120 gallon SPS dominant tank

[Matthias7]

I have been in the hobby for quite some time and like many have had multiple tanks. I currently have a 250 gallon deep dimension tank that I will be shutting down to start this tank.
Equipment list:
120 gallon SCA 3 sides starphire with a
16 inch synergy overflow
Fluval Sea SP2 return pump (haven’t
Used an AC pump in forever I’m unsure
If I will like it).
Trigger systems triton V2 34 inch sump
Vortech mp40 x 2
Jebao pp15 just bought this figured I will
Use it until it dies then replace with
replace it with another mp 40
Kessil ap 700 x 2
T-5 6 bulbs 48in (diy) may go down to
4 bulbs
Apex controller
DOS doser

This is not all the equipment but I’ll list more as the build goes on.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

Sweet!

 

[Matthias7]

I have been doing some rock sculpting the last few days this is what I have come up with so far

 

[Matthias7]

Does anyone use or recommend a thieling rollermat? Debating on using some type of mechanical filtration not really interested in using socks long term

 

[Matthias7]

Was able to knock together a stand this weekend

I will make the end on the left my electronics compartment. I will install a board to mount everything and some pc fans to keep things cool.

I should be plumbing this week. My plan is to keep it very neat and leave the stand without a front door. I will keep to a color scheme it will be blue/black/grey.

 

[Matthias7]

Got the tank on the stand. The plumbing is dry fit.

 

[Matthias7]

Plumbed and filling. My timeline has sped up on this project. Today I noticed some water on the floor by my 250 gallon tank didn’t think much of it really. Cleaned it up, I had a water issue last week and thought this was a result of that and that I had a slow drip or something like that. I went out and checked the garage and the tray was dry but the floor was wet. Now it is dawning on me that something much worse is happening.
I checked under the tank and see a pretty decent drip so I grab a bucket and set it underneath looked like the plumbing for the tank was leaking. Of course it is the far overflow that I cannot see into or get to really. So anyways I grab a flashlight and start really looking and I see drops of water coming from above the plumbing. I could not get a good view of what was happening so I get of the ladder and realize my floor is already puddling again.
I realized at this point this is about to be 250 gallons of water on my brand new floors If I don’t act quickly. Luckily I had a buddy close enough to help and the other ace in the hole was that my fish room was still running and I had my 7 foot frag tank still plumbed to the system but empty of corals. Within one hour we had the tank empty and all the inhabitants moved to the other tank. Phew, sorry for the long dissertation but I could not have been more fortunate today and thought I would share my story

 

[Matthias7]

The tank has been cycling about 1 week now. Still showing some ammonia I am dosing microbacter 7 and dr Tim’s ammonia chloride solution. I did end up buying 3 mp40’s. I will end up running one in the back lower corner to keep anything from settling at the bottom. I also got a sweet deal on a skimmer. I ended up with a bubble magus Elite curve 7.

 

[ludnix]

Beautiful build @Matthias7 ! I will be following along!

 

[Matthias7]

Beautiful build @Matthias7 ! I will be following along!

Awesome thank you. I am hoping to have some life in the tank soon

 

[Jettareefer223]

Your selection of equipment is stellar! Going to be an awesome setup and I always enjoy seeing a stand that truly functional all the way around in the literal sense!!

 

[Matthias7]

Your selection of equipment is stellar! Going to be an awesome setup and I always enjoy seeing a stand that truly functional all the way around in the literal sense!!

Thank you. I have had stands in the past that only had access in the front and were flush with the wall, and I wanted to avoid that with this build at all costs.

 

[Matthias7]

Semi complete apex board. I need to find a grommet that will work with the vortec controller.

 

[Matthias7]

I was able to get some work done on the electronics compartment. I am waiting for a few more gussets to complete the board

 

[Tjm23slo]

@Matthias7 I really like the stand. I am surprised that more people/companies don't create stands a thicker ledge. I have a 45 cube in the corner of 2 couches. I built an end table stand with 8" outer ledge adjacent to the couches. Makes it actually usable for drinks, remote, testing, feeding, cleaning vs a stand. However the height restricts the under area to just an auto top off, wire storage, and the side wall used for apexel and other controllers.

 

[Tyler Bullock]

I really like the stand a lot as well. Good craftsmanship!

 

[Matthias7]

@Tyler Bullock thank you. It is definitely a fun project

 

[Matthias7]

@Tjm23slo it is really advantageous to have the ledge even for just feeding the tank to have a place to put things other then on the tank bracing

 

[fishybizzness]

@Tjm23slo it is really advantageous to have the ledge even for just feeding the tank to have a place to put things other then on the tank bracing

I am also very much impressed with the craftsmanship of the stand! I currently have the same tank in a spare bedroom waiting to be set up. Mine has the standard overflow though. If you don't mind me asking, how tall is the stand? I have a diy 55 gal sump and will be starting my stand soon. Due to the height of the 55, I'm trying to figure out how high I'm going to have to build the stand and I'm trying to get all the ideas I can. After seeing your stand, I'm definitely leaning towards building mine with a wider edge all around. Thanks for the inspiration!!

 

[Matthias7]

@fishybizzness Thank you for the compliment. I made the stand tall at 42 inches. I chose to make it so tall because I enjoy standing in front of tank and looking at its inhabitants without having to stoop. The added benefit is I have tons of room underneath and everything will be easily accessible