125G Marineland Build

[Kipp's Corals]

Have you drilled it?

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

i havent yet! i have been so dang nervous lol and have been waiting for more plumbing parts to arrive.
I think if the weather was a bit nicer i would have pulled the trigger on going for the drill.

I think i might change up my plans just to ease some of my anxiety. I plan to drive the overflows but for the return will hang over the back and into the tank with a union if i need to remove them. that way i go from drilling 4 times to only two times for the overflows.

I have read that depending on time of manufacture there is a chance that all of the glass is tempered (during covid), I think i got a newer model but will be testing with the polarized hopefully within the next few days.

If you are in need of plumbing parts i found a website, 247garden.com that has cheaper schedule 80 fittings. i think i saved over $100.00 by going through them. i had to pay for shipping but it was still remarkably cheaper going through them.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

No major updates yet, sorry for the delays. I have been the only one working and then going home to take care of the baby for the wife. Plumbing parts are slowly coming in.

Not sure if others stress as much but ive been stressing with planning my sump and plumbing lol. it would help if I could fully visualize placement via CAD / 3D but I could not figure it out. (if anyone could help me, reach out)

I am sure I am just overthinking it but it's one of those, once it's done it's difficult to go back.

Plumbing list as of 2/13/2025
(4) - 24'' RED PVC
(10) -Schedule 80 1'' 45 degree Slip
(16) - Schedule 80 1'' Union
(1) Schedule 80 1'' Endcap
(6) PVC True Union 1'' Ball Check Valve
(4) Legend Valve 1'' Ball Valve
(2) Cepex 1'' Ball Valve
(1) 1'' ABS slip x slip BulkHead (May not use, may not drill returns)
(1) 1'' Pipe adapter Spigot x barb
(3ft) braided vinyl tubing - KuriTec

 

[Kipp's Corals]

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

Sorry for the delayed response, im usually a bit quicker on replying.

i have to drill the overflow, i am nervous as hell for this of course. Looking to do it outside so i can run a hose continuously to minimize risk. I was going to drill 4 times (2 for the overflow, 2 for the returns at the corner back wall) i however, am thinking of just doing hang over the top overflows with union disconnect to minimize risk and my stress level!

i will be picking up a pair of polarized glasses soon to confirm, if not then i will go with all hang on back options and sell my eshopps L.

any other questions or concerns about my gear let me know! chat soon. cheers.

 

[Bruttall]

Why do people use Schedule 80 stuff on fish tanks?
That stuff is incredibly expensive and i do not see why you need pressurized pvc pipe for what is gravity flows except for a return line, which is usually not PVC anyway.

My background in plumbing? I used to install Sewers and Water Mains, the ones under the street, then sometimes we'd even connect them to a House, or in a lot of cases to a "Stub Out" which is a offshoot of the Main, ends on the edge of the property for where a house will be developed.

As many know, because I say it all the time I have a 8ft 300g system, 340 gal in tank/sump, another 150 gallon in storage in various forms and it all plumbed with plain old white Schedule 40, residential grade PVC.

The difference the stuff I use is not grey or pretty colors, it is white, kind of ugly, and less than half the price of what you are spending for schedule 80 that you have no logical application for.

Do any of the criteria listed for Sch80 apply to any of your situations? If yes then by all means spend the extra on Sch80, but if your answer is No, they why waste all that money you could be spending on Coral or Fish?

Not running over 400psi
Not running under ground in soil
Not running electrical wires thru it
No danger of random Impacts
No worry about Corrosion with Salt water





And schedule 40 is readily available at any Lowes, Menards, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or local hardware store most likely.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Why do people use Schedule 80 stuff on fish tanks?
That stuff is incredibly expensive and i do not see why you need pressurized pvc pipe for what is gravity flows except for a return line, which is usually not PVC anyway.

My background in plumbing? I used to install Sewers and Water Mains, the ones under the street, then sometimes we'd even connect them to a House, or in a lot of cases to a "Stub Out" which is a offshoot of the Main, ends on the edge of the property for where a house will be developed.

As many know, because I say it all the time I have a 8ft 300g system, 340 gal in tank/sump, another 150 gallon in storage in various forms and it all plumbed with plain old white Schedule 40, residential grade PVC.

The difference the stuff I use is not grey or pretty colors, it is white, kind of ugly, and less than half the price of what you are spending for schedule 80 that you have no logical application for.

Do any of the criteria listed for Sch80 apply to any of your situations? If yes then by all means spend the extra on Sch80, but if your answer is No, they why waste all that money you could be spending on Coral or Fish?

Not running over 400psi
Not running under ground in soil
Not running electrical wires thru it
No danger of random Impacts
No worry about Corrosion with Salt water





And schedule 40 is readily available at any Lowes, Menards, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or local hardware store most likely.

