180 Gallon Reef Tank build!
- Thread starter Itaysworld
- Start date
Itaysworld
Premium Member
Hey there!
Recirculation mod seems to be doing well. I actually drilled the sump and plumbed the return from the skimmer into its side and can now run the skimmer at full capacity (ball valve open all the way on intake to skimmer)
I am running a DIY calcium reactor which I plumbed in line with my auto top off unit. Its a modified sand filter to which I added calcium hydroxide. When RO water comes in from the top off, it runs through it.
Here's a visual of the auto top off, calc reactor and charcoal filter:
DISCLAIMER: As soon as my RKE controller arrives the cables will be tidied up and properly presentable. Its bit of a mess right now!
Itaysworld
Premium Member
I know this isn't as exciting...
I know this isn't as exciting...
Hello again -
So I was flipping through the posts and threads, oohing and aahing over the gorgeous aquariums and livestock on this forum, and I must say that I recognize my thread and the phase at which I am isn't as exciting. I'm new to the hobby and I'm still cycling my tank.
I do however think there is a wealth of knowledge on here and you guys are the voice of experience. That said, I wanted to ask... am I in the wrong forum? Should I be posting somewhere else? I know I qualify for this group, because I have 180 gallon tank, but given the general lack of responsiveness, I'm wondering if I'm not in the right place, or is it just that my project isn't as interesting or appealing... I certainly feel that way, but hope that once my set up is ready for primetime the situation changes.
Anyway - I don't mean get on a soapbox. I enjoy looking at everyone's set ups and learn from what everyone else is doing. I hope my 180 gallon turns out as nicely as some of those I've seen around here.
I don't mean this post to sound bitter or negative, apologies if its coming off that way. I'm seeking some pointers and recommendations and want to tap into your collective experience.
A few questions on top of my mind:
1) Wiring - I'm about to receive the Reef Keeper Elite, and will be running all the electrical wiring to it. I intend on upgrading the circuit to which the aquarium is plugged in (2 power strips at the moment) to a 20amp circuit and wanted to get a GFI circuit breaker. I read on here though that a GFI might trip and cut power to the circulation pumps. What's the recommendation? to have a GFI outlet and plug in the lights there, but the overflows and closed loop pumps to a separate, non GFI outlet?
2) Water parameters - I'm going to be doing a large scale water change on Thursday of this week. Other than that, is there anything I can do better to assist in the cycling of my tank? Is it just a matter of time, or could I be doing something better. Its been cycling since June 20, so I know I have a bit longer to go, but was hoping for some words of wisdom.
3) Water test spreadsheet - while I'm going to set up the RKE this week, I still intend to run routine water tests and was hoping someone was willing to share their spreadsheet or document used to record the water parameters. I can build my own, but it would be nice if someone has something fancy the want to share with me and the rest of the community
Well... that's about it for now. Here are some pictures I took today.
Here is the newly plumbed return for the skimmer:
I couldn't find a way to mount the ballasts comfortably under the stand, so I bought a side table and mounted them there instead:
These are my first FTSs with all the lights on (metal halides and actinics):
Left side close up:
Center close up:
Right side close up:
Post is too long, so continuing in a separate one....
I know this isn't as exciting...
Hello again -
So I was flipping through the posts and threads, oohing and aahing over the gorgeous aquariums and livestock on this forum, and I must say that I recognize my thread and the phase at which I am isn't as exciting. I'm new to the hobby and I'm still cycling my tank.
I do however think there is a wealth of knowledge on here and you guys are the voice of experience. That said, I wanted to ask... am I in the wrong forum? Should I be posting somewhere else? I know I qualify for this group, because I have 180 gallon tank, but given the general lack of responsiveness, I'm wondering if I'm not in the right place, or is it just that my project isn't as interesting or appealing... I certainly feel that way, but hope that once my set up is ready for primetime the situation changes.
Anyway - I don't mean get on a soapbox. I enjoy looking at everyone's set ups and learn from what everyone else is doing. I hope my 180 gallon turns out as nicely as some of those I've seen around here.
I don't mean this post to sound bitter or negative, apologies if its coming off that way. I'm seeking some pointers and recommendations and want to tap into your collective experience.
