Benson's Upgrade to a 180 Gallon Tank

[Benson0219]

Hello, here is my build thread for the upgrade. I don't have a previous thread on here but I have been reading through many threads throughout the years. I do currently have a 100 gallon reef tank that has been running for about three years. I will include pictures into this build. Well, sort of a build. I have bought a tank and the stand, so no building of the stand this time.

 

[Benson0219]

My current tank sits on a stand that I built. The stand is 8 feet long even though the tank is only 4 foot. I love all the extra room below and I was thinking of the future with the stand. Of course some of the equipment that I have on the current tank I will use and I will also need to add additional equipment, which is the fun part.

 

[Benson0219]

Order list so far:

• VorTech MP40wQD Quiet Drive Propeller Pump - EcoTech Marine
• Skimz Octa SC205i Internal Protein Skimmer
• pH/ORP Probe Module: PM1 - Neptune Systems
• Hydra Twenty Six HD LED (White) - Aqua Illumination X 2
• Phosphate Low Range Colorimeter HI713 Hanna Checker - Fresh & Marine Water
• BRS Tonga Shelf (Flat Plates) Dry Live Rock
• BRS Tonga Shelf with Base Dry Live Rock

These items should be arriving this Friday. It’s a late Christmas!

 

[Benson0219]

So, I have also bought the tank. See the attached picture. It’s sitting in the LFS for now as I am getting the floors done. Removing the carpet and having tile that looks like would installed. That won’t be done for a couple of weeks.

 

[Benson0219]

Here is what I am keeping from the old tank.

• Elite Aquatics 40” Sump
• Refugium
• BRS Dosing pumps and containers X 3
• BRS Filters X 2
• VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) - Reef Octopus
• Koralia Third Generation Powerhead (2450 GPH) Hydor
• Jebao RW-15 PP15 Wireless Wavemaker Pump
• JAGER TruTemp Aquarium Heater - Eheim

 

[Benson0219]

I will post some pictures after work this evening.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

Sounds exciting. Will look forward to photos

 

[Benson0219]

 

[Benson0219]

This is my refugium... just getting it started.

 

[Benson0219]

Here is the sump.

 

[Benson0219]

 

[Benson0219]

Auto Top Off and dosing section.

 

[Benson0219]

Dosing pumps

 

[Benson0219]

Here is a picture of the 180 and my step son.

 

[Benson0219]

What are your suggestions for stocking the 180. I currently have the following:


• 1 Yellow Tang
• 1 Kole Tang
• 1 Coral Beauty Angle
• 1 Citrus Goby
• 2 Green Chromis
• 2 Filefish
• 2 Clownfish and Anemone
• 1 Sailfin/Algae Blenny


I would like to get the following:

• Foxface or Rabbit Fish
• Anthias Fish
• Wrasse - Reef Safe of some sort
• Butterflyfish maybe

 

[CrayolaViolence]

Personally I would not waste money on chromis. They murder each other. But if you want to try them, odd numbers are what I hear recommended. Butterfly fish will pick at the anemone, from my understanding, not sure if you want to risk that or not. As for anthias, that depends on what kind. I do have some experience with them, and I can tell you some are very difficult to feed. I have three purple queens who will only eat copepods. They are fairly large too (4-5 inches) and they spend all day picking copepods off the glass.

 

[Benson0219]

Yep, I agree about the Chromis... I had six two years ago. The two that are left have been together for a few years.

 

[Benson0219]

So, I have moved the coral and fish into the 40 gallon breeder for the next week while I get the floors done and the new tank delivered.

 

[Benson0219]

Here is the fish room... going to make these into a mixing station.

 

[Benson0219]

This is the 40 gallon breeder that will hold the coral and fish.