Hi all,
I currently have a 10g tank with a few tetra and snails just chugging along, but I am in need of something bigger. It's just no fun to go to the fish store and realize that you can only get a few fish since your tank is so small. So to fix that!
Having been inspired by all the great work here, and in an effort to make this affordable, I am starting my 120g build. Much of it is still up in the air, but it will be a freshwater system, based around a Aqueon 120g dual overflow tank. I will be building a stand, canopy, and sump, but am still ironing out all the details. I figure I am going to have to live with this system for a few years so I might a well ask those who have some experience to see if I am headed in the right direction. I have done months of reading, but now it is time to finalize some design decisions and start building! I am still debating if I want to go planted or not, so I am trying to keep my options open.
Tank: 120g pre-drilled Aqueon with dual overflows. Debating if I want to build a 3D background...
Stand: 2x4 construction with 3/4" plywood. I will post some drawings of my plans once they are finished. Matching canopy with fluorescent and blue LED moon lighting. Fans to circulate air.
Overflow: Herbie system seems to be the way to go for this size tank. The tank will be in my living room, so I want it to be as quiet as possible. Thinking of 2 drains, 2 emergencies in the overflows, with the return coming up the back and over the top. I believe the tank is drilled for a 3/4" and 1" on each side. Would it be wise to switch which size is the drain and emergency so I have a 3/4" and 1" drain and emergency? Or should they match? Emergencies will run straight into the sump, the one drain will have to have a bend to go through the filter media.
Sump: Picture of plan to come, but I want some space that I can use as a refugium. Currently leaning towards the Mag 18 pump which should give me about 1100-1200gph at 3-4' head. I have been thinking of ways to make water changes easier by using the pump to empty water from the tank by opening a valve to a hose, but am not sure if this is smart or not. Again, will post plans soon.
That's about as far as I have gotten so far. Looking for any other insight of small additions or things to save money on upkeep, make the system more efficient and upgrade friendly, and make maintenance easier.
I will post some of my current plans tonight for some feedback.
Thanks for all the help and insight in advance!
I currently have a 10g tank with a few tetra and snails just chugging along, but I am in need of something bigger. It's just no fun to go to the fish store and realize that you can only get a few fish since your tank is so small. So to fix that!
Having been inspired by all the great work here, and in an effort to make this affordable, I am starting my 120g build. Much of it is still up in the air, but it will be a freshwater system, based around a Aqueon 120g dual overflow tank. I will be building a stand, canopy, and sump, but am still ironing out all the details. I figure I am going to have to live with this system for a few years so I might a well ask those who have some experience to see if I am headed in the right direction. I have done months of reading, but now it is time to finalize some design decisions and start building! I am still debating if I want to go planted or not, so I am trying to keep my options open.
Tank: 120g pre-drilled Aqueon with dual overflows. Debating if I want to build a 3D background...
Stand: 2x4 construction with 3/4" plywood. I will post some drawings of my plans once they are finished. Matching canopy with fluorescent and blue LED moon lighting. Fans to circulate air.
Overflow: Herbie system seems to be the way to go for this size tank. The tank will be in my living room, so I want it to be as quiet as possible. Thinking of 2 drains, 2 emergencies in the overflows, with the return coming up the back and over the top. I believe the tank is drilled for a 3/4" and 1" on each side. Would it be wise to switch which size is the drain and emergency so I have a 3/4" and 1" drain and emergency? Or should they match? Emergencies will run straight into the sump, the one drain will have to have a bend to go through the filter media.
Sump: Picture of plan to come, but I want some space that I can use as a refugium. Currently leaning towards the Mag 18 pump which should give me about 1100-1200gph at 3-4' head. I have been thinking of ways to make water changes easier by using the pump to empty water from the tank by opening a valve to a hose, but am not sure if this is smart or not. Again, will post plans soon.
That's about as far as I have gotten so far. Looking for any other insight of small additions or things to save money on upkeep, make the system more efficient and upgrade friendly, and make maintenance easier.
I will post some of my current plans tonight for some feedback.
Thanks for all the help and insight in advance!