180 build thread

[7thdarkangel]

I have recently acquired a 180 gallon tank to replace my 4yr old 125 that was built into a wall. attached are the pictures of the 125. when I build the 125 in the wall I thought I did everything I wanted. (we all know 6 month down the road your cussing your self out) but I have no font access to the tank. now that I have a good opportunity to do a little reconstruction on the wall I would like to add this font access. the only problem is I cant come up with an appealing way of doing so.

As for the tank, picture will come later. it is plan Jane none drilled. I will be building a center overflow with 2 1.5 bulk heads with over the top return(personal preference).

Also this may be a slower build. work has been picking up and less time is available for fun stuff.

 

[7thdarkangel]

Here are some pics of the new tank. Need to be resealed (the reseal job that was done is terrible) as well as a good cleaning. RTV 103 has been ordered to get the job done. Will be taking a trip to a local acrylic shop to pick up some material for the overflow.

 

[7thdarkangel]

Quick concept I was working on. Trying to get my ducks in a row.

 

[7thdarkangel]

Well, i was able to get the tank stripped and sealed over the holiday weekend. Today it was filled about an hour ago and no leaks or bowing of the front glass. bulkheads and the according drill was ordered last night. hopefully they are hear for the weekend. will be playing with some acyclic forming tonight so i can get the over flow made up.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Looks good so far

 

[sunnyday]

Looks good so far

+1 :thumbsup:

I'm in the planning stages. Been away from the hobby for too long. Tagging along.

 

[7thdarkangel]

I ran into an dilemma. My plastic shop is out of black plexi. Now I'm debating whether or not to turn the over flow into a "rock tower" to blend it in or to wait for the black to get in. could be 3 weeks out.

 

[7thdarkangel]

The drill bit and bulk heads came in yesterday as well as the camera filters I ordered to double check the glass before drilling. After confirming the glass was not tempered the holes were layed out on the glass.

and after what had seemed like an hour, one hole was done

and a little later hole two was done

 

[7thdarkangel]

Late last night I started on a concept for the overflow mold. Didn't get that far. today is going to be a stormy day so it may get finished today. just and fyi the mold is being made of scrap wood left over from other projects.

 

[7thdarkangel]

Looks good so far

Thank You

 

[7thdarkangel]

so I had a little time over the weekend, and was able to get some things started and almost done. the mold for the over flow is just about done. all that's left is to get some felt and throw the plexi in the oven. ill try to take a decent amount of pics of that. but here is the trial piece on the mold

and the almost finished mold

was also able to start on some rockwork i have planed for the tank. i didn't get too far with that. still need to pick up some more rock. (sorry for the dark pics, the sun was on its way down when they were taken

and finally was able to machine the teeth on the overflow piece.

 

[7thdarkangel]

ok so im going to definitely getting a new return pump to replace the mag 12 I have. im looking at getting a deepwater aquatics bldc10 to move water to the main tank, media reactor, and two 20gallon tank (one a coral tank which may get changed to a 33gallon and the other a refugium).

also going to be replacing the protein skimmer. the current skimmer is a no name plastic shop special that has been working ok. looking at the Reef Octopus Classic 200 (NWB-200).

if any one has any other suggestions or concerns I would highly appreciate it.

also any other equipment I should look into.

 

[7thdarkangel]

the mold for the over flow done minus the felt

mold with felt

plexi in the oven (yes i have an oven in the garage. i do a fair amount of powder coating)

i was not able to get a shot of the plexi coming out of the oven but it basically is like a piece of rubber. But here is it fresh on the mold.

then used another piece of felt to apply small amout of pressure to the bends to allow them to shape better

finish cooling, sanded the bottom then glued to the base. will be bringing is to work tomorrow to cut the base to fit.

 

[7thdarkangel]

Ok so three months later and some things have been done, over flow is in the tank, the center brace was replaced with 2 smaller braces, skimmer and return pump were purchased, water storage and mixing station installed new shelf/working surface put into tank room, rewired to tank room so its on its own breaker (new outlets and lights), 2 40 gal breeders purchased for when things get changed over then to be used as out grow tanks.

 

[7thdarkangel]

 

[blt4ever]

Very nice, thanks for the pics of forming the acrylic.

 

[Learn It]

i spy a beast skimmer

 

[7thdarkangel]

Very nice, thanks for the pics of forming the acrylic.

Thank You, and not a problem. I'm just surprised you don't see to much of it on this forum.

i spy a beast skimmer

Yes in deed.

 

[7thdarkangel]

Let the demolition begin!!

Hoping to have the 180 in the wall next weekend and running a few days afterwards.

 

[7thdarkangel]

Finally making progress on the 180!

Finally making progress on the 180!

Well I was busy this weekend.
Broke down the 125 saved most of the water to fill the new 125 sump and about half of the 180.

180 in the wall on the new stand. and started pluming.

Should have it fully functional by tomorrow morning.:fun2: