drummereef's 180g in-wall build

[drummereef]

What if you were to buy some more Marco rock and acid wash then cure it and then cycle it in a separate container before swapping it out for the current rock?

Then you could acid wash and cure the old rock and sell it to recover some of the cost?

Just a thought.

Same here, I refuse to give him any more of my money/time. LOL I haven't had any issues with the BRS Pukani rock that is in my stock tank fuge. Doesn't seem to be effected at all by the dino infestation that is in the display. Granted it doesn't have any direct light at the moment and is on the other side of the filter socks from the display... But still, the rock has seemed to fair well despite everything. I've considered using it in the display and just removing the Marco rock completely, but I don't think there would be enough of it to fill the display. I believe there's only ~70 lbs (dry weight).

Hi Brett

Good to hear from you. I would definitely go with all new live rock. Yes it is expensive but you have already invested thousands of dollars and time into your tank. Why take the risk again? You know live rock will work. I vote for Tampa Bay rock like Dennis.

Looking forward to more updates!

Thanks shaggss! I've definitely been considering TBS, very nice "natural" looking rock IMO.

Try Reef Rocks....read their reviews most if not all are very positive experiences. Steve is tremendous to work with.

After establishing my 180-gl sps tank with BRS rock and having to fight GHA for over 6-months, I switch to Reef Rocks for my 60-gl lps cube and all was good.

Steve claims to pull his rock from better locations, as well and washes all his rock. Either way, it is a good idea to cook and/or cure your rock for 3-4 months prior to use.

I have used live Fiji rock in the past and IMHO would not want to import pest that live in the rock. I would want cure my own rock.

HTH

Thank you tegee. I will definitely keep that in mind if I end up going with dry rock.

This is truly amazing. The build is outstanding and you're very detailed with the build. This thread actually makes me rethink my first build and really think this through a little more.

There was a lot of information to cover but a much needed read for beginners. Thanks,

I appreciate that aceface.

Sorry to hear about your trouble with the rock. I had a similar issue with rock in my tank, although it wasn't from Marco, instead a LFS. After fighting and losing to it for the last few years, I've decided to get rid of it, along with my entire setup and start over.

I've now got 300 lbs of Marco Rock that arrived last week and is sitting in my garage waiting for me to unpack and start cleaning it and after reading the last few pages of your thread I'm feeling like I need a dramamine to get rid of the nausea that's starting to creep up on me.

Add this to me having just read d2mini's threads for his two tanks where he got exceptional results using Tampa Bay Saltwater's live rock and I'm really second guessing my decision.

Do you think it was just the batches from that time period that have issues, or do you think it's across all time periods?

Thanks.

I would definitely give it an acid bath (or two LOL) before curing the rock. If you can add even a small amount of live rock to the curing vat that would be ideal. I didn't acid bath my Marco rock prior to adding it to the tank - per Marco's recommendation, I just gave it a fresh water rinse and in it went. That was, in hindsight, a huge mistake. But even then it's no guarantee that something won't open up in the rock down the road and cause issues... no one can say for sure. Your best bet, with what you have, is to prep the rock appropriately and move forward. Just some thoughts... I'm no expert. Hehe

Brett, LiveAquaria has their Premium Select Fiji live rock (45lb/boxes) on sale for $79.99. Add shipping of $1.50/lb and the rock costs only $3.25/lb. I just got 180 pounds and the rock is fresh with great coraline algae, no pests and smells fresh It is rock that is flown in directly from Fiji...super affordable and the real deal my friend. I wouldn't hesitate to order based on my 180lbs. I can show you pictures if you want them.

I saw your post in the Slash Forum. Awesome! I almost pulled the trigger last week and bought some but I've been too busy to set aside some time to get it rolling... and have been dreading the switch. LOL Thanks for the heads up!! Have you put yours in your tank(s) yet or are you still curing it?

Brett,

I just went to my local D&B and bought a stock tank and have Tukani live rock cooking away from SDC. It looks promising but I'll have a better idea in another 6 weeks or so.

Nice Josh!!! Please update me on the progress. Keeping my fingers crossed for you bro. We've been through some serious $#@! Or should I say our wallets have been through some serious $#@! LOL

Nice, got any pics?

I second that request!!

 

[cromedogg33]

I'll get you a pic when I get home. I only purchased about 35lbs to begin with looking for some choice pieces. Should have the rest next week. Are you sure 70+ lbs wouldn't work for you display Brett? I thought I was going to have to buy 150# again, but I forgot how little of rock I had in my display tank and how much marco I still had lying in the garage. With the 35-40lbs of Tukani I just got it should allow me to make one side of my tank. I think I'll need another 40-50lbs but not much more.

