Ginu's 120gallon journey
 

Hello,

With the move at the beginning of the month, I've decided there is no better time to upgrade, so here it goes...

I had a 75g tank which seems to hate SPS (gave this away to a friend and hes starting fresh as well)... hopefully this will change with the addition of a new tank/ and with the zeo system which I've never tried before.

Tank is from Concept Aquatics rimless custom made with three starphire sides (front, left and right panes), single external overflow and drilled(drilled for herbie with 2 x 1.5" drains) and two returns 3/4"(one on each side of the overflow)
12mm glass will be used all around with polished edges and black silicone.
Back will be black with vinyl and one piece black acrylic covering the overflow.

Measurements of the tank will be a 120g 48"x24"x24" height

Equipment I'll be using from my previous 75g tank and new equipment for the zeovit system:

Decided to discard all my old rock and start fresh, so I went with 51lb pukani and 7lb shelf rock from Eli@fijirock. This is the rock formation I have which is currently curing for the past 3 months until I move and get the new tank in place.

For return I'll be using my old Eheim 1262

I've decided to go with a Avast Marine Vibe reactor and pay the little extra so I don't have to shake stones everyday.
Zeo reactor will be fed by a Eheim compact 3000+ and controlled by Apex

Tank circulation will be provided by two MP40W ES controlled by Apex and backed up with a Ecotech battery backup
ATO - I will use my Tunze Osmolator 3155

I haven't decided on the lights but I have two options, currently I'm running two Ecotech Radions Gen 1 with TIR (I'd have to most likely upgrade those if I want to keep using LED's) and option two is my old ATI 6*54w... Not sure which would be a better combo and would the 6bulb fixture have enough coverage for a 24" wide tank? I had that running on my 75 and it was perfect... Will i be better off using the ATI 6bublb T5 or should I upgrade the LED's?? Whats better with Zeo?

I will reuse my skimmer form the 75g which is a Vertex Omega 150.

I also have a BRS deluxe reactor which I was planning to use, but I've read its better to place carbon passively in a bag rather than use a rector which can be too aggressive with Zeo.

For sump I will use my Triger systems Ruby 36 but would like to upgrade to the new Trigger systems Emarald 39

Currently I have a Neptune Apex controller along with the WXM and ALD module and I plan to use it on this system

Dosing will be done using the BRS two part Ca/Alk along with BRS magnesium mix when needed in conjunction with the BRS dosing pumps controlled by Apex.
I've also ordered the new Apex Dos and automatize my water changes as I hate hauling buckets from room to room and it so happens that in my new place I have a shed right behind the fishtank which will serve as maintenance water mixing and thinking about setting up a quarantine tank in there as well.


Now the fun part... I've setup a 150g stock Rubbermaid tank at my friends and moved all the livestock in there so I can focus on setting the system up slowly and not in a rush... I am very attached to my fishy friends and would like to try and make sure they have a safe and sound move with as little stress as possible.

My current stock list consists of two black clownfish, 4" kole tang, 5-6" purple tang, female dragonet, red head fairy wrasse, cleaner wrasse, starry blenny, pinkbar goby residing with a tiger pistol shrimp, cleaner shrimp, blood shrimp, tuxedo urchin, second tiger pistol shrimp residing in the sump.
I did however lose my Kole Tang, I'm thinking he got scratched against a rock which gave him a nice bacterial infection...

I'm not going to go into the selection of corals as I mostly have mushrooms, zoas, toadstool, acans, anemones and some random sps etc... and would like to focus more on SPS/LPS with zoas in the new tank (scrap all the softies)

Now for the Zeo ecosystem I purchased about 250$ worth of zeoproducts when the zeosale was on at BRS so I think I'm set for quite some time (hopefully)

For sand I went with two bags Tropic Eden Reef flakes 2mm and one bag of Tropic Eden Reef flakesfor a total of lbof sand

For salt I got a bucket of Red Sea Blue bucket and plan to use that since Zeo wants low parameters.



Cheers,

Here is my new rock curing for about 3-4 months now with a skimmer, GFO reactor and flow pump
Its 49lb pukani and 7lb shelf rock I also have another 30lb of BRS drysaver rock in a different container, but not sure if I will use that.

I did a couple of 100% waterchangeshttp://oi61.tinypic.com/2jg16co.jpg on this this rock and it will stay like that until the tank arrives 1-2 weeks.

I'm hoping the pukani leached most of the phosphates during this period

My current holding tub surrownded by bikes and some other junk...
I barely have enough space to squeese to the edge and feed the tank every day:

http://oi60.tinypic.com/2wdq6fs.jpg

Well, the tank is ready this weekend (assuming it will be shipped out next week) and i figured it would be a good time to start working on the stand.

