Smotz's 120g Build Thread

[120reefkeeper]

This is my first tank with a canopy. So far I've overcome the heat issues by installing fans (1 intake and 2 outtake). Now I am encountering evaporation. I say about 1 gallon a day.
Is this standard expected behavior?

Yes normal and I agree with the above comments.... I have a 120 and evaporate anywhere from 2 to 4 gallons per day!

 

[120reefkeeper]

So I tasted the beer - VERY strong since I added extra sugar - supposed to be 8.5 ABV - I suspect I am at 9.5+ but since I didn't test before so I can't really tell the true ABV. Also - It tastes like very strong coffee. - it's pretty amazing, actually.

Did you check it with a hydrometer to get the specific gravity so you know the alcohol content? I'm not sure if it's done the same way with beer as it is with spirits...???

 

[Smotz]

Did you check it with a hydrometer to get the specific gravity so you know the alcohol content? I'm not sure if it's done the same way with beer as it is with spirits...???

Unfortunately I didn't test it before the fermentation so I don't know the exact - only can tell you that I accidentally added extra sugar during the brew. The kit says it is 8.5 abv so I am thinking more like 9.5. 1 of these beers gives me a buzz!

 

[120reefkeeper]

Unfortunately I didn't test it before the fermentation so I don't know the exact - only can tell you that I accidentally added extra sugar during the brew. The kit says it is 8.5 abv so I am thinking more like 9.5. 1 of these beers gives me a buzz!

Then I'd keep making mistakes!!! Lol [emoji12][emoji43]

 

[Smotz]

Looks like my cycle has started - I got algae

 

[120reefkeeper]

And it begins!!! [emoji3]

 

[Smotz]

FYI - Brewing a red ale tonight. Adding 2 lbs of Orange Honey to the boil..

 

[Smotz]

Opinions on my 'scape?

 

[120reefkeeper]

FYI - Brewing a red ale tonight. Adding 2 lbs of Orange Honey to the boil..

Have a few for me !! [emoji12][emoji12]

 

[120reefkeeper]

Opinions on my 'scape?

Scape looks good bud! What are your plans for coral??

 

[Smotz]

Mixed reef but not so much sps.

 

[jsker]

Nice build

 

[Smotz]

Updated rock work. Thoughts?

 

[Adam⚡️Flash]

@Smotz love the tank build. My criticism on your latest rockscape is that you may run into issues with light availability if you plan to heavily stock your tank with coral. That pillar in the center has a lot of surface are with casted shadow. Which may at some point eliminate that entire structure from being able to support a variety of corals . You had a layout on cardboard some months back where you had , what I thought, a very nice horseshoe configuration. It might look rad if you had the ability to bring that back and had some sort of pillar-esq configuration at the bends.

 

[Smotz]

@Smotz love the tank build. My criticism on your latest rockscape is that you may run into issues with light availability if you plan to heavily stock your tank with coral. That pillar in the center has a lot of surface are with casted shadow. Which may at some point eliminate that entire structure from being able to support a variety of corals . You had a layout on cardboard some months back where you had , what I thought, a very nice horseshoe configuration. It might look rad if you had the ability to bring that back and had some sort of pillar-esq configuration at the bends.

Thanks for the thoughts. I've already started changing it around.
Going to build up the left side more.
Going to hollow out the middle between the 2 pillars and connect them on top.

I recognize the lack of light on the middle rock area. I know from experience that there will be bare spots due to lighting. Those spots are where my bubble tips live.

I will have 2x hydra 52s and 1 vega. Lighting will be adequate but there will absolutely be shadows.

 

[Smotz]

Cycling...between .25 and .50 Ammonia

 

[john.m.cole3]

I'm really digging this version of your aquascape. Plenty of height w/ lots of open space as well. Now the waiting process begins!

 

[Smotz]

I'm really digging this version of your aquascape. Plenty of height w/ lots of open space as well. Now the waiting process begins!

Thanks, man. The "bridges" are not secured (yet). Still toying with ideas.

I also want to get a lot of rock in there to cycle - I may decide not to use all of it.

I also have a 60 cube with 4 pillars full of rock and coral I will be migrating (slowly).

 

[Smotz]

And another revision..

 

[Smotz]

Update:
Ammonia is still @ at least .25 and more algae is developing. I am getting some diatoms on the sand and rock, and what looks to be cyano in the edges of the tank - where it is hard to get flow to.

Any suggestions / comments?