Time to build a 120g

[Zero Nitrates]

The owner at our LFS told me when we started building our 75 gallon tank that we should "go bigger, everybody ends up doing it."
He was right! We did however set up the 75 for expansion one day. The 30 gallon sump can be used on our new 120. The return pump has adjustable speed. It is currently running at about 1/3 speed. Should have more than enough flow for the 120.(The feed button on the pump really works well with the feed button on our MP10's. They come back on at exactly the same time.) The MP10's can be used on our new tank. Our vertex skimmer and lights are rated for use on the 120 as well. The only new equipment needed is going to be a heater. We have about 90lbs of live rock still deciding if we need more. We are also having a custom stand built.

New tank has arrived. First, paint the back black.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

This tape works wonders!

Taped off the back of the aquarium.

Painting the back with Rustoleum semi-gloss black oil based paint.

 

[revhtree]

Looking forward to the build!

 

[Zero Nitrates]

The sump I am using is a Trigger 36" sump.

I like to use the first chamber for live rock, the second for the protein skimmer and the third for the return pump.

Change the socks twice a week. Wash them in the washing machine, no detergent just hot water. Once a month I run Chemipure Elite for a week to clear the water up.

 

[VB68]

Congrats on the upgrade,, looking forward to watching the build.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

I pulled the black foam filter out of the sump as well. It seemed like a nitrate factory to me.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

The paint is dry! We are waiting of the stand to be built then comes the big day when we transfer from the 75 to the 120.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

I am using a Speedwave DC pump that can produce 1320 gph. Right now in my 75 I have is turned down.

The feed button is awesome. I hit the feed button on the MP10's and the return pump when I feed. Ten minutes later they both simultaneously come back on.

The two MP10 both can produce 1500 gph.

1320 gph (return pump) + 1500 gph (MP10) + 1500 gph (MP10) = 4320 gph
So I can run at 36 times flow.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Extra benefit to the variable speed return pump. When I do a water change, I siphon my new water into the sump and slow the return down to its slowest speed. No more lifting the water jug up and over the top of the aquarium.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Traded some frags for xenia and leather coral today. Any advice on these new editions?

 

[Zero Nitrates]

The stand we are having built is completely enclosed, so we are installing a computer fan on the back wall with a vent running up the back wall of the stand.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

New stand come in today.
Amazing!

 

[shovelrider]

Looking great so far!

 

[skinz78]

Great looking tank, I love the 120's!

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Bryan Jernigan crafted the stand for me. He is absolutely the finest furniture craftsman in the country.
Jernigan Design Studios

 

[Zero Nitrates]

The sides of the stand come off for access to the sump.

The sides are held in place by magnets on all for corners.
The doors are also woven wood. This will allow for ventilation.

 

[skinz78]

Will it support the weight of the full tank?

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Its made out of cyprus and walnut with a lot of screws. I worked with the builder and estimated a weight of 1400lbs. We will see for sure when we fill it up.
I feel like it will be fine. The manufactured stand I have on my 75 is particle board with an open back and front.

 

[Iheartwood]

Are you doinG Reef, FOWLR?

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Reef. Moving everything from my 75.