My New 125 gallon Mixed Reef Build

[JB's Reef]

Hello All,

I am brand new to the hobby and somewhat new to reef 2 reef. I've been quiet in the background reading up on as much information as I can. Research is extremely important, I have come to find out and I appreciate everyone's advice going forward on this thread. My ultimate goal is to create a mixed reef that I can enjoy with my family.

Build so far:

Used 125 gallon tank: 72x18x24.
55 gallon sump with exotic marine baffle kit
Synergy Reef shadow overflow box
Jebao DCP 10000 return pump
Jebao SOW 20 wave pump

Here are some pics so far:

 

[24/7ReeFTime]

Pretty excited to see what it will become!! If you need any help just ask.
Welcome to Reef2Reef!!

 

[JB's Reef]

Pretty excited to see what it will become!! If you need any help just ask.
Welcome to Reef2Reef!!

Thanks a lot! I am definitely excited to get it completed and water in the tank!

 

[sp1187]

nice start.
welcome to the hobby and R2R.
what are you thinking for lighting & scape?

 

[JB's Reef]

nice start.
welcome to the hobby and R2R.
what are you thinking for lighting & scape?

I am still contemplating the lighting. My wife doesn't like the canopy on so I have to remove it. Also, she doesn't want ugly lights attached to the tank and no hanging kits (happy wife happy life and more money for the tank hehe). I saw the Noopsyche lights which look pretty good for the money. Not sure if I wanna spend 2k on lights right off the bat (this hobby isn't cheap as I am finding out). I am also looking at the reefbreeders light and Kessils (that shimmer looks awesome)

As for the scape, here is what I have so far:

 

[sp1187]

take a look at these.
multiple mounting options.
completely water proof
great warranty
no fans needed


Lighting: 2 AquaBeam 2000: 30 Watt Reef White NP (Nature Prefect) Ultima
2 AquaBeam 600 Ultima: 12 watt Reef Blue (adding 2 more of these)
AquaRay Lighting Smart Controller 8
TMC LED Mounting System
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquaRayLEDLighting.html#2000

 

[WisconsinReefing]

I am still contemplating the lighting. My wife doesn't like the canopy on so I have to remove it. Also, she doesn't want ugly lights attached to the tank and no hanging kits (happy wife happy life and more money for the tank hehe). I saw the Noopsyche lights which look pretty good for the money. Not sure if I wanna spend 2k on lights right off the bat (this hobby isn't cheap as I am finding out). I am also looking at the reefbreeders light and Kessils (that shimmer looks awesome)

As for the scape, here is what I have so far:

Are you not using any live rock? Cycling and chemistry can be difficult and longer without it

 

[JB's Reef]

Are you not using any live rock? Cycling and chemistry can be difficult and longer without it

The rock is dry from BRS and I plan on using Dr Tim's cycle products.

 

[JB's Reef]

take a look at these.
multiple mounting options.
completely water proof
great warranty
no fans needed


Lighting: 2 AquaBeam 2000: 30 Watt Reef White NP (Nature Prefect) Ultima
2 AquaBeam 600 Ultima: 12 watt Reef Blue (adding 2 more of these)
AquaRay Lighting Smart Controller 8
TMC LED Mounting System
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquaRayLEDLighting.html#2000

Thanks a lot for sharing this, more options are always good. I will certainly read up on these lights.

 

[JB's Reef]

It's been a while since my last update. Hard to get anything with little ones running around. Here is a pic of the tank with the rock work inside. Not sure if it will be good for coral placement. Time will tell.

 

[JB's Reef]

Well, I haven't updated my build thread in a long time so here we go. A lot has happened since my last post. Early dinos, which I defeated! Also, lost the job due to covid and re-homed my fish to break the tank down. I am now employed and back at! Here are some pics below to show the progress.

 

[JB's Reef]

@tsmaquatics Thank you very much for the healthy clowns and newly added Foxface today!

 

[tsmaquatics]

Your very welcome!

 

[JB's Reef]

Better pics of the WWC Splatter Hammer and GSP.

 

[JB's Reef]

Went to Worldwide Corals last weekend a picked up a few pieces. I am still playing around with snapseed to get better pics.

 

[JB's Reef]

Forgot to show this one as well.

 

[JumboShrimp]

72” is always a great length. Love your Arrow Crab too, by the way.

 

[JB's Reef]

72” is always a great length. Love your Arrow Crab too, by the way.

I wish I had more depth than 18" but for 300 bucks and local, couldn't say no. The arrow crab is getting huge. Starting to get worried he will try and pick off any small fish I want to add.

 

[JB's Reef]

Here are the latest pics of the coral. Starting to get better at post processing of pictures.

 

[Scorchx1245]

Nice!