125 gallon + 90 gallon build

[Joekr73]

So I figured I should finally try to put a build thread together. Ive been reading these forums for a long time, just never really posted much except for a few questions here and there. I started a 90 gallon tank back in 2011. Tore it down because we moved in 2016 and didn't set it back up.
I got the itch to have a tank again in summer of 2020 but wanted to go bigger because we had the room. I found a used 125 gallon that was close to me so I decided to go that route. I bought an overflow and drilled the tank and then began building the stand. I put together a diy sump out of a 75 gallon tank I found at petco on sale, and some glass I bought from a local shop. We have a family friend who's an electrician so I had him install a new breaker box with dedicated breakers for the system and it has plenty of room for more if needed.
I have quite a few pictures so I'll try to spread this out and continue with another post.

 

[Joekr73]

More pictures.

 

[Joekr73]

And more

 

[Joekr73]

My wife and I decided to build our own negative space scape. Here's some pics of that.

 

[Joekr73]

Aquascape in the tank.

 

[Joekr73]

Finally got some water in it. Did a fishless cycle and once that was complete got first fish in the tank. Then finished the outside of the stand.

 

[Joekr73]

Tried to sell the old 90 gallon tank but no one was buying, so I figured why not set it up and make it a fowlr since there were some fish I wanted that I would not put in a reef tank. So i built a stand for it and just plumbed it into the same sump.

 

[Joekr73]

Was having to make water constantly for top off so upgraded the container to this 50 gallon tank. Plus I was having issues with low ph. I was going to run a line from the skimmer outside but it was just too far so I installed a fresh air intake/blower and brought that straight to where the skimmer is. Also upgraded the skimmer since I now had two tanks to filter.

 

[Mxracer65]

Builds are looking great. Can't wait to watch the progression over time.

 

[Joekr73]

Thank you. :)

 

[maceto]

Builds are looking great!!!

 

[Joekr73]

Thank you!

A few more things to add. I added a uv sterilizer, kalk reactor and an algae turf scrubber.

 

[Joekr73]

Also added ozone to the system and I love it. Using my old skimmer as the reactor

 

[strawberry_reef]

Builds look great man.

Word of advice, ditch the check valve on the return line. Its a problem waiting to happen.

Add separate gate/ball valves to each return, then drill a small hole in the lock line and you will be plenty safe to prevent any siphon.