I was contemplating going with 80/20 aluminum but that fell through and went with a stand made out of 2"x4".
Started the construction a couple of days ago.
30$ worth of 2x4's cut from Rona and 2.5" deck screws 5$

http://oi59.tinypic.com/30wkwax.jpg


I've never worked with wood or 2x4's so this was quite the experience, made some errors but it all worked out in the end:http://oi59.tinypic.com/102v705.jpg


I constructed the stand to 30" wide even though the tank is 24". The tank is 24" wide + 5" due to the external overflow, so I decided to make the stand wider so I can push the sump all the way to the end and have the pipes going straight down and I think having extra room in the stand will be beneficial.

The height of the stand is 40", so the total height will be around 65" for the tank and stand as I really hated the 28" tall stand on my previous 75gallon tank... always had to bend down to look inside not to mention working on the sump/skimmer was a painful chore. I really like the RMS S series and loved the height on the stand and the viewing height of their tanks so I figured why not go the same and have some extra shelving behind the tank to use if needed

The part which I'm going to have issues with will be the dressing of the stand. Does anyone have any easy ideas how to dress a stand? I'm looking to have 4 doors and I'd like a very minimalistic euro look... I don't like busy stands with lots of carvings, edges etc... and decided to add a shelf at around 5" below the top of the frame which will house all my electronics as i want everything inside and would prefer to have a clean look of the sump.

The middle shelf is 6" shorter than the width of the stand and the cables will be routed through this opening.

Some more stand construction pics

http://oi57.tinypic.com/vnz7lf.jpg

http://oi61.tinypic.com/15q25qc.jpg

I've never made a stand or worked with wood, but I have to say this didn't turn out bad at all(besides the weight), quite impressed and it looks like the stand is level, based on my cellphone.

I'm caulkinig the inside and paining it white with a Kilz latex paint.

http://oi62.tinypic.com/2q3myb4.jpg

Nicely done. I always get a bit of a kick out of how solid we all build our stands. It is good that we do but pretty much every DIY stand we see is over built. Anyway, ignoring that little bit there, looks good and cant wait to see it come together.

And some pics of the aquarium before it leaves Concept Aquariums

http://oi62.tinypic.com/xmk8zq.jpg

http://oi57.tinypic.com/ouqgk6.jpg

That's a sweet lookin tank.cant wait to see this thing up and running.

I feel like I've ran into a wall... Anyone have any ideas on how to skin this stand? I'm no good when it comes to wood trims and finishing .

I'd like two front doors along with two removable side doors attached with magnets.

Take some wood working classes??? Alternatively basic covering can be something like MDF or any other smooth surface wood product. Just seal and paint the inside. Pre made doors along with a variety of hinges latches magnetic closures etc can usually be found at local hardware stores.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ha, who has time for woodworking lessons.

Just wondering what ppl use to trim their tanks... I was at Rona and didn't particulary like anything.

You could get some magnets from somewhere such as Lee Valley Tools (rare earth ones are great for this - little hockey puck-shaped ones)
Glue the magnets into one surface, and screw in some fender washers on the other surface. Then you can use whatever covering you like ... Ikea doors, something from the Re-Store, used kitchen cabinet doors from craigslist, make your own, or whatever

Nice job on the stand BTW

I don't wanna scare ya, and maybe I'm wrong :wink:
I don't want to knock your woodworking skills, but if that stand were mine ... and maybe others will disagree with me ...

If I were to build a stand for a tank that'll hold a 1/2 Ton of water, I'd want more support for the front and back long sections. Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't want the bottom glass being the only support for all that weight. I can picture the stress of the weight causing the bottom to bow down in the center

I'd want either center supports, or sistered 2xs

Thinking about weight distribution, you're asking each of those 2 2x4s to hold 250lbs of water in the center, aside from the glass, sand and rock weight

As long as you're comfortable with this, carry on :smile:

Hopefully someone else will chime in to prove me wrong and assure you all is good :smile:

Keep those build pics comin'

Think I may have to second Greg's comment about sistering the 48" 2x4's. Personally I don't trust 'simple' lumber these days. What's a couple extra bucks for the security of that beautiful tank?

In regards to your stand's skin. I'm not sure what your budget is, but you could always be lazy like me and have it made by a cabinet maker. I had 2 gable ends, a front face, 2 custom doors, all hardware and stain, all for $350.

I did a ton of research and the weight which a 2*4 can handle vertically is insane . Even if I would take the max load of the 8 2*4's and divided it by let's say 4 as a safety factor, it would still be rated at about 8000lb.
My 120 will probably be around 1600lb at most, so I'll be OK. Come check it out if you wan .

Greg, I recall you using the same stand as I had on my 75g which was made out of plywood and 1*3 if I recall with no reinforcement what's so ever. Now would you believe me if I'd tell you that the centre brace on your 4ft stand doesn't offer any support at all?
I actually took that middle board out about 2 years and had no issues with the stand.

