Gwen's 125g

[gwen_o_lyn]

Robert did most the sheetrock and left some for me to finish. I also did all the mud and tape. It looks pretty bad, but it's just a closet, right? I did learn that you aren't supposed to use an electric sander. The guy that did the floors told me to knock the big pieces off with my scraper and that worked much better. I was making quite a mess with the electric sander and dust going everywhere. I was pretty clueless but gave it my best shot.

[thesaent14]

i love storys like this now for the ploming shots

[gwen_o_lyn]

While I worked on the closet, I was looking all over for a used tank. I spent hours searching online and driving all over Atlanta. I remember one day seeing an ad in the paper for a 135g at a garage sale. There was no phone number and only an address. I got off work early Fri and drove 2 hours just to find that the tank was sold!! Events like this happened several times in which I had just missed the deal.

I finally gave up in February and walked into CapBay Aquarium and purchased one of their custom built stands and canopies, with the tank. It was $1800, but it was EXACTLY what I wanted. The tank would take 2 months to build and this was the first time they built one for a 125g. I was able to pick the stain and match the floors.

More to come later.. time for bed.

[gwen_o_lyn]

i love storys like this now for the ploming shots

we're both on the east coast and it's late and time for bed!! I'm sure your boy will be waking you up for a bottle shortly!!

plumbing shots tomorrow (maybe)
I have some work planned to do in the closet tomorrow.

[Larry Copperband]

Just a beautiful set-up.I think a 125g is my all around favorite size tank.Not to big..Not to small.
And having a closet as a "work station"...brilliant.
I've learned so many lessons with my 55g reef.If anyone asked me the top 2 they would be:
2.Get ready for some noise.The first time I set turned on all my pumps and skimmers and lights,It sounded like a freight train.
Of course it quiets down after time,but by having most of the "noise makers" in a seperate,enclosed room,you can barely hear the train.
2a.Tell the power company that life is not a rehearsal,and having a healthy reef tank is well worth the $ 100 a month increase.
And # 1.Total Human Access to all 4 sides of the tank.My fish love the fact they have a "safe side" of the tank,but by bucking it up against the wall ,I feel at times I'm missing half the fun.
We don't learn from our success's...We learn for our mistakes.
Way to Go Gwen,you're a credit to the hobby.

[Scott]

Hi Gwen,

It's been a long time since I've been around...even remember me? LOL

Looks like you have a very nice tank going up...WOW to say the least!

How'd SWU3 go? Did you get a lot of additions...to populate this thing?


Scott

[sscheitel]

This thread is useless without new photos

[bubbletip]

Easy sscheitel

Nice looking tank Gwen. It must be a good feeling knowing you have all that water to fill. My 30g is going wonderfully and now it is time for a decision. A tank decision. After getting girlfriend approval a couple nights ago (the hardest thing to obtain in a tank decision) my mind was spinning like crazy and of course I would return to Talkingreef.

I am really eyeing a 120g (4ft x 24.5"w x 25") Oceanic custom drilled for another Oceans motions closed loop with 4 returns. My problem in ordering is I cannot figure out where to drill the holes. I will not bore you with details here. I have to start a thread to get some advice from everyone and more importantly to talk me into going through with this venture. The largest saltwater tank I have kept is my 65g and it went well for many years. I took it down as I was not comfortable with the seams after 10 years and now just have my 30g cube. I love this little tank and my clowns do too. I really have contemplated just reseaming my 65, restaining the stand and drilling my own holes again and creating a species tank for a dwarf lionfish, pair of mandarin dragonets(big refugium of course), or possibly sea horses and softies mostly ricordia. Decisions, decisions.

I really like the challenge of keeping a small tank and I am very pleased with myself for how well I have done. It is time to go all out though. I am very excited about it as I am sure you are as well.

I can't wait to see the water in the tank Gwen Good luck to you in your adventure. I know you will pick some beautiful animals to adore

[sscheitel]

hey, I spent 5 days putting this tank together...I want to see new pics!

[bubbletip]

My bad Scheittel

Thought you were pestering the young lady...

[lReef lKeeper]

come on Gwen !! stop teasing us !! pics pics pics !!

[sscheitel]

I am going to call Ms. Gwen tonight and light a fire...

[gwen_o_lyn]

oh I'm so sorry, were you guys wanting an update???!!?!?!!?

[gwen_o_lyn]

I can see the suspense is really killing you...

Here's the first photo album of the 125:

PHOTO ALBUM!!

[CarmieJo]

Hey Gwen,

It is looking good. Are those pinks that pink?

[thesaent14]

lol i have to ask gwen is that sand i see

[Pescaiolo]

Just beautiful! Kudos gwen!

[Amphibious]

Hey Gwen,

Nice! I just went through your photo album. That reef is looking good.

Dick

[repairman68]

Your tank is realy looking good,
Scott

[gwen_o_lyn]

Yes Carmie, those pinks are that pink. That was the rock that the nudi's came from. Zoas can have amazing colors sometimes which is why they are one of my fav corals.

Yes Manny, that is sand. I really like the small things in reef tanks and I felt I was missing too much of the sandbed fauna. I will keep a SSB.

Thanks Pesc, Dick, and Scott.

Last night was the first MACNA XX planning meeting and I was able to cherry pick 3 frags out of the host's tank. One purple stick, green fuzzy round stick, and a purple rim cup.

Also part of my cleanup crew order was delivered to work yesterday: 10 ceriths and 100 hermits.

It was like Christmas in the reef tank yesterday

[JeffDubya]

Gorgeous stand, Gwen. Who made it?

[CarmieJo]

My pinks have pretty lime green mouths but they are not that vivid pink. Your's are really pretty!

[lReef lKeeper]

looking good Gwen !!

[Small Fry]

Wow, that tank went up quick. I still won the race gweny

Looking very very nice, think i have the same color morph of zoas of yours.

[clownfish4me]

nice tank! i can't wait till i break the 100 gal. mark , i am now planning a tank build myself, around 300 gal.! i cant wait to see the finished result.... we will see how it turns out. i will document all my attempts..