Thinking about an upgrade...

[sroot17]

Wow can't believe it but I got the wifes approval on a new, bigger (yes bigger!) tank. Need to jump on this before she changes her mind!

Thinking about a 120g rimless, 48x24x24 from reef savvy. Will prob go with radions or sol's and get a little more detailed with my plumbing this time around.

Not quite sure how I'll pull this off living in an NYC apartment without room to run my current 50g and the new setup simultaneously. Also pretty lost on where to get a good stand, I don't have the tools or knowhow to build one myself.

Any suggestions are welcome! More to come

My current setup
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/80364-scotts-50g-reef-10.html

 

[thirty6]

Congrats

I am far from being handy and have built two stands in the past. You need a drill, saw, something to measure with or have the guy at hd make the cuts for you.
The most recent stand i got some pretty cool friends who made a beauty for me

 

[JimmyR1rider]

If you're going to do the cuts yourself be sure to use a folding wooden ruler to measure. A tape measures end tab slides a little so if you let it slide out on one measurement and then its tight on the next it can throw off everything when it comes to needing completely accurate cuts such as mouldings.

A folding wooden ruler is accurate as they come.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

If you're going to do the cuts yourself be sure to use a folding wooden ruler to measure. A tape measures end tab slides a little so if you let it slide out on one measurement and then its tight on the next it can throw off everything when it comes to needing completely accurate cuts such as mouldings.

A folding wooden ruler is accurate as they come.

agree with the retractable tape measure thing. i use a metal t.....gives you a perfect 90 degree line.

quick questions. does your building allow that size tank? and what kind of flooring do you have?....i would assume cement so you should be good with the weight which can be up to 1500 lbs with the sump and various equipment.

 

[sroot17]

While I'd love to take a crack at building my own stand, I think I'll be purchasing one this time around. Believe it or not, the Home Depots in the city won't even make cuts for you! Tried to build some shelves a few months ago and was told they didn't have a saw!

My lease doesn't have restrictions on tanks and the floors are cement so I should be good on that front. Anyone have any tips on how best to upgrade and transfer livestock while still starting with new rock and sand?

My thought is that I'll use real reef, Marco or reef saver rock this time around and seed the tank with some rock and sand from my existing setup. Will then have to cycle the new tank while keeping the existing up and running... Any suggestions how best to do this?

 

[thirty6]

Is the new tank going in a different spot? If so set the new one up and get it cycling. When its ready swap livestock over. This allows time for sustem to develop, not ideal for space purposes

 

[fishman1069]

I cycled all my rock in a brute pail for 2 months and set my 125 up. I put the rock in a week ago and have been ghost feeding the tank. All tests (ammonia, trites, and trates) are 0.I'm transferring all my livestock over tonight.
The brute pail allowed me to cycle the rock with minimal space. All you need is a powerhead, heater and an ammonia source. Then, some patience

 

[Cris007]

Call ATM those guys do it all the time in a hour they will have your fish in that new tank....lol
I would get some nitrifying bacteria to help speed it up.

 

[sroot17]

Is the new tank going in a different spot? If so set the new one up and get it cycling. When its ready swap livestock over. This allows time for sustem to develop, not ideal for space purposes

Same spot which makes it more difficult

 

[sroot17]

I cycled all my rock in a brute pail for 2 months and set my 125 up. I put the rock in a week ago and have been ghost feeding the tank. All tests (ammonia, trites, and trates) are 0.I'm transferring all my livestock over tonight.
The brute pail allowed me to cycle the rock with minimal space. All you need is a powerhead, heater and an ammonia source. Then, some patience

This is a good idea and probably what I'll have to do to get things going. thanks for the tip!

 

[sroot17]

Call ATM those guys do it all the time in a hour they will have your fish in that new tank....lol
I would get some nitrifying bacteria to help speed it up.

haha just take a garden hose, fill her up and pop em in. no sweat!

 

[sroot17]

Have been in discussions with coast to coast and miracles to build me a custom tank. Still waiting for reef savvy to get back to me.

As of now here's what I'm thinking for tank and overflow
48x24x20 100g (4in shorter than originally planned so I can stay with 1/2' glass and keep the price down as much as possible)

Overflow - center external calfo style with two 1' drains (one main and one emergency)
Returns - 2 3/4' drilled returns


Sump - 40/50g not sure of manufacturer yet

Any suggestions or comments particularly on the plumbing is appreciated!