank first sand or rock ? From my reading I was going to go with a DSB, but from what I see here I don't think that's as good an idea as the books say.
Whats the bast way to hold the live rock together when stacked ? Will the Reef Epoxy really stick to wet rock ?
I am leaning toward an ASM G3 skimmer, Open to suggestions tho.
Anyone willing to recommend a good Live rock suppler ? Would it be a good idea to use half Live and half Base rock ? ( Less money, and I am thinking it won't get as smelly. True ?
I'm sure there will be more, I have a lot to learn at this point. I really want to do this right, I can't afford to do it again! LOL

Kim

 

Welcome to 3reef. Luna

 

welcome to 3 reef Kim
great sized tank

rock 1st - then sand - stops the rock falling later when something digs in the sand

I dont use any glue or expoxy on mine, but I ensure each rock is stable before adding next rock ( some drill the rock and use plastic rods and glue when stacking)

half live half base is OK

but 100% base means you dont get anything you dont want and have to fight off later ( Aiptasia, algaes, crabs etc)


not knowing where you are I cant recomend where you should shop from, but check out the sites sponsors as there are often good deals for members ( depending on location)

Steve

 

i don't know much about suppliers other than the lfs but i got live sand and mostly cured rock in my tank when i was setting it up and it cycled in like 2 weeks.

I have a coralife skimmer 220 gal and it skims fine and i don't have to adjust it at all and its not making any microbubbles.

 

I have an asm G3 on a similiar setup and it rocks, great choice on the skimmer. Mine is an older one thats all modded up (mesh wheel, recirculating, and gate valve) and it skims like a champ.

The best place I have found for live rock is craigslist. look for people trying to sell entire setups and ask them if they would consider just selling whatever you need / want. Worst thing they could say is no, and I have gotten some serious deals that way.

What are you looking to do for lighting?

~Will.

 

Welcome to 3reef! Newbie with a 125G nice!
Good choice on skimmers...
Check out macrorocks.com for rocks

 

Will, From what I have read thee lights are going to have to be MH with T5 s . The price is scary tho.

 

Thanks everyone, Both for the greetings and for the help. I'm sure to have a zillion or two more questions before this thing is up and running.

 

They don't have to be super pricey metal halides. I use 2 72" retro VHO's I got used for very cheap, and 4 36" power compacts retros I got brand new as part of a trade deal . . . both off craigslist. halides would be better I guess, but I would have to run a chiller. T5's would be better also, but I don't have the serious scratch needed for a quality setup for a 6' tank.

~Will.