120 gallon salty build

[saltwater60]

Setup at 11" of water gives me a 14g refugium. So little over 10% of display size

If the skimmer is going in there the bubble magnus seems right to me because the depth for that skimmer was 9-11”. The other one was only 7” deep so you’d have to build a platform. Not hard just one more thing.
Just make sure you get a good pump since the pump is obviously what drives the skimmer.

 

[saltwater60]

Seriously think about the curve 7 with the better pump. It’s easy to say because it’s not my $70.00 but think of it this way it’s $70 out of what $7,000 in the long run. It’s a drop in the bucket. I don’t think you’ll be sorry. I think I had the BM 5 and I was pleased with it. It was on a 75 gallon tank.

 

[Rcslade124]

Almost finished the stand. Don't judge my carpentry is not up to par. I ma going to have to trim it all to hide my poor work but it will look passable

Also I'm thinking bubble Magus 7 for skimmer. I was debating on the elite but I can get the basic 7 for 239 and elite for 370. The difference is a wave pump. I trust the basic pump will survive a few years. So I'm going to submit that order after dinner.

 

[Rcslade124]

And my overflow shipped. So we will be wet soon!!

 

[saltwater60]

Almost finished the stand. Don't judge my carpentry is not up to par. I ma going to have to trim it all to hide my poor work but it will look passableView attachment 682953

Also I'm thinking bubble Magus 7 for skimmer. I was debating on the elite but I can get the basic 7 for 239 and elite for 370. The difference is a wave pump. I trust the basic pump will survive a few years. So I'm going to submit that order after dinner.

I saw one on aquacave with a better pump for $330.
Bubble Magus Curve 7 Elite Protein Skimmer with Sicce PSK-600 - AquaCave.com

I’m sure the 7 will last you more than a few years. I just thought the better pump would give you better performance that’s all.

 

[Rcslade124]

I saw one on aquacave with a better pump for $330.
Bubble Magus Curve 7 Elite Protein Skimmer with Sicce PSK-600 - AquaCave.com

That's a little cheaper. But still 100$ more. I should stop being cheap and bite the bullet and just do it.

 

[Rcslade124]

saltwater60 I blame you when the GF puts me too n the street. Haha jk. Elite 7 curve ordered. Have hole saws coming next weekend.....

 

[saltwater60]

saltwater60 I blame you when the GF puts me too n the street. Haha jk. Elite 7 curve ordered. Have hole saws coming next weekend.....

I’m the little devil on your left hand shoulder for sure. It’s easier to spend other people money no?

 

[Rcslade124]

Oh I'd be all for dumping other peoples money lol. But all and all I am trying to build a good tank no short cuts and not cheap way around it. Now 700 in lights and large purchases done. Well and rodi kit. But what's 150$ now. Haha

 

[Marsh980]

Looking great mate, totally agree not to skimp now when you’re so close. It’ll be worth it in the long run

 

[Rcslade124]

Glass braces ordered. Now I need to bite the bullet and order my reefbreeders photo v2 lights. I'm thinking about ordering the coralbox qp16 wavemakers from reefbreeders also. Qp16 is 4227gph. Plan two and can turn them up and down to meet my needs.

 

[saltwater60]

Glass braces ordered. Now I need to bite the bullet and order my reefbreeders photo v2 lights. I'm thinking about ordering the coralbox qp16 wavemakers from reefbreeders also. Qp16 is 4227gph. Plan two and can turn them up and down to meet my needs.

Here comes the big money. Lights and wave makers aren’t cheap. You won’t be sorry if you buy quality equipment.

 

[Rcslade124]

Yeah reefbreeders is 700+50 for new controller. Cheaper than top of the line but just as good. Wave makers are 130 each. So yeah. I'm looking at sand. I was planning real ocean sand but figure use bagged live sand to save a little money. And need some live rock to help seed fuge and dt.

 

[saltwater60]

Yeah reefbreeders is 700+50 for new controller. Cheaper than top of the line but just as good. Wave makers are 130 each. So yeah. I'm looking at sand. I was planning real ocean sand but figure use bagged live sand to save a little money. And need some live rock to help seed fuge and dt.

Just have fun with it. Your making good reasonable choices and they make sense to me too. I doubt you’d see a difference in coral growth if you spent $2,000 on a light. I had good growth with lights I cobbled together out of a diy led kit 7-8 years ago. I Loved it. It was only white and blue lights and the blue was on a dimmer. Color and shimmer was fantastic.