A few questions on top of my mind:
1) Wiring - I'm about to receive the Reef Keeper Elite, and will be running all the electrical wiring to it. I intend on upgrading the circuit to which the aquarium is plugged in (2 power strips at the moment) to a 20amp circuit and wanted to get a GFI circuit breaker. I read on here though that a GFI might trip and cut power to the circulation pumps. What's the recommendation? to have a GFI outlet and plug in the lights there, but the overflows and closed loop pumps to a separate, non GFI outlet?
2) Water parameters - I'm going to be doing a large scale water change on Thursday of this week. Other than that, is there anything I can do better to assist in the cycling of my tank? Is it just a matter of time, or could I be doing something better. Its been cycling since June 20, so I know I have a bit longer to go, but was hoping for some words of wisdom.
3) Water test spreadsheet - while I'm going to set up the RKE this week, I still intend to run routine water tests and was hoping someone was willing to share their spreadsheet or document used to record the water parameters. I can build my own, but it would be nice if someone has something fancy the want to share with me and the rest of the community
Well... that's about it for now. Here are some pictures I took today.
Here is the newly plumbed return for the skimmer:
I couldn't find a way to mount the ballasts comfortably under the stand, so I bought a side table and mounted them there instead:
These are my first FTSs with all the lights on (metal halides and actinics):
Left side close up:
Center close up:
Right side close up:
Post is too long, so continuing in a separate one....
Last edited:
Itaysworld
Premium Member
... here's the rest of the post
I noticed a couple of things growing on the rock. First its what I guess is some form of coral. There are many of these starting to appear on different pieces of rock. Can anybody identify?
I also one or two of these guys, and not sure what it is:
Lastly, there are a number of dead worms that started showing up over the last week or so in the sand and on rocks - here's are two of them:
To wrap things up, here's a shot with actinics only:
Thanks and look forward to some feedback.
Itay.
I noticed a couple of things growing on the rock. First its what I guess is some form of coral. There are many of these starting to appear on different pieces of rock. Can anybody identify?
I also one or two of these guys, and not sure what it is:
Lastly, there are a number of dead worms that started showing up over the last week or so in the sand and on rocks - here's are two of them:
To wrap things up, here's a shot with actinics only:
Thanks and look forward to some feedback.
Itay.
hulley
New member
First off I would like to say your tank is looking Geat! The rock layout is awesome and is gonna give you some good areas to place corals and give fish their needed hiding places.
One thing to help keep people interested in your thread is to provide lots of pictures. Unfortunatly your in your cycling period so "no" things arent too exciting right now. The Vast majority of readers in the Large tank forum are very expierinced and probably get bored with a 180g, that is unless you have some really specially display or equipment. Thats why I never did a build thread on my tank. This is just an opinion, I do like your tank and think it looks beautiful and enjoy watching its progress. I too get a little discourage looking at all the huge high dollar tanks and then looking at my 180g which is cheap! The thread probably would do better in the general reef discussion section, it gets the most traffic. The side table idea is very cool!
One thing to help keep people interested in your thread is to provide lots of pictures. Unfortunatly your in your cycling period so "no" things arent too exciting right now. The Vast majority of readers in the Large tank forum are very expierinced and probably get bored with a 180g, that is unless you have some really specially display or equipment. Thats why I never did a build thread on my tank. This is just an opinion, I do like your tank and think it looks beautiful and enjoy watching its progress. I too get a little discourage looking at all the huge high dollar tanks and then looking at my 180g which is cheap! The thread probably would do better in the general reef discussion section, it gets the most traffic. The side table idea is very cool!
Itaysworld
Premium Member
Thanks, as always Hulley!
Thanks Endy - I'm glad with how it turned out. I'm patiently waiting for the conditions to get good and stable before introducing fish and coral and other invertebrates.
I'm all about pictures. I just wish I had more to share. All in due time. I promise I will over deliver on the picture department, all I ask in turn is for some tips and pointers here and there.
I'm hoping to get a few things out here and there from the 'elmers' and 'salty dogs' around here.
Best, Itay.
