120 gal reef build

[slough shark]

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.



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.


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


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.



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.


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

[banditpowdercoat]

got some info???

[slough shark]

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).

[slough shark]

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

[muck]

Originally Posted by slough shark

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

I can do it for you...

Nice looking build so far, love the 120 footprint.

[slough shark]

thanks so much.

[Lance]

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

[slough shark]

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

[tang daddy]

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.

[slough shark]

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