Finally started my 180 build

LOL, Carol, I was going to place an order for locline this weekend. I think I have enough for maybe 4-5 outlets. Let me know what you want for them.
 
I have a boat load so no need for ordering. What type of nozzles do you like - the 3" wide nozzle or the rounds type? You know to ask me first - LOL.
 
It has been a while since I updated this. I caught a case of the lazies. This weekend I wet tested the overflows and found 1 bulkhead leaking. I got that taken care of and then had to add another baffle for the fuge. I didn't have any acrylic so a friend gave me some old stuff he had. Thanks Greg. Now I know why he gave it to me. Getting the paper off was a PAIN. Spent a couple hrs on that.

I cut it on the table saw and the measurements were right on but I guess the blade is not square. When I set it in the sump it would not sit on the bottom on one end. I had to use some of the weldon 16 to glue it down. Tomorrow I should be able to wet test the rest of the plumbing and sump/fuge. Wish me luck.
 
Ok, I have had a few problems this week. I had some space issues behind the sump. I have a dart with a 2" ball valve that was in the way of the bulkhead that feeds the skimmer pump. I finally was able to figure out a solution (after 3 trips to Lowes)and put water in the sump. Then I find out that the bulkhead is leaking. I took it apart and put it back together several times but could not get it to stop leaking. I ended up replacing the bulkhead. Problem solved. I now have sand in the fuge section and saltwater to the level that I will be running the sump. I started running the ro/di water to the tank last night and have about 8 inches of water in the 180. It should be full in a couple days and then I can mix the salt. Next I will make the frame for the canopy in order to hang the lights.
 
I got to see the progress "live" yesterday. Looking real good. I hope there are no more leaks. That was the worst part for me. Thanks again for the DC8 loaner.
What lights are you going to use?
 
Thanks Mike, glad I could help. I have 3 of the new IceCap 250's and will suppliment with VHO's run off of IceCap 660's.
 
I had another setback yesterday. The baffle that holds the fuge gave out last night. I used weld-on 3 and one of the verticle sides came unglued. I was able to track down some more acrylic yesterday and will drain the fuge and repair it tonight. I am going to put some braces on there as well to help prevent the bowing.
 
Stephen - what thickness did you use on the baffle? You shouldn't see any bowing and if you do no amount of glue is going to keep it in place long term. - JMO.
 
LOL, Carol, I used some that I got from Greg. It was between 1/4 and 3/8. It was really old. It took me several hrs to get the paper off. I ended up putting some strips af acrylic vertical to on the side to hold the ends and put a horizontal brace about 1-1/2 down from the top to keep it from bowing. It worked out good and I got the sand and water back in last. I built a PVC rack for one of the rock islands last night. I am about to head to Lowes for eggcrate to attach to the rack now. Hopefully I will be able to put some rock in the tank today.
 
Man I really wish you lived closer - LOL. I have lots of acrylic laying around plus I have two shops not far from my house. That use be some major old acrylic - only Greg would hold on to it that long - LOL.

Good luck on the PVC frame for your rock work - we need pictures!
 
update: The sump has been running pretty well once I added the extra supports. I added some small nassarius snails to the fuge and they like to explore. The result is my having to clean the injector to my skimmer daily. I had to drill the hole for the skimmer feed low to be able to clear the tank return and now it is close enough that they get sucked up into the skimmer plumbing. I did put egg crate in the elbow but these snails are small enough to get through. I started work on the power center over the weekend as well as connecting the AC III to a wireless router to access it from another room. I still haven't been able to get the router connected to the internet. For now I just have a dedicated computer for the tank but will work on getting internet access in the future. This week I hope to get the calcium reactor and Phos reactor going. I am slowly getting there. The stand surround and canopy should be finished in 3-4 weeks.

PVC rock rack: Carol, I still haven't decided if I like having the PVC rack under the rock. I am afraid that it will always be noticeable and not look natural.
 
Mike, I don't have any new pics. I swapped out the AquaC EV240 and replaced it with e Bubble Master 250. It creates TONS of micro bubbles. I think I will like it better than the AquaC. At least I won't have to clean out the injector till I run out of small snails. It is skimming pretty wet right now but I will have to empty the cup tomorrow for the second time. I think that is pretty good for a new tank that doesn't have much in it to skim.
 
Everything looks good Stephen, I just came across this looking for Joe's thread. I don't lurk in this forum much because I'm not worthy with my little 90 but maybe someday soon : ) Wow a bubble master!! Those are supposed to be good.
 
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