Thanks Endy - I'm glad with how it turned out. I'm patiently waiting for the conditions to get good and stable before introducing fish and coral and other invertebrates.
I'm all about pictures. I just wish I had more to share. All in due time. I promise I will over deliver on the picture department, all I ask in turn is for some tips and pointers here and there.
I'm hoping to get a few things out here and there from the 'elmers' and 'salty dogs' around here.
Best, Itay.
hulley
New member
No Problem! Sorry my spelling was so bad! I have a wireless keyboard and it doesn't always enter all the letters! I need to hit spell check!
I'm looking to overhaul a few things on my 180g soon. I think I'm either going to do the recirc mod to my 5C or get a new skimmer and I'm wanting to get a calcium reactor or start the "Balling method" soon. Not quite sure yet.
Are you planning on keeping corals? If so, what types? LPS? SPS? Clams?
I'm looking to overhaul a few things on my 180g soon. I think I'm either going to do the recirc mod to my 5C or get a new skimmer and I'm wanting to get a calcium reactor or start the "Balling method" soon. Not quite sure yet.
Are you planning on keeping corals? If so, what types? LPS? SPS? Clams?
Itaysworld
Premium Member
I used to have a logitech keyboard that suddenly started doing the same. It was unbearable. It would eat up keystrokes, double or triple others and insert unwanted spaces where it pleased.
As far as the skimmer goes, with my limited experience, I can tell you that the mod is great. Running it with the recirculation pump really 'turbo charges' the microbubble creation. I've tried it both ways and the difference is really noticeable.
From a cost perspective, since you already invested in the the skimmer, I'd recommend you give it a shot. I don't think you can get anything of the caliber you'd be looking for for anywhere near the price of 2 mag drive pumps. I think you have little to lose by trying the mod and seeing what you think.
I do plan on keeping corals and clams. Now that I'm approaching a month cycling I will begin working on my livestock list. I definitely want acroporas, zooanthgis, stags, montis, anemones, and a few more varieties. I will work on the list.
I got my ReefKeeper Elite today! Very exciting - I've wired the 2 power strips that come with it, cleaned up all my wiring and tomorrow will be mounting the unit and installing the temp and pH probes. I also hope to do my large water change tomorrow.
Guys, anyone with some advice on how to get the Nitrates level down?
More to come soon.
Itay.
ReefEnabler
Premium Member
coming along nicely!
the aquascape is looking great now that the water is clear and the rocks are cleaned up.
I know the pain of cycling a tank can be trying on ones patience... I know because I am right there with you waiting on stuff to cure and QT before I can put it in the display...
nice idea with the DIY kalk topoff reactor. Not to say your description of "calcium reactor" is necessarily incorrect, but I'd like to let you know that most people on this forum would refer to what you built as a "kalk reactor".... nonetheless its cool!
I like how you used the end table to store the ballasts. That's a good idea and I might have to do something similar since I haven't determined where to put my ballasts yet.
and congrats on the RKE. Good luck getting it set up, that will be a fun project. For me setting up the controller is a nice break from all the more physical stuff
the aquascape is looking great now that the water is clear and the rocks are cleaned up.
I know the pain of cycling a tank can be trying on ones patience... I know because I am right there with you
waiting on stuff to cure and QT before I can put it in the display...nice idea with the DIY kalk topoff reactor. Not to say your description of "calcium reactor" is necessarily incorrect, but I'd like to let you know that most people on this forum would refer to what you built as a "kalk reactor".... nonetheless its cool!
I like how you used the end table to store the ballasts. That's a good idea and I might have to do something similar since I haven't determined where to put my ballasts yet.
and congrats on the RKE. Good luck getting it set up, that will be a fun project. For me setting up the controller is a nice break from all the more physical stuff
Itaysworld
Premium Member
Thank you Ryan!
It sure is trying. I'm only at the (theoretical) midpoint of my cycling period. I estimated it to be 6 - 8 weeks, and 4 weeks in its harder and harder to see the tank lifeless (at least without a microscope
- there better be some good bacteria settling in!!)
Thanks for the correct terminology. I will refer to it as the Kalc Reactor from now on - I'll eventually pick up the vocab. At least I can comfortably say I already know what most acronyms mean in the hobby (thanks to the reef central glossary).
