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