Labsalesguy 120 Build Thread

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Labsalesguy

Angel Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#1
#1
Hello everyone,
Its time to start my build thread on my new tank!! I am excited to have a local community to learn from, and share information with!!A little background. I had a saltwater tank in the 80s ( Soo long ago!!) so much has changed since then, filtration, lighting, knowledge of husbandry. I then went to school in TX, majored in Biochemistry - and now work as a sales rep for a laboratory equipment company, and the interest in Ocean chemistry helped bring me back to the hobby. Fast forward to this summer. It all started in July when I decided to get the kids a "small fw tank". Well, that turned into a 55 gallon tank...then I decieded I wanted back into the Saltwater scene. I then decided to downsize the Fw tank and move it upstairs - its now in a 29 gal AIO tank with plants.

SO- I then bought Muralreefs 120 gal. It sat in my garage while I planned the sump.. I then bought BPreefers sump. Then I changed my mind on the tank- and bought a 5 foot 120 while in New Mexico on a work road trip!! Sold the 120 to another member here.

So here we go!
Equipment to start:
120 gallon TruVu, basic stand
43 gallon acrylic sump.
SRO1000 Protein Skimmer
Iwaki MD55RLT pump
Various power heads, TUNZE
ATO
150W EVO LED Touchscreen Light Fixture
Filterguys Ocean 1 with Chloramine blocks and DI unit, PSI and 2 point TDS gauge.

Here is where its going to sit. Did I mention I cut a hole in my new hardwood for a basement sump?:):)
View attachment 16628
 
Blindrage

Blindrage

Anthias
M.A.S.C Club Member
#2
#2
It all started with a FW tank for my kid... where have I heard that story recently? Hmmmm.

I cannot wait to see this build come along. It is almost as fun watching these threads on other builds as working on my own tank.
 
kmcmurtry

kmcmurtry

Turbo Snail
#3
#3
I was the lucky recipient of Muralreef's 120 and it's awesome - my favorite new saying is "i think I'll be happy with this size for a long time" - we've all said that before. I love stealing new ideas from build threads but they're dangerous! Makes me think i can afford the time, money and maintenance of another monster reef, lol. Oh, and I think my husband got a little nervous when he saw the setup in your basement and hole in your floor. He gave me the look. Can't wait to see what you fill that thing with!
 
L

Labsalesguy

Angel Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#5
#5
Thanks Good Greef- yeah that is a nice tank. SkyDiv- yes I went with a 5 foot tank for a few reasons- 1. it fits the wall perfectly, and 2. i would like to have a few "mellow" tangs long term- maybe they would appreciate the extra space. BUT!!! I am not opposed to a 60 x 24 x 24 in the future as budget allows- I think the sump system can handle it.

here is the pic of the tank when I finished polishing it in my basement. previous owner in New Mexico took good care of it.
View attachment 16629
 
L

Labsalesguy

Angel Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#9
#9
Here is an update - the GFI receptacle going in for the lights and in-tank pumps ( yes I did connect the ground wire:))
[attachment=65583:name]

next- I ran the flex PVC. Now I am going to have my basement wall re-textured (someday) and place an access panel in the ceiling below the tank. so not worried about cutting walls:
[attachment=65585:name]

So the Filter room ( AKA mechanical) is to my back- I have ran the pipe into the soffit, they do a smooth 90, and to the mechanical room behind me.
there are QTY 2 1 1/4 inch dranins, and one 1 inch return.
 
Blindrage

Blindrage

Anthias
M.A.S.C Club Member
#11
#11
Nice work. Your wife is a saint to allow you to cut up the house like that. :)
 
fishguy69

fishguy69

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#13
#13
GWA is following right along. Lookin sweet so far.
 
L

Labsalesguy

Angel Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#14
#14
Tank Build update. I have got alot done but not posted. Here are the two drains and a return coming into the mechanical room. Also Glass Holes overflow installation.
[attachment=65710:name]
 
L

Labsalesguy

Angel Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#15
#15
And here is the sump room completed with plumbing. First I placed High gloss backer board on the wall, installed new GFI, and caulked all the joints (even around the outlet. Then I built a 6 foot sump table so that all maintenance can be done at waist level. I have quick disconnects on the drains and return, and also installed a t and ball valve below the table for water changes you can see in last picture. It took me quite a while to think how I really wanted this area. There is now a 29 gallon aquaruin underneath the pump area filling with RODI water.
[attachment=65716:name]
 
L

Labsalesguy

Angel Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#16
#16
here is a picture underneath the stand- quick disconnect and over-sized unions (1.5 inch) so flow isn't restricted and drain noise is minimal. These are also nice for when I have to vacuum the sand on occasion. Also a picture of my RODI setup. The drain is now going into the 29 gallon mentioned above.
I have to say..great to have water station and sump in basement if you can make it work. Water supply and drain right there.
[attachment=65718:name]
 
L

Labsalesguy

Angel Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#17
#17
So here is a picture of the sump/ refugium and skimmer area. I had Plasticare cut and polish a top acrylic plate for me to help reduce evaporation. You can see in the picture where I added handles and smal acrylic cubes for the top to lay on.

Question: what do you guys think of the two trays I have laying in the refugium area? I was thinking of making them a remote live Deep Sand Beds because I want only an inch or two in the main tank. Also if there is a problem they are easy to remove?
[attachment=65720:name]
 
kmcmurtry

kmcmurtry

Turbo Snail
#19
#19
Awesome- I am definitely following along to see what's next!
 
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