Hi so my name is Keith and this is my 125 gallon mixed reef tank build thread.
This will be my 2nd tank, will be going from a 35gal tank to a 125 gal tank that I just picked up this week(have had rock cycling in a trash can for 6 weeks now). Today I was able to get the frame for my tank built. Built from wood with 4 metal jack stands that are welded in place where they need to be and can not change height(each holds 14klbs...I know a little over kill, but now I won't ever worry) One thing I've done different than basically every tank I've seen. I have a bad back, idk why the stands come so short....you have to bend over to view so I raised the bottom of the tank about 10-12 inches. It puts the bottom of the tank at exactly 42" from the floor. This allows me to view my tank standing up and not hurting my back. Now many of you may say that is too tall bc either the plumbing is running to high(which i planned for with my return pump choice) or I've been told its way to tall bc.ill never be able to get to all the spots to clean. N my answer is just simply, I don't mind getting on a step stool if it means I can enjoy my tank more. After I get the plumbing done(will have all the parts on monday) ill add the rock and make my aquascape then add crushed coral sand to allow for higher flow. Im also putting egg crat down first to give the rock something to grab onto and not move any. Then put the rock in, then the crushed coral sand and then start adding water. After I get the plumbing done I will finish building the stand, and fill it.....have plenty of room underneath for a 5 gal top off reservoir, a overflow for my skimmer skimmate, and plenty of room left for my electrical panel, and room for many shelves to help keep things organized and away from the sump. One thing im debating on is whether to do a hood or not. I will be doing an Aquatics Life T5/LED hybrid light where ill have 4 t5 bulbs and 4 kessil A360x which i think would look clean just hanging it from the ceiling but a hood would look good too...so what do people think? Should I or should I not do a hood
This will be my 2nd tank, will be going from a 35gal tank to a 125 gal tank that I just picked up this week(have had rock cycling in a trash can for 6 weeks now). Today I was able to get the frame for my tank built. Built from wood with 4 metal jack stands that are welded in place where they need to be and can not change height(each holds 14klbs...I know a little over kill, but now I won't ever worry) One thing I've done different than basically every tank I've seen. I have a bad back, idk why the stands come so short....you have to bend over to view so I raised the bottom of the tank about 10-12 inches. It puts the bottom of the tank at exactly 42" from the floor. This allows me to view my tank standing up and not hurting my back. Now many of you may say that is too tall bc either the plumbing is running to high(which i planned for with my return pump choice) or I've been told its way to tall bc.ill never be able to get to all the spots to clean. N my answer is just simply, I don't mind getting on a step stool if it means I can enjoy my tank more. After I get the plumbing done(will have all the parts on monday) ill add the rock and make my aquascape then add crushed coral sand to allow for higher flow. Im also putting egg crat down first to give the rock something to grab onto and not move any. Then put the rock in, then the crushed coral sand and then start adding water. After I get the plumbing done I will finish building the stand, and fill it.....have plenty of room underneath for a 5 gal top off reservoir, a overflow for my skimmer skimmate, and plenty of room left for my electrical panel, and room for many shelves to help keep things organized and away from the sump. One thing im debating on is whether to do a hood or not. I will be doing an Aquatics Life T5/LED hybrid light where ill have 4 t5 bulbs and 4 kessil A360x which i think would look clean just hanging it from the ceiling but a hood would look good too...so what do people think? Should I or should I not do a hood