SCASTILLO's 120G Reef Tank Build

[scastillo813]

Hey guys,
Just picked up a Perfecto 120G (60"x18"x26" tall) drilled tank yesterday. I has two corner drains and returns.
This will be my first custom tank. I have a RSM250 and have done really well with it so far. I have a pretty good grasp of the hobby and most common knowledge of how things work.
With that being said, any IDEAS or HELP would be veryyyy much appreciated.

I'm starting completely from scratch and want to go all out with this thing. No corners will be cut with this tank. This is what I'm thinking so far…...

The sump:
I found a few local sumps for sale, but still considering making one instead. Thoughts?

Return pump:
Mag-Drive Supreme 12 pump (1200gph)

Skimmer: Coral Life Super Skimmer (rated up to 220G)

Stand:
I found a sweet thread on a guy building a really nice stand stand. I've done my best to try and figure out how to closely replicate it.
After drawing up some schematics for a few hours I think I've got it pretty close. Will be making it throughout this week/weekend.

Lighting:
Custom made LED's

Heater:
Eheim Jäger 250w

Sand:
special grade arag-alive! live reef sand from BRS. ( 60lbs to start out)

Live Rock:
I'm gonna pick this up locally so I can do some aquascaping. (60-80lbs)

Pictures to come soon.

 

[mike007]

Nice post us some pics on this build.

 

[scastillo813]

This was it when I picked it up.

How I want the stand to look close to.

All the wood ready to go.

 

[powers2001]

Subscribed.

 

[scastillo813]

Started the stand today. Only got a few hours in, but here's the skeleton of it.

 

[scastillo813]

Almosted finished today. Just have to work on most of the trim tomorrow

Added some extra support in the front.

Also added a brace in the back to hang electrical/power accessories.

Front opening is 30.5" wide

 

[fishroomlady]

very nice job! I'm always envious of people that can build things. You've crafted a really nice piece.

 

[scastillo813]

very nice job! I'm always envious of people that can build things. You've crafted a really nice piece.

Thanks. It's coming along, only a few more things and it's done.

 

[scastillo813]

Between church and cutting down a tree today I didn't have much time to work on the stand, but found a few minutes to get some more done.



How it looks with the tank on it. (Still no doors, but sprayed the clear coat)

Working on the trim to cover the plastic base of the tank.

 

[Nightfox364]

Love the cabinet base. Going with wainscot on my build an decided to use chair rail set 1 3/16" above shelf to hide the tank frame. Will enjoy seeing the finished project.

 

[scastillo813]

Thank you

I believe I've found my:

skimmer - Bubble Magnus NAC-7

sump - Trigger Systems Ruby36

return pump - Mag-drive 12
Im going to use as few of the pvc piping elbows as I can, to help prevent flow reduction.

 

[larangcon]

Welcome to R2R - Sir, you have skills, nicely done.

 

[mrbh22]

The stand looks fantastic.are you in construction? I wouls love to have the know how to make such beautiful things out of wood

 

[scastillo813]

Welcome to R2R - Sir, you have skills, nicely done.

The stand looks fantastic.are you in construction? I wouls love to have the know how to make such beautiful things out of wood

Thanks, no just grew up around this kinda stuff and took some architecture classes in high school. The design was real simple and then just added some stain and a few coats of clear.

My work bench

Got the top made. Designed the front pannel so that it is held on by magnets. Makes for easy removal and access.

Went with the led bulb for my refugium light

Made some small hidden shelves inside.

Now for the goods! (Just spent way too much money)

Ordered 100lbs of aquamaxx dry rock

 

[scastillo813]

Just a quick up date.
I got the stand all finished and finally put the tank/stand in the house. Had to move the redsea over so that it will be an easy transition once the 120g is ready for corals/fish.

My rock also came in. (AquaMaxx) gonna look something similar to this aquascape.

Made this pannel that will have all my controls for the tank on it.

More to come throughout this weekend !

 

[scastillo813]

Sump still hasn't come in but hopefully this week I can start my long process of cycling the tank.

Here's a few pictures of everything so far...still kinda a mess

Gonna cover the apex boxes and outlet with a custom cover I'll make.

 

[jesterisdead]

Is the sump going to fit? I am planning a new stand and decided to add a door on the side to enable my sump to slide in and out if I ever needed to remove it for cleaning, replacement, or repair.

 

[scastillo813]

Yes sir, my sump is 15" on the outside and the inside of my stand it's just over 16". If I did it all over again I would definitely make my stand much bigger in the front and on the sides .

 

[jesterisdead]

Looks amazing. I'm worried mine is going to not only look bad but collapse as well. One reason why I keep putting it off.

 

[scastillo813]

Thanks. I spent most of my weekend doing my other hobby and had to put off the aquarium build.

The sump and skimmer came in while I was away at work Tuesday. I spent all day the last two days, driving around getting parts and getting everything installed.

I had to take the front left center brace out the get it to fit. I was really worried it wouldn't make it.

Got all the pluming done

Ran the majority of my wiring

Then cleaned it up a little

Put in a gfi plug for the system