180 Reef in Alaska

[TripsterAK]

Well I'm finally joining the big boys. Upgrading my 75G reef to a 180G

I picked up the tank for free because it was cracked. on the back pane. Got a piece of glass from the LFS for $100. Just need to clean out all the inside silicone and then put the new pane in seal it up and the tank is set! Id say 180 for $150 or so is not bad at all.

I was just playing around with PS and come up with this for a draft of the tank design. the Sump might be my old 75 not sure yet. Please any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Equipment
Lights: Rapid LED 180 Kit
Return Pump: Mag 12
Skimmer: Reef Octopus 8"
PowerHeads: TBD currently have 4 Hydor Korilla 4s
Skimmer Pump: Catalina 1800
Reactor: Two Little Fish 550 BiPellets Mag 5 Pump

Livestock Current
Hippo Tang
Mystery Wrasse
True Perc Pair
Maroon Clown
Blue Chromis

Livestock Future
Blonde Naso
Pair Cortez Rays

Lots of Soft corals getting into SPS currently though and doing well. the 180 will be a mixed reef for sure.

 

[ebacon]

I would after the repair is dry, set it up in a basement or garage and let it sit for a few days to make sure you won't have a catastrophic structural failure. If it happens it will do so without warning. You don't want 180 plus gallons of water, salt or otherwise, loose in your living room


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[TripsterAK]

I would after the repair is dry, set it up in a basement or garage and let it sit for a few days to make sure you won't have a catastrophic structural failure. If it happens it will do so without warning. You don't want 180 plus gallons of water, salt or otherwise, loose in your living room


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Yeah definitely planned on that.

 

[TripsterAK]

Its been awhile since iv updated this. I replaced the back pane of the 180 drilled it for 2 overflows and 2 returns. Painted it Black as well.

Started Building the stand

Size Comparison, I'm 6'

My Little Helper

I made the Deck ontop and the sides longer so that it will fit flush against the wall and allow the plumbing to run behind the tank

Staining the Panels

 

[TripsterAK]

Plumbing

Electrical, 3 GFCI Plugs each with their own switch

LIGHTING!!

 

[rpjaws74]

looks like your on your way man...good carpentry skills by the way!

 

[TripsterAK]

looks like your on your way man...good carpentry skills by the way!

Thank you! I appreciate it. Just have to figure out what im doing to trim it out as well as the doors. Once I figure out the doors I will be doing the same style faux doors on the canopy to match.

 

[ace_92101]

A great looking stand. I like the clean look of the stand.

 

[TripsterAK]

A great looking stand. I like the clean look of the stand.

Thank you!


So I got the stand brought over and moved into my house(It was in my parents garage so i could build it) Talk about cutting it close. Almost didn't fit through the bedroom door (I planned it that way though) had to take the door off. The Tank should be over tomorrow just need to get a couple of friends to help.

 

[TripsterAK]

So whats the best way to level something of this size?

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Shims, shims, shims. I also wanted to comment on a great build thus far especially the canopy and stand. Very well done and planned.

 

[TripsterAK]

Shims, shims, shims. I also wanted to comment on a great build thus far especially the canopy and stand. Very well done and planned.

Ill have to get some, it sucks because where i need to shim it the tank is in a corner. ill get a buddy or 2 to help lift it so shims can be placed under it.

Thank you for your kind words! I still need to get it all Trimmed out so it covers the screws and the trim of the tank.

 

[TripsterAK]

UPDATE
Got the Tank Leveled and filled with water. Everything is looking great so far!

 

[Jovandfigueroa]

Nice size tank!

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

UPDATE
Got the Tank Leveled and filled with water. Everything is looking great so far!

 

[TripsterAK]

HAHA Thanks Newbie :lolspin:

Here you go.

Not much under here yet

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Looking good.

 

[TripsterAK]

Looking good.

Thanks Wayne, I was checking out your build lastnight. Havent gottnen all the way through it yet. Im digging it so far though.

 

[Laddy]

Plumbing

If you dont mind me asking, why does your overflow T off then go up?

 

[TripsterAK]

If you dont mind me asking, why does your overflow T off then go up?

They are standpipes. They have a hole in the caps to keep the overflow from gurgling