125G Marineland Build

[Kipp's Corals]

I will be starting a new build. I’m sure there are others like it but I think this build will be good for those newer reefers (such as myself still) who can’t afford redsea, waterbox, etc. granted, this won’t be a cheap “budget” build but a slow progress to a hopefully successful tank.



I currently have another thread which I don’t update to frequently but still give updates from time to time, I am still under a year with that tank so things are still working it self out.



The tank is a 125G marineland aquarium, the stand is from petsmart that comes with the tank. I’m hoping to reach out to pet smart or marineland to see if they can provide exact measurements of each door opening in front and back for sump fits.



I did subscribe to SERIOUS REEFS, so I’m hoping to follow there methods to the best of my ability without tweaking the recipe. It’ll depend on budget and what educational material they provide to us. I don’t have a “set budget” but will buy things as funds are available.



Equipment so far

Tank: marineland 125G from petsmart

Stand: came with tank as set

Sump: still deciding, I have some options but am debating saving costs here and going with a DIY already made sump (will post pictures). This will allow me the space I need for any larger return pumps or skimmers. I bought a 40G breeder and Fiji cube baffle kit but it won’t fit under the stand.

Lighting: won’t have this for a while.

Flow: Maxspect MJ-GF2K Gyre flow pump controllable used

Overflow: need help picking out sump and overflow GPH. I’ll dial in higher GPH pump with valve if needed.

Return pump: Maxspect MJ-DC10K Aquarium pump used like new

Substrate: I’ll want sand sifters so I’ll go with a lighter sand but want to avoid it being thrown around to much so I’ll do more research before buying.

Auto Top Off: TUNZEE ATO

ATO Reservoir: if someone has one and can quote me shipping I’ll take it off your hands (depending)

I’ll be updating this as things get moving, I do have an 8 week baby at home now so it’ll be a slower process. I’ll take all recommendations!

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Following!

 

[luis angel]

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Nothing wrong with good ol' rimmed tanks :) I run a 60 breeder tank and I honestly prefer it, it feels more like a hobbyist tank to me rather than a luxury. This is gonna be great!

 

[Calmwaters]

I will be starting a new build. I’m sure there are others like it but I think this build will be good for those newer reefers (such as myself still) who can’t afford redsea, waterbox, etc. granted, this won’t be a cheap “budget” build but a slow progress to a hopefully successful tank.



I currently have another thread which I don’t update to frequently but still give updates from time to time, I am still under a year with that tank so things are still working it self out.



The tank is a 125G marineland aquarium, the stand is from petsmart that comes with the tank. I’m hoping to reach out to pet smart or marineland to see if they can provide exact measurements of each door opening in front and back for sump fits.



I did subscribe to SERIOUS REEFS, so I’m hoping to follow there methods to the best of my ability without tweaking the recipe. It’ll depend on budget and what educational material they provide to us. I don’t have a “set budget” but will buy things as funds are available.



Equipment so far

Tank: marineland 125G from petsmart

Stand: came with tank as set

Sump: still deciding, I have some options but am debating saving costs here and going with a DIY already made sump (will post pictures). This will allow me the space I need for any larger return pumps or skimmers. I bought a 40G breeder and Fiji cube baffle kit but it won’t fit under the stand.

Lighting: won’t have this for a while.

Flow: Maxspect MJ-GF2K Gyre flow pump controllable used

Overflow: need help picking out sump and overflow GPH. I’ll dial in higher GPH pump with valve if needed.

Return pump: Maxspect MJ-DC10K Aquarium pump used like new

Substrate: I’ll want sand sifters so I’ll go with a lighter sand but want to avoid it being thrown around to much so I’ll do more research before buying.

Auto Top Off: TUNZEE ATO

ATO Reservoir: if someone has one and can quote me shipping I’ll take it off your hands (depending)

I’ll be updating this as things get moving, I do have an 8 week baby at home now so it’ll be a slower process. I’ll take all recommendations!

So excited to watch your build!

 

[Üter]

Looks so much bigger than 125

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Looks so much bigger than 125

It really does! Wish the stand had a little
More room for the 40B sump.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Sump purchased! RedFlex Reef 200 by pro clear aquatics.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

1) Maxspect MJ DC-10K 2) Maxspect MJ-GF2K

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Things are slowly starting to arrive. I’ll just need rock, substrate and plumbing to get things going. I’ll probably be stopping here for a bit and won’t have any “builds”. Going on a temporary 1 income household until mid march.

I don’t want to drill until warmer weather so I can get some help and run a hose on it continuously so there is less risk of it cracking. Patience!!!

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Forgot to mention. $450.00+ skimmer won on eBay auction for 300.00. I’d say that’s a good find, almost had it for 202.00 but someone came in last minute. NEW.

NYOS QUANTUM 160.

 

[jkrohn]

Is the tank already drilled for the overflow or is that something you're going to do?

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Is the tank already drilled for the overflow or is that something you're going to do?

