New 180 Gallon Build!

[thackett114]

OK, so this will be my first tank. As I have done more and more research, what started out as a plan to start a 45 gallon tank has now turned in to a 180 gallon build (yeah I know, what a swing in size!). So, basically, I am just looking for some feedback on my plan. Any feedback, opinions etc are greatly appreciated.

I have come across (what I feel is) an amazing opportunity to buy the following used for $1,350 (I am going to view the system this weekend):

- 180 Gallon tank
- Stand and Canopy
- ReeFlo Orca 250 Protein Skimmer
- 40 Watt UV Sterilizer
- 3 LED Fixtures (Bridgelux LEDs)
- 4 Stage RO/DI
- 300 lbs. Live Rock
- Sand (Not sure of weight)
- Heaters
- Return Pumps
- Unknown Powerheads

I plan on buying the following new:

- JBJ ATO Water Level Controller
- Reefkeeper Elite Plus - Digital Aquatics
- (3) SEIO Surge Pumps (Confirmed with sales team that they are being released this month. Here is the link for them - http://www.riopump.net/products_pumps/seiosurge.html
- BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor
- BRS 2 Part Dosing System
- DIY 75 gallon Sump

I am actually planning on purchasing about 75 lbs of the BRS Pukani Dry Rock and selling the live rock being included with the tank.

In addition, I will also be cutting out the (2) two corner overflows with a dremel and closing the holes with bulkheads and plugs. In its place, I will be installing a coast to coast overflow and will run a Beananimal overflow.

With other miscellaneous costs and my hope to sell the live rock I get with the tank at $2-3/lb on Craigslist, I am hoping to come in right around $2500-$2700 final cost.

Please let me know what you think/what you would change/etc! Thank you! I can't wait to share the pictures with you as the project starts and progresses!

Tim

 

[james30ct]

I would read as much as you can. Thats a big tank to start with. Go slow.

 

[thackett114]

I plan on it! Everything I have read says the bigger the tank the better even for beginners so I am going to go big! Slow and patient...

 

[adam87]

Nice start, its better starting big. You will save money. Don't have to keep upgrading tanks.

 

[adam87]

WOW, all that for $1,350, thats a good deal!!!

 

[johntran216]

It's better starting big if you know what you're doing. Otherwise, you lose a lot too.

 

[danil]

not trying to change your mind but please read all aspects of maintaining big tanks here on RC. You are correct keep things stable is easier in big tanks and stability is a key to success but maintenance is another story. Keep in mind electricity bills, salt for water changes and space needed. I would try and find local reefer to help with setup and again read RC so much great info here. GL!

 

[Jagermeister]

- (3) SEIO Surge Pumps (Confirmed with sales team that they are being released this month. Here is the link for them - http://www.riopump.net/products_pumps/seiosurge.html

When did you confirm with the seio sales team? I'm waiting for these to be released as well. I contacted the sales team in October and was told the pumps were being released at the end of the year. I contacted them again just last week since I haven't heard anything and was told they were going to be released the first part of next year.

So, you may want to have a backup plan for the pumps, seeing that the seio surge pumps were introduced in October of 2011 and their release date has continually been pushed back.

 

[Jagermeister]

Actually, just found some old posts that suggest the surge pump may have been introduced as far back as 2008!

 

[five O]

I would just keep the existing overflows and install a Herbie method drains. A lot less work, and just as effective. I've had both, and did not notice any benefit of the Bean Animal over the Herbie. Pretty much the same system, just less work in your case.

 

[haynesw]

I noticed the RKE in your plans. I have 1 and I have not been very happy with it - if you visit the forum on their website, you will see that many people are not happy with them. I would recommend at least visiting the DA RKE forums before buying...but I'm not sure if people are happier with other aquarium controllers.

 

[Tradewinds]

I think you will be happy with the 180. Lots of space for rock work and you'll have room for a wider variety/number of fish.

IMO, the biggest cost factor for electricity will depend on the type of lights you decide to run.

What type of livestock are you planning to add?

 

[Flame_Angel]

I noticed the RKE in your plans. I have 1 and I have not been very happy with it - if you visit the forum on their website, you will see that many people are not happy with them. I would recommend at least visiting the DA RKE forums before buying...but I'm not sure if people are happier with other aquarium controllers.

I've been using a Reef Keeper Lite+ for a while now, and it works just fine for me. Although, he'd probably be better off going with an Apex controller.