Now, I can move the stock 75-90g stand similar to what you have by myself without breaking a sweat, however this stand (unfinished) weights a ton compared to the store bought one.

I agree that the stand is built more than sufficient, i built a stand for a 90g a few years back with the help of an Engineer. I showed him my plans and asked if he thought i would be okay, his answer, "Your house is more likely to fall down than your stand to break under your tank" I of course still built it that strong, and then when i moved had to take a reciprocating saw to it in order to get it apart. As long as the stand is level and your tank sits level on it that stand is pretty beefy.

A great read on stands can be found here.

That stand is overbuilt if anything, I bet it holds twice the weight he needs, think of those lfs stands made of 1/2" ply. General rule with spans is 2x4 can go 4 feet, 2x6 for 6 feet and so on

Hey Chris, as long as you're happy with it is all that matters

But for what it's worth, it's not the vertical support I was referring to, but rather the load on the horizontal

And BTW, my flimsy stand does have center uprights :wink:
The tank is warrantied for life on their stand so it suits me fine and is why I bought it instead of building one

Keep those pics comin'

nice WTB rocket-v saddle.

Yup i know it has centre uprights, but that's not to sustain the tank, its resting on a middle thin plywood glued to the front and back of the tank
I took mine out over a year ago and never even glued the top plywood back.

There is one thing I could have done better and that's to make the top out of 2x6 however is not entirely needed.

The reason why I made my own stand is to have it overbuild and without a center brace; now of I had a fishroom like yours, I would not care :)

Love those saddles I have two on my bikes and have a spare as well . I've just replaced one of the older ones too, was extremely comfy and miss it

Just to add comment on the stand, when I first looked at the pic, I was shocked at how much wood you used!! That thing will hold a truck. With a tank in the bed. Full of rock. And lead. lol

I used mahogany plywood to skin mine, it was the cheapest finished ply I could get. Easy to work with, sands and paints well. I skinned across the front of mine then made doors to insert into the opening. Really easy, and I'm one that should take wood working classes!

No plywood here

Haven't had the time to do much, but got the tank @home. I still have to get around to finishing the stand and I'm struggling http://www.zeovit.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif

Ride home from the depot station
http://oi59.tinypic.com/10yqvdh.jpg

And on the stand:
http://oi57.tinypic.com/2wp1ax5.jpg

And side, just got my bulkheads so I will be plumbing over the weekend
http://oi59.tinypic.com/2ik8jfq.jpg

What are you struggling with ?

Looking good buddy keep the pictures coming:)

Can't wait to see what you do with it all :)

My all-time favourite saddle as well! SOOO comfy!

Anyway, back to the tank! That thing looks KIT! I see that Dora is pretty excited about it too!

Oh boy.. too many things, first is having a 2 year old wanting everything is a problem...so working on the tank during the day is out of the question.

I typically have to wait until he goes to bed so I can do a little work, however that involves hammering which makes it difficult as I don't want neighbors complaining, not to mention my inlaws...

On a side note, the plumbing is done, just need to finish the stand (ordered doors which arrive within 10 business days) and have to stain or paint the stand, haven't decided which route to go yet; and finally it will get salty.

I'm also trying to decide if i should rinse the sand before putting in the tank... I have 60lb of tropic eden minifkales and 30lb of tropic eden reefflakes and debating on this matter.
Also I have to make my rock structures which involves fijicrate and the rock is been in a can for 3+ months.

Well almost ready to get it wet.

Had to take a break as I threw my back out and it made it difficult to work on the stand.

However, I almost finished the stand, just have to fill in holes and sand it down then either stain or paint it (haven't decided yet, whats better to use?). Doors should arrive either tomorrow or Monday; I opted to buy the doors from IKEA as they have lifetime warranty and i don't have to mess around trying to make doors.

Got the main plumbing done, still have to plumb in the ZeoVit Vibe reactor.

Have to add the sand, but not sure if I should rinse it. I am using Tropic Eden miniflakes and Tropic eden reef flakes 2:1 for a total of 90lb

I've decided to get a new skimmer so I'm trying to get a BK 180mini and get rid of the Vertex Omega 150. I was entertaining the idea of a lifereef skimmer but cant work myself up to spending 600$ on a lifereef skimmer (if I find a cheap used one, I'll jump on it) to see what works best.
This weekend I will connect the Tunze ATO as well.
Got the dosers in place as well, just need the add the sand, rock and cylce the tank.

Sorry for the bad pics, don't feel like bringing up the DSLR just yet.

http://oi58.tinypic.com/2506wz6.jpg

http://oi58.tinypic.com/2rc0hs2.jpg
http://www.zeovit.com/forums/images/buttons/quote.gif

Well I'm almost done with the stand, just gave to sand it once and apply one last coat and I think the painting will be done.

For doors I went to IKEA and ordered doors, so those will be added shortly.

