120G reef tanks - What are your ideas/thoughts?

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 01-04-2008, 09:41 AM

Now that I have finally sold the 58G tank and officially tankless I can now start the madness of thinking of the new tank again.

I am thinking the 120G (4ft x 2ft x 2ft).

What are your thoughts on setup? Any good recommendaitions on setting it up?

If this flies I will get a Constellation 7 x 54W T5 light fixture.

The tank will be pretty much against the wall so I wont be able to drill it for a closed loop so I need good flow ideas.

I have a Tunze Stream 6000 if that would work well?

The new 120G have only a single overflow now. I have a mag12 that I can use and turn down.

All-Glass or Oceanic? I dont like the All-Glass pine stands so I may get the Oceanic stand regardless unless I can find a way to have a custom one built to hold the weight.

What else?

P.S. Sorry to beat a dead horse here but want to make sure I get it right.

husky_1 · 01-04-2008, 09:55 AM

I think that Mag 12 for a return pump is overkill, but I am accounting for 1200gph in that thought. I am not sure what your head loss will be. If I were to have to use it, I would probably T it off to your phosban/UV so that the flow through the sump is slower. Many people say to match your sump flow rate with your skimmers flow rate.

Also, depending on what else your are running, you may want to consider a little more flow. I have a 92 corner, running 1700gph closed loop, close to the same flow as your Tunze 6000. Two of the four outlets have eductors (I estimate this pushes it up to an effective 2500gph for the whole CL) and 600 gph through the return and this is barely enough now, when SPS grow out, I can see that I may need more flow.

Lastly, As I am sure you already know, dont take what anyone says as gospel. Figure out what will work best for you after your own research and experience.

That is my .02

YLChik · 01-04-2008, 10:00 AM

rob what are you thinking as far as livestock... corals ect?

sps set up?

are you going bb again or ssb dsb?

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 01-04-2008, 10:15 AM

SPS/LPS/Clams - Some nice centerpiece fish

Not sure on the bottom. I hate the look of a glass or starboard bottom. I may go with a SSB and have the LR on pedestals.

YLChik · 01-04-2008, 10:18 AM

sounds very simliar to the set up I am planning as far as inhabatants go.

I am thinking bb and painting the bottom black

your bottom will help determin your flow - obviously you can push more gph with no sand than you can with sand.

crvz · 01-04-2008, 10:20 AM

I only run a mag 9 on my 150, and it's throttled back with a gate valve.

I do think the Tunze is a good start, but you'll probably want more. I'm running two 6100s and it does a good job. I'll probably start adding to them as the demand for flow changes.

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 01-04-2008, 10:24 AM

I have the mag12 already so thats my thoughts on using it. I also have a Blueline 40HD pump that I could use if I get a sump that is drilled but I think a self contained sump would be better for the lack of space.

jamessp01 · 01-04-2008, 11:09 AM

I just ordered the same size tank, so I like the size.

a mag 12 will probably double the flow your overflow can handle (depending on head loss)

for the bottom, im not sure what im doing yet, I really liked Geoffs epoxy sand bottom, I am curious how he likes it now that its been installed a while.

I ordered a pair of stream 6101s for my 120, although im really likeing the low profile of the vortecs, and may use those if I ever add more flow pumps.

CLS, not sure if im going to bother, i was thinking of just adding something for the rock stands, nothing complicated, just something to keep detritus from collecting under the rockwork.

husky_1 · 01-04-2008, 12:14 PM

Like I said, you can always T off the return to a Phosban reactor and/or UV sterilizer. Then put the gatevalve on the tank return..

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 01-05-2008, 08:21 AM

Any other good tips on constructing this tank?

DarthOcellaris · 01-05-2008, 08:24 AM

Rob, I thought you were actively working on that 58 gallon? Decide against it?

crvz · 01-05-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_Reef_Keeper

Any other good tips on constructing this tank?

What are you doing for a sump?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarthOcellaris

Rob, I thought you were actively working on that 58 gallon? Decide against it?

He sold it. I think he'll be much happier with the 120, having had a 58 gallon myself.

Loverotties · 01-05-2008, 09:16 AM

I like the dimensions of that tank!

Sndwave80 · 01-05-2008, 09:34 AM

I have the same 120 RR AGA and I would go bigger on the return pump. I started out with a Mag 12 then went to a Mag 18. The Mag 18 puts out a good amount but I wish I had bought the Mag 24, so I would not have not had to put power heads in the tank for the added flow. I also put a squid inline and it works in making alternating current.

LadyReefNeck · 01-05-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_Reef_Keeper

Any other good tips on constructing this tank?

We have a custom 120g that was built to be a room divider (1 end against the wall). The overflow was built approx 18" wide across the end and had an extra hole drilled inside the overflow. This extra hole (with bulkhead and PVC pipe) is to house/hide the wiring from the canopy lights, fans, etc. I think it's a great idea if you want to hide unsightly wiring plus it helps with the "spaghetti" mess. LOL

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