120 gal reef build
 

Jan.09

So I finally decided to make the switch from FW. Took A Lot of convincing but the wife finally agreed. So my first step was research. I read the book "the contientuous aquarist" by Robert Fenner, I would reommend this book to any newbies such as myelf. The first pic is my tank being drained.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/v...m/IMG00550.jpg

Mid Jan.09

Took my tank into Bow Valley Aquariums to have it drilled and they broke it. So with a lot of arguing and a little cash, my 90 gal, turned into a 120 gal. For those who are starting out and live in Calgary go to Bow Valley and pay cash. Good deals. So this pic is my new tank.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/v...newtank007.jpg

Beginning of Feb.09
So I got all of the plumbing set up, inclusive of gate valves. My sump tank is a 33 gal with a super skimmer, due to **** poor planning I bought this thing unaware that they were bottom of the line. however its good for now. I will upgrade down the road, just have to muck up front cost right now setting up. Pic of the sump running
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/v...forsale024.jpg

Mid feb 09
I found a bunch of live rock on Can Reef so in my tank I have about 160 lbs of it. I filled the tank and the cycle beins. I watched it close for about about 3 weeks. I also added 3 k4's. Pics of the tank cycling.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/v...forsale017.jpg
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/v...forsale018.jpg

Beginning Mar. 09
So after numerous testing I got all of the tank parameters( ammonia, Nitrare) down to 0, SG 1.023. I had a little problem with pH ( 7.8) but I sorted that out. Plus all of my LR is being covered with brown and green algae right now. After a good 3 weeks of cycling I decided to add my first convicts. 2 black clowns. They seem to be doing well and eating like champs. The next step for me is lighting, although my wife has settled down a little now that there is life in the tank, she will however, come unglued when she finds out the money i spent on the tek t5 ho 8 bulb unit. I've ordered the lights and cant wait. Pic of the the clowns.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/v...forsale028.jpg

Mid Mar. 09


I've posted this thread so I dont make any big mistakes, everyone on this site has been very helpful so far, and i will continue to post pics of my build in hopes that I can catch any problems before they happen. Enjoy
Derek

got some info???

Here is the tank info:
120 gal (4'x 2' x 2'), 160lbs ish LR, 2" overflow,33 gal sump, macro cheato, 225 super skimmer ( will be switched out soon), mag 9.5 return, 3 k4's, 2 clowns and tek t5 HO 8 bulb unit on the way( ordered of J&L).

oops. I wanted to post this in the tank journal......
Can I move it?

I can do it for you... :wink:

Nice looking build so far, love the 120 footprint.

thanks so much.

Looks like you're off to a good start. Have fun!

Question:
I just bought the Tek Light t5 8 bulb unit. The system comes with 2 switches one to control each ballast, I'm assuming. I would like to run 2 actinics and 6 10000k whites. However, if each ballast controls 4 bulbs, its kinda tough. Is there a way I can switch my ballasts to control 2 lights and 6 lights respectively. The unit didnt come with any instructions.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Derek

I personally would not muck with the unit as this will void your warranty!!

you can still run 6 10k and 2 ati just put 2 timers so one will go on 2 hrs before the 10k and depending on the firing location you will have 2 atinics and 2 10k which will look pretty blue alternatively run 3 atinics and 1 10k on 1 timer then the other 4 10k on the other.

Great Thanks.
One switch runs the 4 inside and the other switch runs the 4 on the ends (2 on each end). Does it matter where the Actinics go.
Thanks for the help