 

[Rcslade124]

Yeah I like the reefbreeders I can control all 6 channels individually. Red green 2 blue white and uv. Can ramp each channel up every hour to my liking. I'm not planning sps but I don't wanna have to upgraded expensive lights down the road

 

[saltwater60]

Yeah I like the reefbreeders I can control all 6 channels individually. Red green 2 blue white and uv. Can ramp each channel up every hour to my liking. I'm not planning sps but I don't wanna have to upgraded expensive lights down the road

Very cool trait. I’ll have to research it I didn’t know they had UV in lights now. Makes sense.

 

[Rcslade124]

Well not uv I ment Violet spectrum. Lol
Photon 48-V2+ - ReefBreeders.com

 

[saltwater60]

Well not uv I ment Violet spectrum. Lol
Photon 48-V2+ - ReefBreeders.com

Ok makes sense. I was wondering how it was safe to produce UV.

 

[Rcslade124]

Haha yeah. That would be a bit complicated for a fixture

 

[Rcslade124]

Well it's official. I mean might be living on the street with my aquarium if the boss lady realizes what has happened this week

Reefbreeders and coralbox qp-16 ordered. Almost there. I keep forgetting rodi system. But let's be honest sand rodi is nothing compared to lights and wave pumps haha. Should be plumbed and ready this weekend.

Rodi and sand. I'm holding off on live rock until the company I want to order from starts shipping or I'll have to spend a little more. But regardless here goes nothing

 

[Marsh980]

How exciting. Can’t wait to see it up and running. Thought about what you’re going to put it in yet

 

[Rcslade124]

Nope. A lot over time. I'd say some Clownfish maybe couple Mollie to start. Then no idea lol probably a wrasse and some sort of gobby. Maybe a dwarf angel. Large cleanup crew and eventually a betta and either blue or yellow tang

 

[saltwater60]

I’ll take part responsibility and I have a camper you can live in if she kicks you out!!

 

[Rcslade124]

Haha no all this falls on me. If I do something I wanna do it big and right. She knows it.

 

[Rcslade124]

Last question hope to get final piece dialed in.

Refugium is 17x17.5x11. so 14g. I have about 19 inches over water level. I would like to grow cheato and or some edible algea for fish. I know some of the red algea needs high light where cheato needs less.
1) 300w ufo light. Will this be over kill? Downfall it's not dimmable so it's a go or bust and have to buy another.
2) 150w ufo. Same not dimmable but less wattage.
3) Viparspectra 600w or equivalent box grow light. Dimmable so I could tune it down to right spectrum but might have too much coverage and maybe light other chambers.

 

[saltwater60]

I’d go with the last light. They do make it in 150, 300, and 600 watts. You can get the 150 and daisy chain it together if need be. Also remember it’s not an adjustable spectrum just intensity.
I’d think the 150w viparspectrum would be enough light and it’s $90. Those other little pucks is think you’d end up buying two anyway. You could get the 300 to be sure but I think the 600 is overkill.
Also keep in mind a simple window screen over the cheto section can do a lot to cut the light in that section. Still too bright add a second screen.
I’ve never thought growing your own food for your fish was worth it. It’s likely not a great balanced meal anyway because your tank is designed to be low nutrients. It might be a fun project for you but when algae is $5.00 or so not worth it to me.

 

[Rcslade124]

Yes I didn't mean spectrum just intensity adjustment. I cannot find any Viparspectra 150 wat grow lights just there 165w aquarium light. I'll do some research today and try to narrow down a refugium light

 

[saltwater60]

Yes I didn't mean spectrum just intensity adjustment. I cannot find any Viparspectra 150 wat grow lights just there 165w aquarium light. I'll do some research today and try to narrow down a refugium light

Sorry it was 300, 450, 600, or 900 watters on Amazon.

 

[Rcslade124]

Here's an option I might try
Amazon.com : MSMING 100W Led Grow Light Bulb, with 3 Modes Timer Setting Auto On/Off, Full Spectrum Plant Lights for Indoor Plants Hydroponics, Flowers, Vegetables, (E26/E27 186LED) : Garden & Outdoor

Or this.
Amazon.com : COB LED Grow Light 150w Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Kolem Full Spectrum Plant Lights, Waterproof Grow Panel Light, Veg, Seedling for Plants Tent, Greenhouse, Garden, Hydroponic : Garden & Outdoor

Ugh who thought this would be a difficult thing.