 

[Nanook]

I saw your post in the Slash Forum. Awesome! I almost pulled the trigger last week and bought some but I've been too busy to set aside some time to get it rolling... and have been dreading the switch. LOL Thanks for the heads up!! Have you put yours in your tank(s) yet or are you still curing it?

The first batch of rock I got was lacking in coraline algae, so I sent those boxes back and got four new boxes. Gotta love the Live Aquaria guarantee. The rock has nice shapes and smells fresh, just like the ocean. No visible algaes or critters either, just nice live rock.

I put all 180 pounds in the 120g and it cured completely in two weeks.

 

[cromedogg33]

I'm a bit nervous about my live rock just seeing some "dead coral" on it. I've seen a piece or 2 of algae on the rocks, but didn't look like anything major. It's always been a concern of mine getting in live rock but that's why I'm going to cure it extra long and test my water for ANYTHING. If I see any p04 especially it's going straight to the acid bath, and starting back over curing.

 

[Oceanblu]

This is EXACTLY how I want my future dream tank build to look like! I would love to just hangout in that room all the time LOL.

 

[drummereef]

I'll get you a pic when I get home. I only purchased about 35lbs to begin with looking for some choice pieces. Should have the rest next week. Are you sure 70+ lbs wouldn't work for you display Brett? I thought I was going to have to buy 150# again, but I forgot how little of rock I had in my display tank and how much marco I still had lying in the garage. With the 35-40lbs of Tukani I just got it should allow me to make one side of my tank. I think I'll need another 40-50lbs but not much more.

Thanks Josh. 70# might work but I don't want to get stuck short when the time comes. I was looking at the Pukani from the top down and it looks clean, no sign of Dinos or Aips but I can't see all around the rock either... I'm leaning towards just leaving the pukani in the stock tank and buying new for the display. That way I can cure it outside the system and really keep an eye on it during the curing process. Might have to pick up a cheapo stock tank to do this I'm thinking...

The first batch of rock I got was lacking in coraline algae, so I sent those boxes back and got four new boxes. Gotta love the Live Aquaria guarantee. The rock has nice shapes and smells fresh, just like the ocean. No visible algaes or critters either, just nice live rock.

I put all 180 pounds in the 120g and it cured completely in two weeks.

Awesome. Thanks Nook!

I'm a bit nervous about my live rock just seeing some "dead coral" on it. I've seen a piece or 2 of algae on the rocks, but didn't look like anything major. It's always been a concern of mine getting in live rock but that's why I'm going to cure it extra long and test my water for ANYTHING. If I see any p04 especially it's going straight to the acid bath, and starting back over curing.

Uh oh. Please keep me posted. Very interested in how it turns out for you!

This is EXACTLY how I want my future dream tank build to look like! I would love to just hangout in that room all the time LOL.

Do you clean? LOL. Thanks Oceanblu.

 

[prop-frags]

The first batch of rock I got was lacking in coraline algae, so I sent those boxes back and got four new boxes. Gotta love the Live Aquaria guarantee. The rock has nice shapes and smells fresh, just like the ocean. No visible algaes or critters either, just nice live rock.

I put all 180 pounds in the 120g and it cured completely in two weeks.

Sounds good Dave - I think we'll look into that - a couple of new pieces to introduce some fresh bacteria and critters would be nice for some fall cleaning! :lol:

Brett, don't fear the live rock. IMO, the risk of unwanted hitchhickers is outweighed by the beneficial fauna.

 

[cromedogg33]

Here's the rock I got. Picked up another 35# last night. I've been trying to clean the rock out of any sand/detritus/etc on a daily basis and you can see on the bottom some of the broken up pieces/sand type stuff that's come off the rocks from shipping and just being slightly dirty.

There is some small patches of algae that appears to be simple green hair algae but I'm not taking any chances and have been keeping the rock covered and in the dark and will continue to keep it in the dark for at least another month. I may lose some of the coralline algae, but I'll still have the fauna and the bacteria that I'm hoping is there.

 

[Stickboy97]

Great thread! I'm starting a new tank at the house, a 180g. I have a 75g at the office and have gone through many of the same issues you are having. Mine came from getting corals from people that came with unwanted hitch hikers. Currently battling a GHA explosion after having just defeated an aptasia explosion (peppermint shrimp worked wonders) and a manjano explosion (Auriga butterfly worked great).