I’m going to have to do it, my biggest worry for sure. Once I have it drilled the rest is cake for me lol

 

[Kipp's Corals]

I’m going to have to do it, my biggest worry for sure. Once I have it drilled the rest is cake for me lol

I’ll practice on a few smaller tanks first to get the hang of it

 

[Bruttall]

Things are slowly starting to arrive. I’ll just need rock, substrate and plumbing to get things going. I’ll probably be stopping here for a bit and won’t have any “builds”. Going on a temporary 1 income household until mid march.

I don’t want to drill until warmer weather so I can get some help and run a hose on it continuously so there is less risk of it cracking. Patience!!!

Are you sure you CAN drill that tank? If the glass is Tempered on that tank what ever panel you try and drill will shatter/explode into tiny little 1/4 inch size pieces, please do not ask how I know this so well :(

There are options for over the back overflows that are not to obtrusive looking, and some will flow 1200gph, at most you'd need a pair of them depending on return pump size. I run a 3100gph E-Flux Current USA return pump at 4ft head on my 300g, I am looking at upgrading to a Reeflo pump (roughly same price as the eflux, 5yr warranty, external, people run these for 20+ years).

LIGHTS!! Can't grow coral without decent lights, as far as LED go I really like the Reefi-Labs uno 2.1. I have 4 of these on my tank, they provide same coverage as Radion, Kessil, Orphek etc for about half the price with more wattage output available and a better warranty.

SUMP! I custom built a 125g All-Glass aquarium into my sump (see my build thread) Water Volume Dilution is KING, the more water in your system the longer it takes Bad Stuff to build up to Toxic Levels giving you way more reaction time to counter. 60g breeder 48x18x16 would make a good sump, so would a 75g same foot print with more volume but neither would fit under your stand so maybe a Filter Room? Got a closet by the tank you can re-purpose? I would definitely Build a sump out of a tank before I would ever buy a premade sump again, I have an Eshopps 36inch and a Trigger Systems 36inch sump collecting dust in my basement.

If not maybe teach yourself how to weld Acrylic Sheets (trick is in having flat edges with no irregularities to bond together) and build a sump that runs the entire length of your stand under the tank.

Good Luck to you.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Are you sure you CAN drill that tank? If the glass is Tempered on that tank what ever panel you try and drill will shatter/explode into tiny little 1/4 inch size pieces, please do not ask how I know this so well :(

There are options for over the back overflows that are not to obtrusive looking, and some will flow 1200gph, at most you'd need a pair of them depending on return pump size. I run a 3100gph E-Flux Current USA return pump at 4ft head on my 300g, I am looking at upgrading to a Reeflo pump (roughly same price as the eflux, 5yr warranty, external, people run these for 20+ years).

LIGHTS!! Can't grow coral without decent lights, as far as LED go I really like the Reefi-Labs uno 2.1. I have 4 of these on my tank, they provide same coverage as Radion, Kessil, Orphek etc for about half the price with more wattage output available and a better warranty.

SUMP! I custom built a 125g All-Glass aquarium into my sump (see my build thread) Water Volume Dilution is KING, the more water in your system the longer it takes Bad Stuff to build up to Toxic Levels giving you way more reaction time to counter. 60g breeder 48x18x16 would make a good sump, so would a 75g same foot print with more volume but neither would fit under your stand so maybe a Filter Room? Got a closet by the tank you can re-purpose? I would definitely Build a sump out of a tank before I would ever buy a premade sump again, I have an Eshopps 36inch and a Trigger Systems 36inch sump collecting dust in my basement.

If not maybe teach yourself how to weld Acrylic Sheets (trick is in having flat edges with no irregularities to bond together) and build a sump that runs the entire length of your stand under the tank.

Good Luck to you.

Unfortunately, what I got is what I can max out at other than building my own sump or stand. Access into the stand and width is biggest issue really. The length would obviously be around 6ft. I don’t have the ability to add a sump closet either :/

In regards to drilling, the bottom is labeled as tempered. I was going to do the polarized glasses testing before attempting. Worst case, I have to sell off overflow and get HOB if it’s decided that it is tempered.

For coral lighting, I’ll start with fish only system for about a year. I have a 60G that I will introduce to the new tank so that’s at least half the volume to get things jump started but still will take time with coral placement.

I do have a newborn/infant currently so I am keeping it simple to start.

 

[Bruttall]

In regards to drilling, the bottom is labeled as tempered. I was going to do the polarized glasses testing before attempting. Worst case, I have to sell off overflow and get HOB if it’s decided that it is tempered.

Do NOT drill that bottom panel, if it says tempered it will shatter into thousands of little pieces. I would seriously look at HOB Overflows, there are some real nice ones and if your handy, you can make your own.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Do NOT drill that bottom panel, if it says tempered it will shatter into thousands of little pieces. I would seriously look at HOB Overflows, there are some real nice ones and if your handy, you can make your own.

I’m not, I’m going center with corner returns

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[Eklikewhoa]

Have you drilled it?

I grabbed one too and not sure if im checking right but it looks tempered all around