180 Gallon Reef Build

[jeeperrs]

I am starting a 180 gallon reef build. It has been several years since my 120 gallon tank. I am now relearning all the changes in technology and reef care since my last tank. As it stands my display will be 180 gallons with a 75 gallon sump with a fairly large refugium. I will be running 3 AI Hydra 52s, tunze powerheads (not sure which 4 yet, as I will have them alternating on an Apex controller), and I am currently deciding on a skimmer. Yes, I know there is much more to add but I am wanting to figure out what skimmer I want before moving to the next decision. I am trying to decide between the Vertex Alpha 170 or the Alpha 200. I plan to have a decent fish bio load in the next 6-12 months in a mixed SPS and LPS reef. I don't want to undersize the skimmer and have to replace it in a few months at this price point. The 170 seems to be maxed for my tank at 220 gallons, yet the 200 is up to 300 gallons and may be overkill. Any suggestions?

I will post pics of the build when my tank is delivered. The stand just started production today, so it will be a couple weeks before the real fun begins. :dance:

 

[ghellin]

With a big bioload I would go with the bigger skimmer personally.

 

[jeeperrs]

After talking to my LFS, I decided on the Alpha 170. I was going to do what ghellin suggested and get the larger size but it will be awhile before I have a big bio load. So, I am going to try out my Alpha 170 and see how it goes. For powerheads, I decided on two Tunze 6105s and two 6085s. Now I just have to wait for everything to be delivered for install.

 

[jeeperrs]

It seems Planet Aquariums will be finished and install will begin September 6th. I can't handle the wait.

 

[ClownsRCoo]

What are your dimensions going to be?

 

[jeeperrs]

The tank is going to be a standard 180, so 72''x24''x24''. We had to make a little bit of adjustments in the tank stand so that it will fit under the window (I had strict instructions that my tank canopy could not go above the window trim). It will be in the basement, so the window trim base was 69 inches. The stand will be black because the other colors would not look good in the basement. The stand will just be 32 inches tall, so we had a custom sump made. To fit the large sump footprint, the stand will have a removable center brace, plus it will aid in getting inside when needed. The sump will be the footprint of a 75 but shorter, I want to say around 18 inches tall since the sump will never be filled the entire way. Again, I wanted to make sure I have room to work. My plumbing will be soft tubing because I hate the restrictions of pvc. I know it doesn't look pretty. However, if people are more impressed with my sump than my tank, I did something wrong.

 

[jeeperrs]

The tank is finally installed. The specs are, 180 gallon display, 70 gallon sump (20 gallons is for the refugium), two 6105 and two 6095 Tunze power heads 160 lbs of live rock and 40 lbs of dry rock, Vertex Alpha 170 skimmer, Mag 12 return pump, three Hydra 52 LEDs, and an Apex to manage it all. I don't have a lot of pictures, as I am normally putting things together and not able to take them. I will take more as the tank progresses.

 

[nuxx]

Looking really nice

 

[jeeperrs]

Here are some pics of the coral I currently have. They were taken with just my iPhone and a filter. I will get better pics sometime soon.

 

[jeeperrs]

 

[jeeperrs]

Sometimes, the common corals decide to show the most beauty. Tonight was one of those nights as the lights began to fade to moonlights. These Duncans are captivating. I took these photos under AI Hydra 52 18k lighting at 5% power, no filter, no flash, on my iPhone. This must be their bedtime story for those who wish to listen, or watch. :love1:

 

[jbhammer]

I am in the planning stages of a 180 as well. Curious as to the return pump you are using.
Looking good by the way.

 

[jeeperrs]

I am in the planning stages of a 180 as well. Curious as to the return pump you are using.
Looking good by the way.

I am using a Mag 12. You can get quieter pumps for more money, but, you will have noise at some level. So, I felt a Mag 12 was good enough.

 

[jbhammer]

Thanks much.

 

[jeeperrs]

Even the dog enjoys reefing.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Tank looks great.

 

[jeeperrs]

Thanks, Snakemanvet!

 

[jbhammer]

jeeperrs, just ordered the same tank, can't wait. do you have a solid top on your stand? how about foam board? Lastly, do you recall what type cross bracing the bottom of the tank has, one in the center or two evenly spaced across the 72 inches? thanks for your help

 

[Arkayne Reefer]

That looks really nice!

 

[jeeperrs]

jeeperrs, just ordered the same tank, can't wait. do you have a solid top on your stand? how about foam board? Lastly, do you recall what type cross bracing the bottom of the tank has, one in the center or two evenly spaced across the 72 inches? thanks for your help

I apologize for the delay in responding. The top of the stand is solid, except for the cut out for the overflow drain. I did not use foam board. The top of the tank has two cross braces but I honestly don't remember the bottom. I went and looked at the pictures but I didn't have any of the bottom of the tank.