Popeye's New 125 Build

[Popeye]

Hi, my name is Steve and I've been in the hobby for around 15 years. This is probably my 4th reef tank I've done but first time doing a build thread.
My last tank was a WB aio 20gal cube. I bought it when my old 125 crashed due to huge storm and no powered for a week. Too small so here we go, a new 125.
Here is what I have for my new build
*125gal Marineland tank
*DIY stand and canopy
*Trigger Sapphire sump CR44
*Modular Marine overflow box
*2 Maxspect Gyre XF350
*Red Sea Reef ATO+
*Jebao DCP 10000
*Eshopps S-300 skimmer
*2 300w Eheim Jager heaters
*Inkbird
*Apex controller
*DOS
*2 BRS dosers
*3 AI Hydra 32HD
*61" Hybrid T5HO

 

[Popeye]

Here's the stand build. I've always buit my own so they can accommodate my needs. I poured epoxy ontop to get a nice flat and level surface.

 

[Popeye]

Sump fits perfect. My sump and control board are going to be visible as well, no doors.

 

[Popeye]

Next was drilling tank and installing overflow box. I've drilled a few tanks but still is always scary. Never had a problem though, slow, easy and use plenty of water.

 

[Popeye]

I've always painted my stands black but decided to try something different this time. Turned out pretty decent.

 

[Popeye]

Now onto plumbing. My vision was different than how it turned out but it will work. Forgot to take a pic of backside.

 

[Popeye]

Now we're all caught up to present day. Just got controls mounted to tank. Still have to organize wires better but this is what it will look like for the most part. Working on building canopy at same time. Plan on finishing all this weekend.
Should be adding water here real soon.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[Popeye]

Still a work in progress. I'm going to add a third tv mount for piece of mind. It's sturdy enough now I think but I'll feel better with a third.
I'm leaving top open, painting inside white and will have thin panel board that overlaps top trim, painted same as stand, with magnets for easy removal on front and two sides

 

[Popeye]

Ok, ready to do some rock work

 

[Popeye]

Ok, bussy 3 days. Got rock work done, water mixed, sand down and finally, the tank is wet. Waiting on Inkbird and two new heaters, should be in tomorrow but I have a couple spare heaters plugged in now.
I'm going to add Fritz Turbo 900 and a shrimp for a couple days.

 

[SaltyWalty]

Very cool build! I like what you did with the floating canopy, I’ve been considering one for my current build!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Ok, bussy 3 days. Got rock work done, water mixed, sand down and finally, the tank is wet. Waiting on Inkbird and two new heaters, should be in tomorrow but I have a couple spare heaters plugged in now.
I'm going to add Fritz Turbo 900 and a shrimp for a couple days.

Aquascape looks great!

 

[Popeye]

Aquascape looks great!

Thanks. I bought epoxy, grout and chiseled rock apart into smaller pieces but still ended up looking like piles of rock. Oh well.

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

Ok, bussy 3 days. Got rock work done, water mixed, sand down and finally, the tank is wet. Waiting on Inkbird and two new heaters, should be in tomorrow but I have a couple spare heaters plugged in now.
I'm going to add Fritz Turbo 900 and a shrimp for a couple days.

I agree; the aquascape looks awesome! Also, the color and texture of the stand are killer. Following along. :)

 

[Popeye]

I'm using the bean animal setup in my overflow. It's silent but I'm getting way too much noise from sump.
I've had more flow on similar setup and no noise. Too much flow you think? Shouldn't be any air in full syphon line, right?

 

[Popeye]

Well crap, my son called me and said my tank was making funny noises. Ran home and my return pump stopped working so my wave makers were going crazy due to lack of water in it.
My Jeabo DCP10000 just died

 

[Popeye]

Figured I would give this a try, got it from BRS. Maxspect Jump DC 6K. All reviews seemed good and it wasn't crazy expensive like some.

 

[Fishn28]

this is an amazing build. looking into upgrading to a 125 myself and the list of equipment you used has been helpful! did you get the 800 GPH overflow model? and if so how did you tune the return pump to match the flow?

also. how much would you say is cost to build the stand?

 

[Popeye]

this is an amazing build. looking into upgrading to a 125 myself and the list of equipment you used has been helpful! did you get the 800 GPH overflow model? and if so how did you tune the return pump to match the flow?

also. how much would you say is cost to build the stand?

It's actually the 2400. Was planning a bigger tank when I bought it. I have an adjustable flow pump plus the valve on the drain line to the sump really dials it in.