I've also bought a BK Mini180 gen3 to run the system, instead of the Vertex Omega 150. Nothing wrong with the Omega, just wanting to try a BK and I really liked the cup removal on this skimmer along with the small footprint... that should arrive next week some day.

http://oi58.tinypic.com/72ymon.jpg
http://www.zeovit.com/forums/images/buttons/quote.gif

Slowly coming along.
Got the sand in last night and was extremely surprised just how clean this sand was :)
Added all 90lb with the return and power-head on and there was barely any sand storms. I used 2*30lb Tropic Eden Reef Mini-flakes and one 30lb bag of Tropic Eden Reef Flakes bags

I was hoping to get my rock in, but wife wants to go shopping today :(

Never thought I'd run a BK, but since I got the BK mini 180(should arrive tomorrow possibly today) I decided to pull the plug and get a neck cleaner, so I went with a swabbie DYI from Avast Marine as I was really impressed with my Avast Vibe reactor. This will arrive in about week or two.

http://oi59.tinypic.com/34t7rxk.jpg

Oh yeah buddy! It is finally wet!

Gotta get the fish out of that tub if you know what I mean :)

Hoping by my birthday I'll have some stuff in there

Aquascaping time. I've never worked with pukani rock and I must admit its amazingly light, super porous and easy to work with. Thanks Eli @Fijirock
Used fijicrete to bind the rocks together.
http://oi60.tinypic.com/15qdd7a.jpg


I'm not artistic at all and I think I could have done better, but this is what I've come up with for now:

http://oi57.tinypic.com/2wlvprd.jpg



Left side:
http://oi58.tinypic.com/i5vzly.jpg


Right Side:
http://oi57.tinypic.com/2mr5gsw.jpg

http://oi57.tinypic.com/qnwopj.jpg

Oh yeah buddy! looking good man. How long you gonna cycle that tank for?

7 days :) and ill be adding some cleanup crew
14 days and ill be adding one fish and my surviving zoas

I'm running Zeovit so the tank should be cycled really fast, not to mention I've had the rocks in water since April :)
Been running lots of GFO and skimming off them, I'm actually curious to see what type of bacterial bloom i will encounter.

Jess's rocks had some bacterial bloom but wasn't too bad considering those rocks were once live and have quite a bit of dye off.

Now i need a fish trap :) and need to get some pods in there... I'm concerned about my mandarin as the tank wont have pods... good part is shes frozen trained so she likes mysys

Damn....I should've done the same thing with my rocks lol

Update
 

Its been 14 days since I started the zeovit cycle and currently dosing the following:

.4ml in the morning and .4ml in the evening of Zeostart
5 drops of sponge power
5 drops BAK twice a week (I'm a little concerned about this additive as it smells a little fowl).. ordered two more 10ml bottles to compare the odor
I'm currently running 1000ml zeostones with 100gal/h flow rate which is shaken twice a day for a minute by a Avast Vibe (best reactor out there - anyone looking to get a new reactor, I suggest spending the extra $ and going with an automatic reactor... I cant imagine manually shaking the stones.)

I have a 4" clown and 4" red Solon wrasse in the tank; both are very happy and eating. Clown is probably a little upset as I could not catch his pair and hes all alone... hate catching fish in a 150g tub...

I still have to catch a fairly large purple tang, second clown, anthias, starry blenny shrimp goby, two pistol shrimps, one blood shrimp and one cleaner....


Now I don't know if I should be concerned but, I have not had much of a algae bloom... one day I had one string of hair algae and next day it turned to a dime size cyano then it disappeared...there was a few strings (maybe3) on a rock but it disappeared overnight assuming to the cleaning crew...

The rocks are fiji live dead live rock which I've been soaking since april in a tub and ran lots of gfo along with a skimmer on them, then after setting up the tank, I waited a week before i started the zeo cycle.

On day 10 I added some Zoas from my previous tank and each day after I added one coral, so far all Zoas are happy except two frags which were pretty ****ed from before... I suspect they did not have enough light.

MY Parameters are a little low and will start dosing over the weekend... I want to take a few calculations in two-three days so i can measure the consumption.
Ca 390
Alk
KH 7.1
MG 1160

The rock is pukani not fiji... I glued the rock together with a product called fijicrete.

Decided to try a SPS see how it will do and my friend gave me a green slimer frag
http://oi61.tinypic.com/nezvhd.jpg

Moved some zoas from the holding tub
http://oi59.tinypic.com/3020s9e.jpg

http://oi61.tinypic.com/24kxt94.jpg

And a display pic .
http://oi60.tinypic.com/fc7fv5.jpg
Still no algae, getting some film on the glass every 3-4 days which I think its normal. I also ordered a Tunze Care Magnet which apparently doesn't scratch the glass as the magnet is not sitting directly on the glass since I'm afraid of scratches.