K.Miller builds a 120

[K.miller]

After almost a decade out of the hobby im jumping back in. A gigantic thanks to @FFFishy for paying forward his tank to me. I picked up the tank today and got it in to place. Ill be getting started on the build over the next few weeks . I would love any suggestions/guidance on things such as Lighting (planning on going LED) skimmer and return pump for starters as im sure much has changed over the years and im doing my best to try and get caught back up.

 

[dbl]

First off, welcome to R2R and welcome back to the hobby. A 120g is a great tank to jump back in with...congrats. Looking forward to watching this one come together.

 

[SPR1968]

That’s a great looking tank and thanks for sharing it with us

Welcome to R2R as well!

 

[K.miller]

Thanks guys! Hoping to get started on some pluming today. Going to be researching some return pumps. There are a lot more options now days then there used to be

 

[HawaiianReef]

A lot of new equipment came out in just the past couple years. The hobby is great now for everyone regaurdless of budget.
What kind of budget were you looking at?
Return pumps have gone into DC pumps for low sound, control ability and low power consumption. A popular choice has been the Chinese pumps by Jabao because of price and reliability. But the DC pumps don't do as well as the AC pumps for head pressure. So they're ok if your sump is in your stand. But if you need pump higher or farther, the ACs are still the way to go.

 

[K.miller]

I have a pretty tight budget but i also understand you get what you pay for and am willing to spend a little extra to get a quality product that will last.
My sump will be under the stand but in the future i will be adding a 20-30ish gallon tank to the system for seahorses. It will sit right next to the 120

 

[K.miller]

Just took a look at the Jebao DCT8000. Price range definitely fits my budget and looks to have pretty good reviews. Might just have to pick one up

 

[HawaiianReef]

I have a jabao 6500 that I run at 30% for a 55g. It's been running for almost 2 years. I did have to reset the controller a couple times, but it wasn't an issue.
Much quieter than the Iwaki it replaced. And the Jabao is drawing 8 watts compared to 80 the Iwaki draws.
But those AC pumps will run for decades.

 

[K.miller]

Pulled the trigger and ordered the DCT8000 last night. Was also looking at some of there other pumps for in tank flow. They look pretty decent also

 

[K.miller]

Got some rock washed and into the tanks last night. Looks like im going to need some more so im sure this wont be the finished product. Plumbing starts tonight.

 

[ReeferReefer]

Looking good so far. Following along.

 

[muffe]

120s are a great size. Recommend using both overflow holes for max flow and an up and over for the return.

 

[K.miller]

120s are a great size. Recommend using both overflow holes for max flow and an up and over for the return.

Interesting idea. I did most of my plumbing last night so im going to try it out with just the one drain and if its not enough its pretty easy to change it over

 

[K.miller]

Got most of the plumbing done last night

 

[K.miller]

Plumbing done. Rock work done for now. I tend to change my mind the more I look at it. Let the filling begin!

 

[ReeferReefer]

Congrats on getting wet! [emoji97]

 

[K.miller]

Thanks im excited to get her filled up. Just wish the RO unit was a little faster haha

 

[K.miller]

Got her all filled up and running. Added salt and got it up to temp. Also added some live sand. Ill post pics tomorrow once things settle down and it doesn't look like a tank of milk. Tomorrow i also plan to add some Dr Tims one and only and some ammonia and get this party started! I went with a Jedao DCT8000 for a return pump. Im pretty sure its way overpowered for my needs. I have it turned all the way down and the ball valve like half way closed. Think im going to order a smaller one and use this one for mixing water for water changes.back up.Ive been all over the place trying to pick lighting but Im pretty sure ive decided to go with the Photon 48 V2+. For a skimmer maybe a Bubble Magnus Curve 7. Thoughts?

 

[K.miller]

Let there be light! Just got my light up today. Been doing some research and adjustments of my own trying to find the levels i want.

 

[K.miller]

Got my skimmer in and running. Been about 5 days still breaking in but its starting to produce a bit. Tunze ATO installed and working. Got my wiring cleaned up a bit. Not perfect but good enough for now