120g Mixed Reef Build

[Frag Freaks]

I was able to complete the three main rock scapes and get them into the tank along with sand. I will be adding a little more rock to the final layout. I have some pieces from my 20 long that are live that will be used to seed the new stuff. I plan on placing a smaller rock scape in the front center along with 2 smaller pillars in between the center scape and the end rock scapes. These scapes will be set back from the rest to give the tank a little more dimension. All in all, between display and sump, I should end up with 100lbs or rock.

I did alot of research on what sand to use. I ended up finding that people have been using Pavestone High Desert Play sand from HD with no issues. I picked up 200lbs - approx 160lbs in the display and 40 lbs in my refugium chamber of the sump. Before I added anything I ran the vinegar test and within second the sand started to bubble like crazy so it was good to go. Gave it a quick rinse and in it went. I ended up with about a 3" sand bed. I wanted to go 4" but I did not want to block the lower flow holes of the overflow chambers.

I am very pleased with the color and the texture of this sand and for the price I made it even better, 200lbs for $25.

And the now the filling begins. It will take a me a few days to get the tank filled. My RO/DI only empties into a 20gallon brute. So right now there is only approx 20 gallons water.

 

[Trevor]

Nice progress so far, i've never heard of that sand and i started to do some research and found alot of different conflicting views, do you know for certain that this sand is ok to use? im thinking about using to my new setup, also you wouldnt happen to have a picture of the bag the sand came in would you?
sorry for kind of derailing your thread a little

 

[Frag Freaks]

Thanks Trevor. I am hoping to get it started cycling by this weekend.

 

[Frag Freaks]

Finally finished the canopy. Also on a side note the tank cycled in two weeks and ready to go for livestock.

 

[Frag Freaks]

I also finished up all the wiring for my 8 bulb T5 retro.

 

[Frag Freaks]

Firing the bulbs for the first time.

Inside the Canopy.

Tank shot.

 

[Frag Freaks]

Coolerguys 3" fan kit.

 

[Trevor]

Looks great man! Did you use any live rock or sand to kick off the cycle?

 

[Frag Freaks]

Yeah i used approx. 25 lbs of live rock a few cup fulls of live sand. I rinsed all my new rock and sand with some RO water.

Saw all my spikes. And water has been great since. Added a couple clowns and my CUC and everything is doing great.

 

[FreedR]

Looks great! Mostly following along... But I'm curious about the lights. Why did you choose T5's? I'm planning a hood overhaul of my 75g, and starting to consider lighting options.

 

[Frag Freaks]

I think just personal preference really. I have had both LED and MG setups.

I plan on mainly a LPS and softy dominated tank with very few SPS.

What I did like about LEDs was the fact that I could play with brightness of the LEDs to change the look of the tank and also to ramp up and ramp down the lighting. I personally just never saw the growth like I did under T5.

 

[P-Nut]

The tank look really nice. Wide tank are the way to go.

 

[Frag Freaks]

Full shot of the setup.

 

[Frag Freaks]

Another shot inside the canopy showing the the fan kit.

 

[Frag Freaks]

Moonlights.

 

[Frag Freaks]

The moonlights were made from a 24" flexible LED strip.

 

[dilligaf29]

looken great

 

[mpsteve]

Nice progress so far, i've never heard of that sand and i started to do some research and found alot of different conflicting views, do you know for certain that this sand is ok to use? im thinking about using to my new setup, also you wouldnt happen to have a picture of the bag the sand came in would you?
sorry for kind of derailing your thread a little

i had this sand in my last build and it worked great for 1.5 years then i took the tank down to go to iraq. so the sand is good to go, and ill be using it in my new build ill be starting next week

 

[Sokretys]

Love that retro t5. Those end caps can be very tricky. Really nice work on that man. How are you liking those cooling fans? Nice and slick looking. Are they quiet?

 

[Tone]

Know its a little old but here's info on sand look at post #11...
http://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/152287/pavestone-high-desert-sand

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