my new 125 gallon aquarium setup

[Stanzzzz7]

My wife is at her limit with her allowance of more fish tanks)

 

[Angelphish]

Hi all,

Here is my new aquarium setup that I have been planning and working on for the last several months. I'm on the home stretch now so figured I would start sharing.

The basic setup is an Aqueon 125 with black silicone, a custom built 45 gallon wet/dry sump, and 3x Kessil Tuna Sun.

I bought the stand off the floor at the LFS. No idea what brand it is, but it's nicer than the typical stands by Aqueon or Marineland. I was going to build by own, but this stand was nice enough that I decided to just buy it and avoid the extra hassle.

I have a lot more to show about it, but I wanted to start off by talking about the leveling. I filled it half way with water, and (big surprise) it's not level.

Here is the shot of the setup.

View attachment 1188211

As it sits, the water level is 7mm higher on the right side vs the left. And it's 2mm higher in the front vs the back. I'm assuming the best approach is to shim at this point.

I'll probably drain it first. I need to decide exactly what shims to use, thickness to use, and where I should put them. I'll probably let it settle like this for another day or so before I take any further action.

Any input you all have would be appreciated!

I'll share more details of the build once I get this issue sorted.

Thanks.

That's a lot of money that you invested into those lights. I just have two $120 fixtures on my 210 and everything seems well lit. The only problem I had were growing plants and having them thrive, but my Severums fixed that by eating them.

 

[Angelphish]

My wife is at her limit with her allowance of more fish tanks)

Maybe your next tank should be saltwater. Get some corals and colorful fish.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Done that.Found it to much hassle, plus no saltwater cichlids.Gotta have cichlids.
Although I must say my old porcupine puffer was one of the best fish I have ever kept.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Just thought there are a few cichlids that tolerate marine conditions.

 

[adamsfishes]

That's a lot of money that you invested into those lights. I just have two $120 fixtures on my 210 and everything seems well lit. The only problem I had were growing plants and having them thrive, but my Severums fixed that by eating them.

It's not just about the amount of light; it's easy to get bright lights. I bought these based on the form factor, aesthetics, automation features, and low noise level.

 

[adamsfishes]

Done that.Found it to much hassle, plus no saltwater cichlids.Gotta have cichlids.
Although I must say my old porcupine puffer was one of the best fish I have ever kept.

I agree, cichlids are what interest me in the hobby.

 

[Angelphish]

It's not just about the amount of light; it's easy to get bright lights. I bought these based on the form factor, aesthetics, automation features, and low noise level.

I buy my lights based on budget... It just looks like you have a higher one.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Yeah they are.There are a few non cichlid set ups I had in mind trying,when it comes down to it though, i can't help but centre everything around a cichlid.

 

[adamsfishes]

I buy my lights based on budget... It just looks like you have a higher one.

Understandable. I had a rough budget of a few grand for the whole project. Buying an Aqueon off the LFS floor vs a custom built aquarium saved me enough funds that I was able to get the lights I really wanted. If I went the custom aquarium route, I probably would have ended up with Finnex lights. I think I made the right decision.