 

[StarGirl]

Following. I want to see your creation. The coral configuration you set up was great! Its going to look good!

 

[saltwater60]

Here's an option I might try
Amazon.com : MSMING 100W Led Grow Light Bulb, with 3 Modes Timer Setting Auto On/Off, Full Spectrum Plant Lights for Indoor Plants Hydroponics, Flowers, Vegetables, (E26/E27 186LED) : Garden & Outdoor

Or this.
Amazon.com : COB LED Grow Light 150w Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Kolem Full Spectrum Plant Lights, Waterproof Grow Panel Light, Veg, Seedling for Plants Tent, Greenhouse, Garden, Hydroponic : Garden & Outdoor

Ugh who thought this would be a difficult thing.

I kind of like the first one. You can get the large globe fixture from homedepot and it will spread out the light nicely. I wonder if you could get one that’s a big square or oblong to match the refugium.

 

[Rcslade124]

I agree I like it has its own timmed for on and off and also dimmable. So I can adjust it. I could maybe make my own reflector to call her refugium aream and spread and shine light all over. Some aluminum sheeting and a basic light to screw into.

 

[saltwater60]

I agree I like it has its own timmed for on and off and also dimmable. So I can adjust it. I could maybe make my own reflector to call her refugium aream and spread and shine light all over. Some aluminum sheeting and a basic light to screw into.

I wonder if you could fab something out of a heater duct and line it with reflective waterproof tape.

 

[Rcslade124]

Maybe. We will see what I decide closer to when I turn refugium on

That could be doable. Need a bigger one but def a possibility.

 

[Rcslade124]

So box of reef crystals arrived today. Also my exotic marine overflow. She's a beauty. I got a couple fittings wrong when I ordered. Imagine that right. So gotta get thoose and hopefully have this thing plumbed this weekend!!

 

[Rcslade124]

Curve 7 arrived. Hole saws should arrive by end of day also. I don't want to but will make a trip to lowes tomorrow and get last things I need for plumbing. I cannot stare at the tank empty for weeks. Also have rodi 6 stage ordered. So now sand and live rock and we are a go...

Tonight hopefully I can dust off stand and get last coat of paint on and clean sump really well from sawdust that might have accumulated while finishing up the cutting.

 

[CrayfishAreAwesome]

The minimum tank size for a yellow tang is a 55.

no. just no. it is 75 min tank size. i HATE IT when i see stuff like this. yellow tangs grow to 6" and are very active. therefore, 4 feet is not enough room to swim.

 

[Rcslade124]

Skimmer put together fits the compartment. One step down..

 

[Rcslade124]

So scariest 20 min of my aquatic life!! Drilled my 4 holes and painted back of the tank. So now attach the braces and the tanks done!

 

[saltwater60]

So scariest 20 min of my aquatic life!! Drilled my 4 holes and painted back of the tank. So now attach the braces and the tanks done!View attachment 684716

You’ve got more you know what’s than I have.
glad it worked out for your looks great.

 

[Rcslade124]

Hope and pray was my thoughts. Almost done with stand

 

[saltwater60]

Hope and pray was my thoughts. Almost done with stand

Big steps taken. How exciting.

 

[Rcslade124]

Yes I'm excited. Have to trim the edges of the stand and attach the braces on top of the aquarium. Then dry fit the plumbing tomorrow. Wave makers arrive tomorrow. End of the week rodi system comes. Have a 32g brute to start mixing saltwater. I plan to fill it with rodi and mix salt then pump it to the display

 

[Rcslade124]

Braces on overflow on. Stand done. Time to carry it all inside..

 

[Rcslade124]

Got wave makers in today!

 

[Rcslade124]

Omg!!!

 

[Rcslade124]

Day one of this aquascape. Thoughts room for improvement?

 

[saltwater60]

Day one of this aquascape. Thoughts room for improvement? View attachment 685106

Looks fantastic. I love the blue.

 

[Rcslade124]

Matches decor in living room. I need to get the top and side trim on but need to figure out how to make cuts so waiting for an extra pair of eyes.

I'm thinking I need to get more rock and make an arch across the top middle.

 

[Rcslade124]

Top down veiw