180 tank rebuild. Going BB SPS

[Sparkysreef]

I am going to be in the process of tearing down my 180gal and starting over. This will consist of treating flat worms, removing all LR, and reaquascaping. This tank will be BB(bare bottom) and predominantly SPS with a couple of clams and LPS. All corals will also be removed during the project.
I started on phase one tonight. Cutting the *starboard (*starboard=cutting board). This is used to support the rock so that no 1 point is putting pressure on the glass. The glass can support the rock just fine on its own but this distributes the weight more evenly. Also no worry of scratches and don't have to view the plywood beneath the glass bottom.
The rock will be on a PVC rack to keep it off the bottom and will hold everything together to the particular aquascape I desire.

More to come in very near future:

After the starboard and rock is all back in place I will be installing my new pendant lights which will be on a light mover. The lights will travel back and forth across the tank on a fixed rail.http://www.aci-hydroponics.com/content/lightmovers.htm
Removal of my MRC Ca (Ca=calcium) reactor and install of the Deltec reactor. http://www.deltecusa.us/calciumreactors/pf600s.php
Sump return pump will be removed from system. I will have one pump doing the job of sump return and closed loop.
My vortech pumps (2) are going to be installed as well.http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=422
Closed loop is going to have additional lines installed for more flow and directed into corners of tank to keep detritus accumulation to a minimum.

 

[Sparkysreef]

Cut starboard on 4/4/06

 

[Sparkysreef]

Tank teardown was on 4/8/06

Sat 4/8/06. Here's how the day went. Removed all rock from tank and put into a 55 gal drum with heater and PH. The corals will be kept in the main tank until I can transfer them into a 30gal sump that will be plumbed into the main sump. After that was all done we started removing all dead coral pieces and dead snail/hermit shells. Then the real fun came. Sucking out all the leftover junk on the bottom.

Skimmer went nuts

 

[Sparkysreef]

Teardown pics

Just a few loose frags in the tank

Tank was just a bit cloudy

 

[Sparkysreef]

Here is the last pic taken on sat after all was done

I want to thank seaham358, Wagerja for all the help. Jay, I appreciate the extra trip for the filter sock...thanks.

Today I have to finish sucking out all the crap (detritus/silt/muck) that has accumulated over time and dose with FW exit.

Then I have a 30gal tank to plumb into the main system where the corals will then be transferred to with a MH pendant overhead to keep everything alive.
When the corals are moved I can start on rock cooking and figure out what type of aquascaping I will do and making a PVC rack for the rock structure.

 

[jetaero]

Very nice!

everything made it?

 

[Sparkysreef]

Almost forgot............what's a thread from me without FW's. This should be the last I have to see of these pests

 

[Sparkysreef]

Now it's time to start cooking rock

 

[Sparkysreef]

Better pic of my cap. Check size compared to my hands

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