Upgrade from 29g to 120g!!! :)) finally has come

MikeRizz88

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Good morning/afternoon everyone, I have a 29 gallon set up right now with most HOB equipment, and it has been up for about over a year. There are two clownfish, one flame angel, CUC, and a bunch of LPS corals that are healthy and thriving. I ran into some algae problems before most likely common due to size and way I handled tank n my rock but it’s a learning curve. All in all overall everything’s is going good. I’ve decided to upgrade to a 120g reef ready tank. Dimensions are- 48.5”L 24.5”W 25.5”H. Very excited!!! I can’t even explain!!!!

New set up would consist of:

120g reef ready tank
(dual overflows)
Standard set up would be durso, but would like herbie style

trigger systems 34 sump

2 ecotech marine mp40 wqd powerheads.

2 kessil A360x lights

nyos quantum 160 skimmer

Vectra L2 return pump Ecotech marine

I want to basically start fresh, meaning new rock, new sand. (Marcos reef saver dry rock) and caribsea arag-a-live sand. I’m going to cure the rock and cycle the tank before adding my current fish and future friends!! Haha

I would like to set up system, with the sand, rock the aquascape and start the cycle/curing process. I did all this before in the brute trash can with flow, heater and no light. (Curing) but not in the display tank

I would really like to do all this in the new set up. In the tank itself, (DT) So I can “try“ and make my perfect aquascape And make sure I’m at least 95% happy with the scape haha. Which might take days lol!!

I really don’t want to run into the algae problems like before GHA, (ugly stage) but I know it’s common but I learned my lesson with nutrient import/export so I’m doing better as far as that. Running Skimmers, not overfeeding. I’m looking for any pointers/comments/questions for anything. Recommendations as well!! Reef2reef has been a great experience thru my whole process and looking forward to being apart of such a supportive community!

I want to do this all right this time!
Please help me and many many tanks everyone!!!

I also would Ike to run dosers, as well as a refugium!!

I know I forgot a lot of info, but I was thinking a little over 100 pounds of rock 80+ pounds of sand. Add some rock in sump as well, and a seeded marine pure block the 8x4x4 one.

Just basically want to do this 100% RIGHT this time and avoid the common mistakes I did in the past. Looking for many suggestions and opinions.

i’m looking to cure the rock in the display tank for several several weeks, going through all the beginner stages of the cycle as well as the ugly phases. Then adding the cleanup crew, and some utilitarian fish. want this done 100% to the T

Any recommendations on other equipment or any suggestions is greatly appreciated!!
 
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MikeRizz88

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A few pics of tank pick up and current stand build!! Excitement is overwhelming!! Haha

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Sailfin11

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Awesome! My first tank was also a 29 gallon, it has interesting dimensions but I think that you'll really like the aquascape potential of 120. I'd recommend doing the overflow as a Herbie since it tends to be quieter than a Durso. I'd also pick up an external heater control like the InkBird, for $30 it really helps keep temperature stable. Well done on the stand, it looks great
 
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MikeRizz88

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I’m definitely going with a herbie method for sure. Seen a great video of the dual overflow set up using herbie method. With the returns coming out and over thru the back. Heard great reviews and comments on noise using this method. I’m definitely considering a controlled heater. Was actually thinking of getting the 600w titanium heater brs has with the control for a little over $100.
 
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MikeRizz88

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1st trial run! Kinda not what I expected, but gonna keep at it! Lmk what you think!? Only going to use two island/walls/cannons. Just putting together some ideas

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MikeRizz88

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Would like to know everyone’s thoughts on this cannon/cave structure I got going on. Top is mostly flat rocks and caves down to a cannon w few caves/hiding areas for my fish. Any comments and suggestions more than welcome!!??

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El_Guapo13

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Looking pretty awesome so far. Gonna go ahead and follow both to see how it turns out, and also because I currently have a 29 gallon and eventually plan to upgrade to something larger... well, not really upgrade, as I plan to keep the 29 up no matter what, but more so adding a larger tank to my house. Probably either in my bedroom or in my unused (and rather small, and pretty much useless because of the size) dining room. Probably the dining room, especially if this working from home thing becomes a permanent thing. Then I can turn the room into a office/fish room. ...actually, typing that up actually sounds like a really good idea. Let the planning begin!!!
 
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MikeRizz88

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Thanks, Appreciate it everyone!! Yes gonna be filling up pretty soon hopefully! Gotta finish up hanging the doors and hardware than gonna start aquascaping! Again! Haha. I will keep updating this thread.
 
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