The 180g I was going to seed with rock from LiveAquaria (I've purchased their rock before & it was ok) & then buy display rock from TBS. After reading all of this I may just go with the TBS rocks and bite the bullet on the price. I really hate to go through all the BS of fighting stuff in a 180g.

Let us know what you decide to do & keep us updated.

(PS you are a master when it comes to DIY, I will be copying many things you've done, THANKS!)

 

[dava6711]

Sorry to hear about the problems you're having! How's the bubble killer you conjured up working out, is it still working well?

I'm in the final stages of designing and setting up a twenty gallon, nano reef. I know that going bigger offers many more advantages including water stability and much greater stocking levels but also adds substantial running costs.
With a twenty gallon aquarium if I'm forced into relocating, a twenty gallon is a piece of cake to transport.

I plan on keeping an anemone then adding a pair of juvenile clownfish later on and that's it.

I'm not going to use live rock, I've used the stuff plenty of times in the past and realise the benefits it provides but it can be a nightmare at times too! I'm going to provide the biological filtration via a fluidised sand filter and skimming with an MCE600 with brand new pump.

I may even do a thread myself?

Best of luck.

 

[Epartner]

Just want to quickly jump in here and say your build and this thread is truly inspiring. Only made it so far made to page #15 of this thread but its given me a wealth of information and consideration in my build in planning.

Used to be in the hobby years ago and moved up to a 180g tank before went inactive in hobby. So never had time to set tank due to life but still very much have the tank/stand. Only 2 days ago just decided to get back into the hobby trying to figure out what's changed in the hobby and wondering how to go about setting up my 180g tank. I came across this thread in the New Member Section that someone linked in the thread on a 180g tank. Thank god, I been glued to this build thread since and this will help me much in my 180g tank build in every way possible.

Thanks for the inspiration i only have 180+ pages to go to get up to speed. Thanks for the Inspiration. This is a truly awesome thread. Back to page #15..

 

[DudeDah]

Awwwwwww TANK-SCHMANK. You should hear this kid PLAY THE DRUMS!!!

This thread has made me giggle quite a few times in just how SPOT ON it all is. Reading everyone's reactions is the best part. The DIY portions?...C'MON, they're actually DE-MOTIVATING because I know I could NEVER pull this off. It's been fun. WOW.

Sounds like the answer to your rock issue is...wait for it...DIY!!!!

 

[Viperboy213]

Well Brett, I just made it through all 195 pages of this "bible" build. I won't lie it took me a few weeks and wouldn't trade the time it took for anything. I have had many tanks in the past 10 years, but I recently started building a new house and wanted the basement to incorporate an in-wall tank. I close on the house this Monday with the basement all ready for my 125g tank. I have learned so much from your build over the few weeks, but honestly have forgotten some that I wish I had written down. As I got through the last few pages I was mortified at your findings since my last tank I had (40B) was setup with dry Marco Key Largo rock. The algae issues I experienced did me in and I ended up taking it down until I could start over with a larger tank.

I have not posted many times on RC, because I mainly use it for knowledge and research. I am much more active on my local forum sometimes which I think is where I first saw the link to this build.

You are truly an inspiration in everything you have accomplished. Your attention to organization/cleanliness/detail is something I strive for as well and could only hope to duplicate. I echo what many others have said in that I know you will beat the problems you are experiencing now with the tank and in the end the result will be sweeter. I am curious as well to see what rock you go with as I am contemplating what rock to use in my new setup. I still have the Marco rock leftover from my 40B and if I end up reusing I know now I will need to bleach/acid it and would never dream of using it in the DT.

Thanks again, and keep fighting the good fight.

Ray

 

[cbellm]

Reefdrummer, Working on my build now and have been reading about your lighting, how far above the water are you MHs? I am thinking of doing a railing system as well but am trying to figure out clearance for the project as I have only got about 19 inches of room to play with from ceiling to tank top maybe an extra 1-2 inches to water height. I may be able to make a small amount of extra room depending on what height I have after taking down some drywall and rearranging some electrical outlets.

 

[Grayhead]

Drummer, hope all is well with you. I hope you get back soon with an update. This thread is a book of knowledge on DIY.

 

[Arkayology]

I would love to know how this tank is doing, but the OP has not logged in for a few months. I hope all is well.

 

[Saltydrip]

Brett, I think it's been way to long since you posted any tank shots....

 

[Aleks677]

:beer:?

 

[Ryanaquarium]

Come on tank photos with the new live rock aquascape nice work there. I'm building a 180 gallon corner flo as well great thread to get some precious knowledge...

 

[MikeReef79]

Great Knowledge, I based much of my 180 Gallon in wall build on this Tread!