180g Build (my first big tank)

[Green_Lionfish]

Hello everyone,

Finally I can somewhat afford 180g tank. Yes, I know it's at the bottom of the poll, but I am so happy and excited for this project. My experience so far has been always below 90g tank. As for the big tank experience, I only based on my research in the past few months. I hope that your experiences might also somewhat help me to get this project done. I am pretty sure that I will ask your opinions and suggestions.

Tank Spec:
180g (72x24x24)
2 overflows and 2 returns (1 3/4 drain and 1 1/5 return holes)
50g sump
28" stand

My plan:
This will be a coral reef tank.
I will customized the sump to have refugium chamber + Skimmer + return pump.
LED lights (not sure which one).
Reef Keeper controller

Issues/Consideration:
The tank is not level as seen the picture below. Also the stand is pretty short for skimmer that I would like to install. I might have to find the shorter skimmer.

Front view:

Side view:

Questions:

1. Pump: I am contemplating between internal or external pump. Not 100%. If I were to go with external pump, should I use 2 pumps or just 1 pump and split the return?
2. Plumbing: Hard plumbing or flexible hose? I've done some research and it seems like the flexible hose has better consistent current from the drain. What do you think?
3. Sump location. Since the stand is short, I was thinking to make a hole on the wall (behind tank) and locate the sump in that room. It's basically a restroom but I use it for my fish tanks room. This room is where I will install my RO/DI system. What's your opinion?

Your opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

++ Green

 

[rogersb]

I have a similar size tank and stand and was considering putting the sump below it but you're right that there is not much room to work. I am currently in the middle of putting my sump in the basement. It will be so much easier to work in the sump if there is no being on your knees and squeezing parts/pieces under there and into the sump.

 

[Green_Lionfish]

I have a similar size tank and stand and was considering putting the sump below it but you're right that there is not much room to work. I am currently in the middle of putting my sump in the basement. It will be so much easier to work in the sump if there is no being on your knees and squeezing parts/pieces under there and into the sump.

That's right Roger. Even at this point, I can already see how the skimmer is not even going in there. Btw, your sump is in the basement, and where is your tank?

 

[garcastle2]

Hard plumbing can be better in the long run BUT it means you have to have everything exactly measured correctly, everything planned out perfectly, and things can only move if you put in unions which can be more leak points.

For what it's worth, I usually suggest doing a hybrid where you have hard plumbing where you can and braided hose in the spots where some forgiveness or movement might be needed.

Cheers,
Gordon

 

[gotwins86]

Congrats on the tank!

I have that same 28" stand design with my 75 gallon and it is a pain to work with the sump underneath. So yeah I agree, put the sump in the next room behind the tank. Or even build yourself a new stand.

 

[Green_Lionfish]

Hard plumbing can be better in the long run BUT it means you have to have everything exactly measured correctly, everything planned out perfectly, and things can only move if you put in unions which can be more leak points.

For what it's worth, I usually suggest doing a hybrid where you have hard plumbing where you can and braided hose in the spots where some forgiveness or movement might be needed.

Cheers,
Gordon

Gordon, that's I was thinking too. Some places are not so forgiving with hard plumbing. Thanks for the idea. :thumbsup:

Congrats on the tank!

I have that same 28" stand design with my 75 gallon and it is a pain to work with the sump underneath. So yeah I agree, put the sump in the next room behind the tank. Or even build yourself a new stand.

Thanks. I am super excited. I really have to take my time on this project to avoid silly mistake. There is a problem in the back room. The way its setup, 50g tank actually won't fit because of its length. The room is fairly small. :headwallblue:

I have seen some people put their sump just behind the tank, but it means the whole thing has to be moved forward about 15 inches. Not gonna be so good looking:headwallblue: