Henrystyle's new 120g tank, sump and stand build

[HENRYSTYLE]

Whats up people?
Well its about that time again.  Time to get something bigger.  I have been planning this new 120g for over a year and now its finally coming to life.  So hear it is.
Tanks dimensions are going to be 48x24x24 and made out of 1/2" Spartech Polycast cell cast acrylic http://www.spartech.com/polycast/general_purpose.html . It will feature a coast to coast style overflow with an external overflow box.  Its is going to be placed under 2-400w 14k Artemis SE metal halide bulbs and 2-110w super actinic Vho's. The halides will be powered by a duel 400w PFO M135 ballast http://www.flippid.com/item/1001524617/PFO_Lighting_2x400_Pulse_Start_Ballast and the VHO will be powered by a Icecap 430 ballast http://www.aquacave.com/icecap-430-electronic-vho-ballast-874.html . The sump will be 32x14x16 and made out of 3/8" Spartech Polycast cell cast acrylic. The sump will house a BM-100 bubble magus in sump skimmer http://www.marinefanatic.com/bubble-magus-protein-skimmer-bm100.htm , a 6" deep RDSB (remote deep sand bed), and a return/frag section that will be under 2 leds (blue/white) to grow out and color up frags. The tank will also feature a 30 gallon container/auto top-off setup. Circulation will be provided by a Iwaki 30 rxt return pump http://www.oberread.com/IW_MD_Pumps.htm , and a Vortech MP40 http://ecotechmarine.com/products/vortech-mp40w/.

[HENRYSTYLE]

The first piece of gear I bought was my light fixture.  I have a funny story about how I came across this fixture.  While at work, I responded to an aided call (person sick or hurt).  As I walked in the house there was a drunk guy butt a-- naked on his living room floor laying in his own s---...FREAKING DISGUSTING!. As his wife starts to tell me what was going on, I notice behind her a light fixture hanging in their dining room. No tank, no ballast, just hanging there from the ceiling. While waiting for the AMT to show up, I looked underneath the fixture and saw 2 se metal halides and 2 flourscent tube bulbs. I thought to myself, HOLY s--- I FOUND A LIGHT! Forgot all about the drunk guy on the floor. LOL.
Once we took care of the drunk guy, I asked his wife about the fixture and she said I would have to talk to her husband about it.  I returned to the house several weeks later and asked the man if he wanted to sell it and he said sure.  When I asked him how much he wanted for it, he said $100.  I laughed my a-- off with a serious face and then said, I will take it. LOL 
Except for some dust, this fixture was in brand new condition.  The man said he had it for about 5 years hanging there but only used it for a few months back when.  Said he had a water leak and it damaged the ballast. That was the end of his reef tank days. To this day these fixtures still sell for hundreds of dollars.
http://www.innovativelights.com/pfo-c-69973c.html




This fixture will now push 2 400w Single End Halides and 2 110w VHO bulbs.

[HENRYSTYLE]

I later found an excellent deal on http://www.manhattanreefs.com for a duel 400w PFO m135 magnetic ballast for $50. I snatched that up quickly.  (They are no longer made)
I am a fan of SE Metal halides and magnetic ballasts. http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/sale-trade/70546-dual-400w-pfo-ballast-50-a.html
Also obtained an Icecap 430 ballast from my buddy Craig. (Zona) thx.
Being that the light fixture had old no longer used connectors, I had to bring it up to speed with todays newer technology. Thats where my boy Chrishew came in.  Dude is an electrical wiz!  He pulled apart the fixture and ballasts and put it all back together for me.  Even made a new wire harness for the icecap ballast.  Dude is good!



Chris looking up parts on the internet for the PFO ballast.


Chris doing his thing..

[nmunro]

Nice light fixture. I picked the same one up last year at That Pet Place's tent sale for $40 without the ballast for the MH.

[HENRYSTYLE]

Nice light fixture. I picked the same one up last year at That Pet Place's tent sale for $40 without the ballast for the MH.

good deal!

[reeffanatic]

Very Nice!!! Good find on the light fixture. I had the same one some time back. Very nice setup so far!! HHHHHmmmmmmmm The cats out of the bag now.We all could use an electrical wizzz!!!! Hi Chris my new found friend.LMAO!!!!

[HENRYSTYLE]

Very Nice!!! Good find on the light fixture. I had the same one some time back. Very nice setup so far!! HHHHHmmmmmmmm The cats out of the bag now.We all could use an electrical wizzz!!!! Hi Chris my new found friend.LMAO!!!!

thx..lol

[HENRYSTYLE]

The next phase to this project was the tanks stand and cabinet build.  For this part I called on a good buddy of mine Kelvin (knockout) for his vast knowledge and understanding of the hobby.  I showed him a picture of a stand that I saw on the internet and he went to work. In 2 days the stand and cabinet frame was done.  Outstanding job my friend!
Days 1- Went to home depot and bought some 2x4's and some screws and went to work!
First step. Top and bottom frame.


Square to make sure everything is lined up properly!

Added legs and attached both frames.


Now adding internal legs and support studs.




Now adding some cross beams for added support




Day 1 work complete!

[HENRYSTYLE]

Day 2-Cabinet build. Back to Lowes for more needed supplies.
Frame for top and bottom. My buddy Chris Hew stopped by to take in the action for a minute.




Screwing down the sump and cabinet floors.

Day 2 done.  The white 30 gallon container will be my top off water supply. Above it I will keep all my junk.

[knockOUT]

damn I have to lose some weight!!!

[J@kLö$]

damn I have to lose some weight!!!

dont we all
nice build but it seems either a you are the lolliepop guild or thats a really tall stand
shoulda called i have all kinds of tools to get the job done

[zona322]

Ant
looking good man. If you need any help let me know
craig

[knockOUT]

stand is 45" high, top of the tank is going to be at 69" is going to be a magnificent view standing in front of it.... no bending even for the tallest of you

[HENRYSTYLE]

Thats right. No more bending over to view tanks..
Getting old. Lower back hurts...lol

[HENRYSTYLE]

damn I have to lose some weight!!!

LMAO!