My 125 gallon build a.k.a. in the deep end...

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1cooljeep

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Jan 31, 2011
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Dave
It's official, I jumped in the deep end of the pool. My kids (ages 7 & 9) and I have just been getting a 29 gallon freshwater aquarium through its initial cycle and having lots of fun together. We've been making weekly trips to our local fish store and it's been great to see the enthusiasm and interest they've taken in the hobby.

I guess it's contagious, and it got me excited and wanting my own tank. I thought something bigger than 29 gallons would be nice. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I wandered in to the local fish store during their annual superbowl sale weekend and found a 125 gallon tank for a super sale price, cheaper than the regular price for the smaller tanks I'd been looking at.

Well, after some fast talking and economic rationalization with the wife, I had a 125 glass cage in my basement. I'm taking it slow and reading all I can before I make final decisions on anything yet. Ultimately, I'd love a beautiful planted tank like I've seen on this forum.

Right now the basement's a mess as I start to work on the aquarium stand. While I've looked at hundreds of stand build threads, I must give credit to Waywardson, I read all 150+ pages and took design cues inspiration from his fine work. That's a goal to shoot for...

With that said, here it goes...wish me luck

Cutting the lumber for the 2 x 4 subframe
IMG_0414.jpg

Assembling front - 2 x 6 header, plan for 3 doors
IMG_0415.jpg

Finished subframe
IMG_0420.jpg

Tank test drive
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IMG_0414.jpg IMG_0415.jpg IMG_0420.jpg IMG_0422.jpg
 

WeedCali

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Dec 14, 2009
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Congrats on the new tank! are you gonna sheet the stand with some ply?

Too bad you cant go planted. either way your gonna have fun with this new setup I bet.

What do you plan to stock it with?
 

AfroCichlid

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Jan 10, 2008
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Stand looks good and sturdy. And this hobby is definitely addicting. There are quite a few cost saving corners you can cut when it comes to substrates and filtration systems, even lighting... although if you're going planted I don't think anything will beat metal halides. If you go low- light, 2 watts or so you could avoid the cost of MH and CO2 injection ( 2 big ones costwise ).
Any plans for filtration yet? Canopy?
 

snapinturtle

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Feb 6, 2011
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Richard Hartman
Looking real good. The stand looks plenty sturdy enough. Good luck, pick your fish carefully, enjoy.
 

1cooljeep

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Jan 31, 2011
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Dave
Thanks for the interest. First, my plan is planted with CO2, thinking filtration with multiple canister filters, maybe 3 Eheim 2217's? My initial idea for lights would be 60" T5's, either 4 or 5 tubes. And I'm planning building a hood as well.

I did put some plywood on the floor, sides and back to help stabilize the structure and create an inside "box". I'm in the process of wrapping the outside in oak right now...

Here's a shot of the plywood
IMG_0423.jpg

I cut out some holes in the back to pass hoses and power in and out
IMG_0426.jpg

I even caulked the seams and pre-finished the inside in black, maybe easier now that when its wrapped in oak. We'll see...
IMG_0427.jpg

As for stock list, that seems a long way away, water even seems a long way away right now! But its going to start small, I love large numbers of schooling fish. I just want to get the aquascape established. Some day maybe some Discus in there...

More to follow. Regards

IMG_0423.jpg IMG_0426.jpg IMG_0427.jpg
 

laurenrocksth

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Jun 24, 2008
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Wow! Looks like you're off to a great start!!!
 

Big Mike

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Huge Mike
Lookin good!! Cant wait for more pics!!
 

Rbishop

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Mr. Normal
Great start!
 
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