For my application its simply due to the look. I could have went with white and still would be happy but I chose to go with the grey schedule 80. I think that’s what most of us are using it for.

So this one can go both ways. As they say, 1,000 ways to skin a cat.

I agree when it comes to the big tanks, white is your cheaper option. For me, I found discounted prices and should have plenty extra to sell off.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

For my application its simply due to the look. I could have went with white and still would be happy but I chose to go with the grey schedule 80. I think that’s what most of us are using it for.

So this one can go both ways. As they say, 1,000 ways to skin a cat.

I agree when it comes to the big tanks, white is your cheaper option. For me, I found discounted prices and should have plenty extra to sell off.

Thoughts on polarized glasses test?

iCloud Photos - Apple iCloud

View, organize, and share photos and videos with iCloud Photos on the web. Changes will sync across your devices with iCloud.

share.icloud.com

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Started working on plumbing! Decided not to risk drilling and went with, Pro aquatic 1600gph dual overflow.

Overflow is mostly rough plumbed, with scaled down return mock made up! I watched a BRS Video and Matt said “be ready to spend 16 hours on plumbing” well that statement couldn’t be truer in my case lol, dang OCD and over thinking!! But I’m content how it turned out.

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Have you drilled it?

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

I did not drill, per marineland they said the 125G is only tempered at bottom but my luck I would crack it lol so just went with a hang on back. I’ve used in the past with no major issues so I’m comfortable with hang on back. Will probably wish I drilled later on but I’ll just look for another tank that’s cheaper than brand new to try out on lol

 

[Kipp's Corals]

What’s up everyone! I have been working hard on the overnights when the baby is sleeping.
Extremely happy with the results. Although, I am the type that says “it could be better”.

Tonight was finishing cementing the overflow and finishing up rough plumbing the returns.
I like the LED but will probably upgrade them in the future. These were cheaper and wanted to test it.

Thank you so much for following me! My goal is to get Mariner of the month in the future but I know I have a long ways to go.

iCloud Photos - Apple iCloud

View, organize, and share photos and videos with iCloud Photos on the web. Changes will sync across your devices with iCloud.

share.icloud.com

 

[SaltySTL]

Really enjoying your build thread. Looks awesome! I hate to even ask this, but is there anything you wish you did differently at this point?

 

[Kipp's Corals]

Really enjoying your build thread. Looks awesome! I hate to even ask this, but is there anything you wish you did differently at this point?

I’m still 50/50 on if I will like the returns and over flow being hang on back. I wanted to drill but had to go with risk vs benefit. The tank is brand new and didnt want to run that risk. Otherwise, I’m happy with where I’m at so far.

I think the sump will be a good size. I don’t expect a massive bio load so it gives me some room for the manifold and additional storage on sides. Still a bit tight because I centered the sump to gain easy access to the filter socks.

I will upgrade the LED lights but wanted to see how I felt about it. I really like it. My doors are flat when full open so it kind of looks open and cool when LED is flashing sump.

Any questions, I’m here.
Best regards

 

[scooterh928]

I’m really pondering that tank to upgrade a tank. Did you ever end up drilling if so did you do on end and return on end or middle and one return on each end. I was thinking of putting overflow in middle and a return on each end.

Also how’s the size inside the stand. Big enough for a good sized sump?

 

[Kipp's Corals]

I’m really pondering that tank to upgrade a tank. Did you ever end up drilling if so did you do on end and return on end or middle and one return on each end. I was thinking of putting overflow in middle and a return on each end.

Also how’s the size inside the stand. Big enough for a good sized sump?

I plumped a hang on the back but after talking to guys in the shop they will help me drill, since I really plan on a long term reef.

I’m so behind on this one because I’m slowly getting a frag tank built also and baby got expensive lol

For the sump, I went with reflex reef sump 300 by pro clear aquatics. I had to place with the tank off the stand. I do have some wiggle room under. Was able to add a manifold and basically a dual reactor.

For return, I went with maxispect 10K but wish I went with 8K OR a larger HOB. Which is why I’m considering the drill now. I can only use setting one without it draining the return.

Hope this helps

 

[scooterh928]

Ok thanks for your reply yeah it’s not something I’m doing right away. But want to catch the tank on sale again for 600. Not gonna pay the 1000 tag. But I think I’m gonna drill mine in the center and put returns on each end. Do you like your sump. Would there be enough room for a 55 gallon tank for diy sump.

 

[landlocked Reefer13]

You got an update on this bad boy?

 

[scottay]

hey man, sweet setup. i have the same tank and stand... im not sure i want to go thought the stress and drill the tank, i know it would be best only IF it dont crack or break, so i thinking about going the same route.
If you have to do it again what would you change?
could you give a updated list what you used?
thanks