Taking-4Ever 120Gal Build

Ok, so I've been basically trying to put together a new build forever to replace my 65gal. Like literally my first new build purchase was a protein skimmer on Nov 2012.......and it's still in the box. Life priorities have continually delayed my build. I was about to lose hope in my new build after I awoke one morning 2 months ago to find my 65gal tank leaking from the bottom and damaging some of my equipment. I was thinking to off load all the equipment I had been buying over the past 2yrs (mostly brand new never used) since this tank failure really got me unmotivated to continue with another build. Then 2 things happened:

1) Marineland granted me a full reimbursement on my 6yr old 65gal Perfecto tank AND stand! I couldn't believe they stood by their lifetime warranty! Anybody want a broken tank and a water damaged stand? Haha, jk.

2) The wifey approved a new location for the tank, allowing me to go from a 36" to a 60" length tank! I honestly think she felt bad for me, what an act of kindness .

Sooooo, a LFS had a huge discount sale on their tanks and I bought a 120XH tank (60x18x26) and a 30gal (36x13x16) for the sump. Let the real build begin!!!

 

So here's a list of equipment I've collected over the past 2yrs that will be used in the build and other equipment I'll be getting:

Existing Equipment

• 120XH Marineland Tank (60x18x26)
• 30gal Marineland tank for sump (36x13x16)
• Apex System: (2) EB8 bars, WMX module, PM2 Module, AFS Feeder, (2) Breakout Boxes, (2) temp probes, standard pH probe, salinity probe
• Reef Octopus XP1000sss with Auto Neck Cleaner
• Eheim Return 1262 Pump
• (1) MP40wES & (2) MP10wES Vortech Pumps
• Reef Octopus BR-70 Bio-Pellet Reactor
• Aqua Medic 1000 Kalk Reactor
• (2) Deluxe BRS Reactors
• DIY Manual Dimming Moonlight (modified RaidLED parts)
• Custom 8x3.5x6 Internal Overflow Box (going w/Herbie)
• 70lbs Marco Rocks
• BRS 150GPD RO Sys
• Float switches, leak sensors, magnetic sensors for Apex Sys
• Bulkhead fittings and some other plumbing parts
• Universal Rocks Marine 3D Background

Still Need/Build Stuff

• (2) Kessil A360WE LED's (may use my existing DIY LED assy to see what Kessil comes out with in the next couple months
• Probe Holder (Neptune MPR?)
• Some more base rock or CerMedia MarinePure Bio Filter Media in the sump
• Sand (Caribsea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand?)
• DIY Stand and Canopy

I setup a 20gal tank to house my catastrophic survivors and am only using the Apex Sys and the MP10wes. I think it's pretty ridiculously though that I've got this crazy Apex Sys and the only thing I'm using it for now is my MP10wes (not even using the probes) . Gotta love that Fusion though .

 

That is so cool that you collected all that equipment over the last 2 years. It gives me hope since I am currently collecting equipment for my "far far off in another galaxy build".

Judging by the equipment looks like stony corals are in your tanks future.

 

That is a dreamy parts list you put together. Love it. It's going to be a great tank. I love 120's. Great job. Apparently good things do come to those that wait.

Can't wait to see it all together.

matt

 

Well, it's good and bad. Since it's taken a while buying all this stuff, my mind has changed on some of the design or size or whatever and made me think, "crap, should I have bought that, doh!".

Yeah, it's dreamy and hard on the wallet ! It's good it's been purchased over several years or else I think I would be broke by now.

 

So here's what I'm envisioning my build to look like. I say "envisioning" cause lots of times what I put on paper or draw up sometimes doesn't really reflect reality cause maybe I screw up somewhere, something didn't work the way I thought it would or my carpentry skills aren't as good as I think they are! I thought it would be cool to post this pic, then when it's done, I can compare to what "reality" really looks like down the road .

 

I think it looks great! you are a patient man which suggests that you will do well with your new tank!

 

Not sure if I'm patient, hahaha! I think more like life priorities has been putting me in check. But, I'm probably making more progress now than I have in the past year. Does patience really exist in this hobby ?

 

So got the 2x4 & 2x6 studs for my stand. Will hopefully get this started this week.

Quick question:

What is the best way to remove the trim and silicone to disassemble a tank? I'm gonna use the glass from my leaky 65gal for the sump baffles. I've read the trim can be a pain to remove.

 

Ok, stand frame done! Just need to skin it.



Next project will either be the canopy or drilling the tank, not sure which to start. I won't lie, I've been putting off drilling the tank cause I'm a bit scared. I have everything to drill it...except the nerves .