Having run all the cables and cleaning up the spaghetti somewhat, I don't see how I would've ever been able to fit it all under the stand. I'm pleased with the table I purchased at Target.
Here's what it looks like with the RKE power strips:
And here's the side of the stand where I cleaned up the cables. Labeled everything and hung up the powerstrip:
I'm not too happy with he proximity to the top off bucket... I will have to think of something...
Like a kid in a candy store
The much anticipated package
I all about gadgets. And I LOVE IT when gadgets and my new hobby collide!
Here's the pH probe, next to the top off switch and in the back you can see the temperature probe as well next the mag drive pump sponge and behind the Kalc Reactor (ha! I learned it - thnx Ryan!)
Great weekend to all.
Itay.
It sure is trying. I'm only at the (theoretical) midpoint of my cycling period. I estimated it to be 6 - 8 weeks, and 4 weeks in its harder and harder to see the tank lifeless (at least without a microscope
- there better be some good bacteria settling in!!)Thanks for the correct terminology. I will refer to it as the Kalc Reactor from now on - I'll eventually pick up the vocab. At least I can comfortably say I already know what most acronyms mean in the hobby (thanks to the reef central glossary).
Having run all the cables and cleaning up the spaghetti somewhat, I don't see how I would've ever been able to fit it all under the stand. I'm pleased with the table I purchased at Target.
Here's what it looks like with the RKE power strips:
And here's the side of the stand where I cleaned up the cables. Labeled everything and hung up the powerstrip:
I'm not too happy with he proximity to the top off bucket... I will have to think of something...
Like a kid in a candy store
The much anticipated package
I all about gadgets. And I LOVE IT when gadgets and my new hobby collide!
Here's the pH probe, next to the top off switch and in the back you can see the temperature probe as well next the mag drive pump sponge and behind the Kalc Reactor (ha! I learned it - thnx Ryan!)
Great weekend to all.
Itay.
hulley
New member
Your set up is looking great! The Reefkeeper Elite is pretty sweet looking too. How you like it so far? Was it pretty easy to set up and get going? I havent got a controller yet, there are so many choices and I havent taken the time yet to research the differences. What all can you do with the RK Elite?
birdman1979
New member
Your tank is off to a great start. Just a word of caution. When you bundle your wires they have a tendancy to overheat. Can even melt your power cables. If you want a clean look try looming the wires so that the heat can disperse.
Itaysworld
Premium Member
Thanks for the comment and for the caution, Birdman - I wouldn't have thought of that. I have such a mess of wires, that I'm not sure how to make it work. Do you have an example, or anyone for that matter, of how you run your cables?
Hulley, the RKE is a great device. I got it up and running in not time. It can do a myriad of things. From 63 dedicated timers, and alarms to controlling over 250 outlets, and an endless list of upcoming modules and additions.
However, as with any new release there are some set backs. I, along with a large number of the early adopters, are suffering from a slight software glitch in the power strips that the unit comes with. Digital Aquatics is working on an update to the firmware to address this issue which practically renders the powerstrips useless.
Whenever I try to turn my lights on the status LED turns amber, starts blinking and that's the end of it. Others have had things turn on and off intermittently and the thing that's causing most dismay is the fact that its firing off hot MH lamps.
Its to be expected though. I'm certain they will hammer out the issue and send out the firmware update to take care of the IntelliStrip technology. As long as its a software issue, and not something that will cause them to recall hardware I think its understandable with new product release which is jam packed with great features. Here's the link with the full specs: http://www.digitalaquatics.com/m_product_info.php?part_number=30-0011-001
Itaysworld
Premium Member
First Wide FTS!
First Wide FTS!
Hello All,
A few updates are due.
This weekend I ran more water tests, and I was very happy to see that the Nitrates and Nitrite levels are finally on their way down!!!
Very exciting. Yesterday's readings were 0.5 mg (down from 2mg on July 3rd) and Nitrates were 30 ppm (down from 75 ppm on July 3rd).
We're heading in the right direction.
