180 gallon DT build

[eeyore357]

Hi everyone I'm new to the hobby and figured I would make a build thread and a place to get advise on the million questions that I'm sure will come up. I've wanted a saltwater/reef tank for years and finally "bit the bullet" during a black Friday sale at the LFS. I decided that I wanted a 180 gallon because anything smaller and I would end up wishing I had more. I went with a Marineland dual corner flow and overpriced stand. I plan on running at QT from the start that I just picked up yesterday (20g long). So far for DT equipment I have, or is ordered, is a used Super Reef Octopus 3000 INT, Eshopps 300-R fuge/sump, 3 165w Ebay LEDs, dual Jebao wp40p's, Eheim Jager 300w, Coralife digital thermometer, Mag Drive 18 return pump, BRS 4 Stage Value Water Saver Plus RO/DI System - 150GPD, BRS refractometer, clear 1/4" screen netting, and an acrylic stand the LFS made for the skimmer to sit on.
After the return pump gets here I'll be tackling the plumbing. If anyone has any recommendations or advise please let me know.

 

[uncleL]

Looking Good! I have just upgraded to a 180 and keeping my 90 and 75! The floor jacks are a good idea! Following along!! What type return pump will you use?

 

[uncleL]

Have you made a fish and coral list?

 

[eeyore357]

Thanks! Just got a Danner Mag 18 (1800gph) yesterday.

 

[eeyore357]

I have a long fish wish list.
Pair of clowns, Catalina Goby, Blue Hippo, Yellow Tang, Fathead Sunburst Anthia, Blue Gudgeon Dartfish, Purple Dottyback, Red Mandarin, Blue Spotted Watchman Goby, Orange Stripe Prawn Goby, Blue Dot Jawfish, Kole Yellow Eye Tang, Potters Anglefish,...............
I'm sure that the list will change over time. I haven't really started thinking about corals yet. I know that I want some GSP and various polys.

 

[Sn8kbyt]

Looking good!

Is that where the tank is going to go in that picture?

 

[eeyore357]

Yes. The windows look out into an added on garage. So no direct sunlight.

 

[uncleL]

Are you going to paint the back of your tank?

 

[eeyore357]

No. I hope the coraline will cover it eventually. Plus there's no way I'm going to try to move the 4ton tank again.

 

[deleau]

I think that looks sharp like that. The curtains and window give the background some character not normally seen. I think it will look great even if the back never gets covered in algae.

 

[eeyore357]

Finally making rodi water and have all of my QT parts. Finally going to make some saltwater.

 

[eeyore357]

Got the plumbing done and filled the tank with rodi water. Got everything running smoothly with no leaks. Got some dry rock on the way and I'll hopefully start the aquascape this weekend.

 

[FF337]

Very nice. I have a 180 as well with the sro3000. Awesome with a neck cleaner.

 

[eeyore357]

Thanks. I picked this one (SRO 3000) up used but it looks new. I hope it works good.

 

[eeyore357]

Got my salt, sand, and some dry rock in the tank this past weekend. The sand was a little bit finer than I thought it would be. I think I have most of the fine particles out now. It took about 8 filter socks to do the job.

 

[Supapee]

very nice - what's the wood on the stand? Rosewood?

 

[eeyore357]

I believe it is burch with a cherry stain.

 

[eeyore357]

I've been tackling some small things like, straightening up the wires in the stand, hooking up the wavemakers, and getting the ATO installed. I have some pukani ordered and a canopy. The sick fish in QT seem to be getting better. That has been a full time job.

 

[eeyore357]

I got my Hydor 100gph for the ATO. It works much better than the 600gph. I got the controller slapped on the wall today as well.

 

[adam87]

Wow, very nice! I also have a 180 and use a sro3000int.