...and so it begins. 120g setup + all DIY projects

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Heisenberg12

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So I finally got some extra money to start this...endeavor.

This will be an ongoing thread, unfortunately it may be a while between progress updates.
Anyways, i just picked these beauties up of Craigslist today, $160 total.

120 gallon tall 4x2x2 tempered glass :(
as well as a:
40 gallon 48"x12x15 acrylic tank, looks like it came from a commercial setup. This will become the sump.
uploadfromtaptalk1344132966625.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1344132983515.jpg

I will be building the stand, overflow and sump, canopy, possibly the lighting and eventually a custom c02 injection system.

Feel free to comment or question anything, otherwise thanks for looking and check for more updates every week (with any luck)!

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uploadfromtaptalk1344132966625.jpg uploadfromtaptalk1344132983515.jpg
 
SubRosa

SubRosa

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CO2 system? With a sump? You'll be outgassing like crazy. Not a big deal, but you'll be burning through bottles.
 
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Heisenberg12

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That's a valid point, but I think if I fine tune the water flow and reduce any turbulance as much as possibe, i should be OK.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=130344

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Last edited:
Rbishop

Rbishop

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Nice price...
 
SubRosa

SubRosa

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Heisenberg12

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Rbishop, i know! People around my area are INSANE with their prices. So I had to jump all over $1 per gallon. It must have been a sign, these two were the only reasonably priced tanks for 100 miles (and i only had to drive 20)!

subrosa, im all ears :)

I am open to all recommendations, I am by no means an expert, and would obviously like to maximize efficiency of assets.
So, any shared wisdom is appreciated. I know to take good advice.

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SubRosa

SubRosa

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The way I see it, you want the 120 to be a full on planted tank. Adding a sump is, imo a slight detriment to a system such as this, because of the increased outgassing. Any benefits that a sump imparts are very minor in comparison. If it was like a SW tank and I had a protein skimmer to hide it might tip the balance for me in favor of the sump, but otherwise, as I see it, you're using a very nice on its own acrylic tank to detract from your 120. Using it as a second display, or even re-selling it to offset the cost of the 120 and/or pay for something to use on that tank would make more sense to me. Or you could just stuff it into your garage/attic/shed like I probably would, much to my wife's displeasure!
 
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Heisenberg12

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Unfortunately I can't afford to setup 2 tanks, or let the tank sit in storage until i can. My thinking is that a sump would be the most filtration bang for my buck and easily push the gph needed for heavy bioload. This is a budget build. Roughly $60 total to build this sump, versus several hundred in canister filters.

Are you only suggesting that I not use the sump because its to nice? Or that it would be inadequate filtration? I want pristine water conditions. A mildly planted tank with heavy plants in the fuge should greatly buffer nitrates?

I do understand your point of view. Just trying to work with what i have.

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