My first reef 125g

PJS · Feb 24, 2016

Here is a build thread of my 125 gallon reef as a result of being bit by the bug in 2013.

The stand is done and ready for powder coat.

The beginning of thinking it through...
Went with Aqueon Model 4 Sump.

Back from powder coat with top and bottom installed, you know I had to see the tank on it.

Got the back panel installed and playing with the gear layout.

Flipped the sump around and set part of the skimmer gear in, SRO 3000int with Reef Octopus 6" Waste Collector.

For extra protection I had a bathtub made.

Got the rest of the skimmer gear, neck extension and Auto Neck Cleaner.

Decided to put the 2 TLF 550 Reactors in the center chamber.

Dry fitted plumbing with schedule 40.

Got the return pump (Eheim Compact + 5000) and reactor pump (Eheim Compact + 3000).
Installed the right side panel for the Apex Gold.

Got another Neptune EB8 installed.

Got it plumbed with the schedule 80. The 1" surgical grade tubing to the left of the skimmer head is for water changes. Modified the back panel for wiring.

Got some of the rock, going with Real Reef.

Installed GFI and surge protector.

Working on the wiring.

Installed 2 Vortech MP40es W and a in stand led lightbar, working on the aquascape.

Got more Real Reef, getting close.

We've got water!

Got the live sand in and some Real Reef branch to work with. I went with the 2 Aquatic Life Edge Led's I had until I could afford the 4 Aquatic Illumination Hydra 26's.

Got the Apex probes installed.

Fast forward a few months and several hundred dollars later, installed a Tunze ATO and had a ATO reservoir made. I'm a Reefer!

Here's 6 months later with the AI Hydra 26's installed.

A FTS a year after setup

GrandLotus · Feb 24, 2016

Well done!

Tank is looking great and the updates from day one to year one was lots of fun to go through.

Great skimmer choice!

hybridazn · Feb 24, 2016

Very nice! Keep up the good work and keep the updates coming!

p.pep85 · Feb 24, 2016

Amazing looking tank. Keep up the great work!

Scubafrog · Feb 24, 2016

Looks good! What is your "bathtub" made out of? I like the idea and it is nice and clean.

revhtree · Feb 24, 2016

This is your FIRST reef? WOW!

PJS · Feb 24, 2016

GrandLotus said:
Well done!

Tank is looking great and the updates from day one to year one was lots of fun to go through.

Great skimmer choice!

Thank you, it's been a fun year with some moments more fun than others!
Thanks, that Skimmer is a beast, for a 125 anyway. I'm so glad I got the collection container as well, avoiding a skim cup overflow mess is priceless!

PJS · Feb 24, 2016

hybridazn said:
Very nice! Keep up the good work and keep the updates coming!

Thank you! I hope I'm doing good, for the sake of the inhabitants and for the sake of my sanity, what I have of it...lol.

PJS · Feb 24, 2016

p.pep85 said:
Amazing looking tank. Keep up the great work!

Thank you!

Cristy17 · Feb 24, 2016

Great tank! I really enjoyed seeing the build. I love the stand. Did you weld it yourself? I love that you can get to the entire bottom from the front! My stand has a horrible support section about 12" wide that makes it very difficult to work around. Who ever designed my stand has never had a sump! I purchased the tank used so didn't really think it through...

PJS · Feb 24, 2016

Th

Scubafrog said:
Looks good! What is your "bathtub" made out of? I like the idea and it is nice and clean.

Thank you! The bathtub is made from ABS plastic. I love the protection it provides, I have the Neptune ALD module right next to the side of the sump just in case Murphy's law goes into effect.

ppartha5 · Feb 24, 2016

Very Neat Build

PJS · Feb 24, 2016

revhtree said:
This is your FIRST reef? WOW!

Yes sir, and I'm so glad I took the leap!
Thank you for the compliment Rev, that means a lot to me! It's been up and running for a year now and I look at it everyday with that same response...."wow, these creatures are so amazing!".
Thank you for all you do in helping provide a place I can be welcomed, welcome to ask questions and learn from all those with the experience and wisdom it takes to be successful. I'm not sure where in the hobby I'd be without this forum, I'm sure a lot more trial, error and heartache would have been experienced. Thank you!

PJS · Feb 24, 2016

Cristy17 said:
Great tank! I really enjoyed seeing the build. I love the stand. Did you weld it yourself? I love that you can get to the entire bottom from the front! My stand has a horrible support section about 12" wide that makes it very difficult to work around. Who ever designed my stand has never had a sump! I purchased the tank used so didn't really think it through...

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Yes those center braces can be a real pain to work around. The stand design was very important to me. I'm a Carpenter and have built several stands and canopies over the years so I knew what I was looking for. I wanted the maximum space and convenience I could get. I had a friend of mine weld the stand up, then I had it powder coated. Now it's time for me to build the wood wrap, I hate to cover up the mechanicals but I love to see my wife smile...lol.