125 gallon Frontosa Setup on a budget (load warning)

[jvision]

With the intake side, if you drill the holes - or even make slots - at the surface, you'll get some skimming, which is nice if you plan on feeding a high protein diet to your Fronts.
For the airstone side, maybe check out some of the DIY threads on some of the SW forums on skimmer builds - a protein skimmer is set up much the same what you're looking at building and there are a few ideas of eliminating microbubbles from the return. It shouldn't be too difficult, especially if you have any left over acrylic.

 

[Wulfonce]

With the intake side, if you drill the holes - or even make slots - at the surface, you'll get some skimming, which is nice if you plan on feeding a high protein diet to your Fronts.
For the airstone side, maybe check out some of the DIY threads on some of the SW forums on skimmer builds - a protein skimmer is set up much the same what you're looking at building and there are a few ideas of eliminating microbubbles from the return. It shouldn't be too difficult, especially if you have any left over acrylic.

Thanks, I'll have a look.

 

[Wulfonce]

Pics as promised.

 

[Wulfonce]

I drilled and tested the spray bar today. I was to lazy to unclog the holes before shooting the video, but overall, it works pretty good. I'm happy with it.

[YT]GeplcgGDtj8&list[/YT]

 

[austos12]

i dig the spray bar man, your tanks gonna look great!

 

[Wulfonce]

i dig the spray bar man, your tanks gonna look great!

Ty sir!



Update.

I took back the clear acrylic and picked up some black acrylic today from a small family run plastics shop in my area. I drilled 28 1/4" holes in them and siliconed them into the corners. This should provide enough water flow for the intake, I hope. Other then dropping a drill press chuck on my foot, the day went rather well. lol

I also picked up another 50lb bag of sand on black friday. I have more then enough for the 125g with enough left over for a 30gal... you know what that means...

Cost so far: (updated)

Tank = $120
Stand = $76
Black sand = $130
Fx5 (new) = $220
Mic. Stuff = $5.97
Plumbing = $38.42
Acrylic = $28.00

Total so far = $590.39
Goal = No more then $800 (still on par to hit my budget)

I used a piece of graph paper to mark out the holes. It worked pretty well.

Next update will be Thursday evening. I'll be gluing and painting the spray bar.

 

[Squirtle919]

Looking good!!! I like that stand looks nice and strong.

 

[Wulfonce]

Update.

I glued and painted the pvc today. Nothing worth taking a pic of. It needs another coat anyway. I'll take a pic once its on the tank.

 

[jeffm86]

Looks good. I wish I had another tank around. There is a nice group of 8 blue fronts close to me that I'd love to set up in a tank.

 

[Mastiffman]

Looks good. I wish I had another tank around. There is a nice group of 8 blue fronts close to me that I'd love to set up in a tank.

@ OP

Setup is Looking Good my Friend! Got a 180 Glass myself running an FX5a nd 7-10 Day Water Changes for a F1 Colony of 17 that are between 4-7" with a Universal Backgrounds 3D in it and Black substrate. Sand will get kicked up quite a bit and possibly into the Filtration when the Cyphos get Startled So keep and Eye on that!

@ Jeffm86, What Species, Size, Filial Gen and prive they asking for those Cyphos in your area?

Andrew