New Build: 120 gallon Crystal Dynamic Custom Tank Build

[VashonBigs]

I have been waiting for months and the wait is almost over. I am upgrading from my 45 gallon reef to a 120 gallon reef that is shipping today. Custom build from Crystal Dynamic Aquariums (although a little late, very good experience so far with them). Parts list and images from their factory are below. Will update once I get it and start the build inside my house.

• Display Tank - 36x30x28 eurobrace tank w/Starphire 3 sides, right corner overflow, reinforcement features.
• Stand - 36x30x36 steel + Malibu stand in Medim Pecan, doors on front, left and right side
• Skimmer - Bashsea 6-24 Twisted Skimmer with Sicce Syncra 5.0
• Sump - Bashsea Smart sump 30x18x16
• Lighting - Orphek Atlantik V4 (GEN 2) w/gateway 2 and Atlantik LED Mounting Kit
• ATO Reservoir - Bashsea 10 gallon ATO
• Neptune System
• Neptune Systems APEX Wi-Fi Controller System
• Neptune Systems APEX Display Module
• Neptune Systems WAV Pumps x2
• Neptune Systems DOS - Dosing and Fluid Metering System
• Neptune Systems Automatic Feeding System (AFS)
• Return Pump – Neptune COR-20
• Reactors – Two BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Deluxe with Sicce Syncra 1.5 Pump
• Heater - 600W Titanium Aquarium Heater System - Bulk Reef Supply w/ 400W backup heater
• UV - Smart UV 25 Watt - Pentair Aquatics
• 1" plumbing kit, pre-assembled

 

[Peace River]

Wow! Beautiful system! What are your plans for aquascaping and livestock?

 

[VashonBigs]

Wow! Beautiful system! What are your plans for aquascaping and livestock?

TBD. Mixed reef with SPS focus. Going to get rock and sand from Tampa Bay as had a lot of luck with them on my first reef about 3 years ago.

 

[PorkBelly]

Holy cow! I love those dimensions!!

 

[VashonBigs]

Holy cow! I love those dimensions!!

Picked them to fit a certain area in the house but excited about the depth and the almost cube as well

 

[VashonBigs]

Ok. Tank arrived to my house damage free. With Covid my friends aren’t too excited about coming over to help me! I’m in a predicament. I think I can get the stand placed but I may have to pull the tractor into the house and forklift the tank into place. The big question is if I’m still married after I do it. Decisions!!!

 

[VashonBigs]

Stand Placed... 2 minutes of work

 

[VashonBigs]

A few more pics. Finished plumbing today. Wondering if it is ok to have the skimmer pump in same chamber as skimmer?

 

[VashonBigs]

Have Aquascaped the tank. Used LifeRock. What a cool rock. Have only used actual live rock before, but this stuff seems to be porous and has great color. Easy to work with. Bought enough the shipped a pallet and none of it was broken (except I bought about 80lbs too much (oops). Water still clearing from adding sand, but you get the idea.

 

[Cwentz758]

Well... did you take the tractor inside? What’s special about starfire glass vs normal low iron

 

[VashonBigs]

Well... did you take the tractor inside? What’s special about starfire glass vs normal low iron

I sure did... Not sure on the difference. Starphire may just be a brand, but it is basically SUPER Low-E.

 

[kjbrooks71]

Nice setup. I probably would have at least tried to take the tractor in the house.

 

[VashonBigs]

Nice setup. I probably would have at least tried to take the tractor in the house.

Done. Click the video above.

 

[VashonBigs]

TBD. Mixed reef with SPS focus. Going to get rock and sand from Tampa Bay as had a lot of luck with them on my first reef about 3 years ago.

FYI... Tampa Bay was back ordered for weeks, so took a different route. Excited I did.

 

[VashonBigs]

Fishroom installed. Auto water change through DOS.

 

[VashonBigs]

Organized Apex in side cabinet making room for new refug in sump as well!

 

[Janci]

Great built so far and very clean.
How is stocking the tank going?

 

[Aquaristexhibit]

Wow your build is similar to mine!

Looks great!