I got some more live rock (about 5 lbs of small pieces) and covered up the closed loop eductors. Looks like this now:
It was a real pain in the A$$ to get this to look right and stay put. I used my pick stick and a lot of patience and after about 1 1/2 hours I was pleased.
My wife thinks I'm crazy
In any case, I'm excited and looking to start adding hermit crabs and some stony corals perhaps in the next 10 days or so and hopefully fish by this time in August.
In fact I already have one tiny hermit crab - funny thing - I got a small sock with sand (you'll see it on the slab in the FTSs)
to bring in some pods and other goodies and I saw something moving.
It was a tiny hermit I named 'Chris' for Christopher Columbus (as in discovering the "new world" - geeky I know)
So here's a FTS (ruined slightly by the bag of sand):
And for the piece de resistance here's a 'panoramic full tank shot'. I just wish I had fish and coral to showcase, but for now its just bare rocks
(again spoiled by the bag of sand)
I'm sure you true reefers will still have an appreciation for it!
Look forward to some comments, Itay.
First Wide FTS!
Hello All,
A few updates are due.
This weekend I ran more water tests, and I was very happy to see that the Nitrates and Nitrite levels are finally on their way down!!!
Very exciting. Yesterday's readings were 0.5 mg (down from 2mg on July 3rd) and Nitrates were 30 ppm (down from 75 ppm on July 3rd).
We're heading in the right direction.
I got some more live rock (about 5 lbs of small pieces) and covered up the closed loop eductors. Looks like this now:
It was a real pain in the A$$ to get this to look right and stay put. I used my pick stick and a lot of patience and after about 1 1/2 hours I was pleased.
My wife thinks I'm crazy
In any case, I'm excited and looking to start adding hermit crabs and some stony corals perhaps in the next 10 days or so and hopefully fish by this time in August.
In fact I already have one tiny hermit crab - funny thing - I got a small sock with sand (you'll see it on the slab in the FTSs)
to bring in some pods and other goodies and I saw something moving.
It was a tiny hermit I named 'Chris' for Christopher Columbus (as in discovering the "new world" - geeky I know
)So here's a FTS (ruined slightly by the bag of sand):
And for the piece de resistance here's a 'panoramic full tank shot'. I just wish I had fish and coral to showcase, but for now its just bare rocks
(again spoiled by the bag of sand)
I'm sure you true reefers will still have an appreciation for it!
Look forward to some comments, Itay.
Last edited:
ReefEnabler
Premium Member
win
fishcatdog66
Member
I like how you covered the eductors.Much better.And the tables on the left are cool.Are you having diatoms start yet?
hulley
New member
Lookin very good. You'll be ready to add fish in no time. Are you planning on covering up the back glass with anything? Your rock layout looks great! Dont worry, my wife used to think I was crazy too, now she loves the tank as much as I do. I had her pick out her own fish and now she looks after "Victoria" and "Toby" and helps with feeding and cleaning! Win/Win!!!
Itaysworld
Premium Member
Thank you!! I'm loving it and getting really anxious about adding stuff to the tank.
I do have some diatoms. It looks like "rusty lines" in the sand bed. I don't notice them anywhere else at the moment, though they may also be on the liverock and I'm just not seeing them.
Is that a good sign? What does having diatoms mean for the cycle?
Thanks, Itay.
Itaysworld
Premium Member
Thanks Hulley -
LOL about "Victoria" and "Toby" I'll have to try that
- nah - honestly, my wife's a trooper, supporter and she's awesome. We both love scuba diving and this is a window to the ocean in our home! My wife will be happy when she sees I'm happy and not stressing. Now that the build it pretty much complete, things should get better... just need to keep finding the patience to wait for the cycle to complete.As far as the back goes... well actually I didn't give it much thought. I guess its to late to paint it or cover it. Which leaves me with 2 options (unless anyone can think of alternatives.
I can either keep it clean - get a scraper and reach where I can't reach with my magnet and maintain it pristine, or
I can let time do its thing and coraline algae will encrust it, but I'm not convinced this is a look I would like.
Can you think of any other alternatives, other than maybe trying to affix a black/blue opaque film on the outside of the back glass panel?
Thanks, Itay.
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