My first "big" aquarium

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jtalley

jtalley

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 18, 2009
454
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Kansas City
Starting a journal thread to follow the setup of my first "big" aquarium, small by comparison to some other tanks on here...

Today I picked up an Oceanic 120 Gallon Reef Ready aquarium (4'x2'x2'). Complete with stand, glass lids, canopy, 30 gallon Oceanic sump with 700 gph pump, and 2 Coralife Aqualight Deluxe Double 48" linear strips. Everything in like new condition, all for only $400 and a 4 hour total drive.

Need to clean it up a bit, dusty from not being used, but will post some pictures tomorrow. Now I'm starting to think about stocking. Up until finding this deal I had been looking into doing a Cichlid tank (waiting for the complaints), but now with this tank I have been thinking about a FOWLR.

The only thing I am changing from the original parts is that I am switching out the sump for an FX5 (which I already have). The sump takes the entire cabinet and I need to put a QT and other supplies inside so the wife doesn't "see" the details of the addiction.

If you had this setup what would you stock with? Open to suggestions!
 
GO SALTWATER a 120 gallon fish only set up with a blue chin triggerfish, a look down jack, a large angel fish of your choice, a snowflake eel , a few regal tangs and a sail fin tang!!!! better stop typing....im drooling on the keyboard. :drool:
 
Took some pictures after a quick cleaning. It was used as a saltwater tank, so it needed a good clean up with vinegar. Put a couple of inches of water in it to check for any leaks in the bottom, intend to keep adding a few inches every few hours to check for leaks progressively, but all the silicone looks to be in good shape. Last picture is the sump, that I don't intend on using.

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If you want cichlids, you could keep mbuna. You have a nice enough footprint to set up different rock piles, and instead of having them all against the back like with regular "thin" tanks, you can put two in the back corners, and on in the center to give it a more three dimensional look.
 
I like idea of positioning the rocks for a 3D feel, I've been trying to locate a good place to buy locally (Penn State), still need to hit up a few more landscaping/nursery shops in the area. Is there any good way to try and disguise the overflows? I really don't want to paint them if I try to sell in the future when upgrading (always thinking ahead). :D
 
I'm also wondering if there is any problem with the setup I am thinking. Since I will be using the FX5 I am going to split the intake and outlet for the 2 overflows. Planning to keep the water level about 1/2 way up the overflow slots at all times. The overflows have a slot running from the top down about an inch for the return line. Thinking about splitting each return, using lock lines for a total of 4 spray slits. Will this be too many slits? I know the rated FX5 condition with media is around 525 gph, and since I will be adding additional plumbing and losses, I will probably get 450-500 gph, or just over 100 gph per slit. Better to go with 2 or 4 return sprays?

I also have 2 - 250 W stealth heated, that I am just thinking about putting in the over flow regions, which I don't think should be any problem. Also planning on pool filter stand, but with the overflows I see no problem with suctioning any sand with the filter.

Trying to figure out if I need to put a screen or anything to cover the overflow. Are chance Cichlids would jump out of the main tank and into the overflow? Top of overflow would be about 1/2" from the water level. Either way, I will defineately screen the intakes to the filter is anything did get in there.

Would appreciate comments if there are other issues I should be considering.
 
The tank is now full and holding. Ordered replacement bulkheads and planning a trip to Home Depot tomorrow to pick up the rest of the plumbing supplies and pool filter sand. Planning to do FW, so just need to finalize stocking while the tank is cycling. Tank should be up and running late this week when the bulkheads arrive.
 
So apparently Lowe's and Home Depot in my area do not carry pool filter sand. Just for S&G I tried Wal-Mart and found that they do have Paverstone Pool Filter Sand. I've seen mixed reviews online about using this for Cichlids. Anyone using this stuff?
 
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