Rhodes19 180 Build

[DolphinLVR]

For flow I am looking at using power heads through out the tank. I have Korellas in my other tanks but have been thinking about Tunze. I still need to do more research but I want to get something that can be run off of a battery incase we loose power. My sump pumb is rated at 1100 gph so I figure I need another 700 - 1000 gph with power heads. For lights, I have a friend that has offered to sell me 2 400w MHs and the reflector from a third MH that will need a ballast. I was thinking about getting a retro fit T5 kit but I want to have a mixed tank with clams and recently the sps are starting to look real good. :spin1: The tank came with a 6' pc light and that will be ok for fish but when I start moving my corals in, I will need better lighting.

Take a look at the Vortech MP40's, they are incredible and you can get a battery backup for them. I am looking at a couple of those pluse a Tunze on my back wall. As far as Lighting, since i am not going to have a canopy, I am looking at the 72" Hamilton Belize which is a Standalone 250w MH unit with T%'s as well as LED's for moon lighting. By the time I start my tank, I may end up with IceCap's Reef Illuminations Fixture.

 

[Rhodes19]

Thanks Jeff. I'll checkout the Vortech MP40's. They seem to have a good following. Those sound like a nice lighting system. I must say, to date, lights are going to be the most expesive part of this build. Way more than what I paid for the tank. From all the reading I have done about lighting, that is one area you do not want to go cheep on.

 

[DolphinLVR]

Thanks Jeff. I'll checkout the Vortech MP40's. They seem to have a good following. Those sound like a nice lighting system. I must say, to date, lights are going to be the most expesive part of this build. Way more than what I paid for the tank. From all the reading I have done about lighting, that is one area you do not want to go cheep on.

The most expensive things in my opimion are:

1) Like you - lighting

2) Flow for inside tank - Vortechs

3) Live rock - I will be using mostly base rock, but will have some live to get things seeded

 

[Rhodes19]

That sounds about right. I made my own live rock which takes time to cure and then takes time to become live but I think the wait is worth the cost in savings. Besides, I have lots of time. LOL

 

[lionfish300]

Very nice wood work, good things only happen slow

 

[Rhodes19]

Thanks lionfish. Its getting there. I got to work on the plumbing over the weekend and am almost done. Time permitting, I can finish it tonight and then start putting water into it. One of my favorite sayings when I was in the Army was "battle plans never survive first contact". I think that pretty much sums up my plumbing plans. LOL

 

[strout]

Don't forget to take pics for us.

 

[FFrankie]

Be sure to let the pvc glue cure for a full day before filling the tank buddy.

 

[DolphinLVR]

Thanks lionfish. Its getting there. I got to work on the plumbing over the weekend and am almost done. Time permitting, I can finish it tonight and then start putting water into it. One of my favorite sayings when I was in the Army was "battle plans never survive first contact". I think that pretty much sums up my plumbing plans. LOL

Wooohooooo! :dance:

Cant wait to see more pics of your progress!

Jeff

 

[Rhodes19]

Thanks everyone. I have only a few more joints to fit and glue and then I'll take some more pictures. If nothing else un announced pops up, I might be able ti finish it tomorrow night. (fingers crossed).

 

[Rhodes19]

Yea!!! I finally got the plumbing done and is now time to start putting water in.

Here is the sump/fuge

Here it is in the stand!!!

The return pump and lines. I had to turn the pump 90 deg because I ran out of space in the stand.

One of the corners with overflow and return. Overflow is 1" and the return is 1" except for the last 4-5" which coverts to 3/4".

Overflow into chamber 1.

Here is a take off for an ATS I'll be making.

The plumbing did not turn out like I was planning but its going to work. My original plan included using an internal pump but when this external pump became available I couldn't resist. There are a few 90 deg elbow turns in the return and a T but I could not avoid it with the limited space under the tank.

Now, time to fill, add salt, rock and substrate.

 

[FFrankie]

Looks awesome Chris!
If you are not to sure about the plumbing I could come over and go over it with you. That is something you should be sure of.

 

[Rhodes19]

Hi Frankie,

Sure, come on buy. I think the joints are fine, its just they way I ran the pipes was a little weird.

 

[strout]

Well, its already been said but, you did a really nice job on that stand.

 

[lakee911]

Make sure you support the pluming. Not good to let it hang from the glass. Good job.

 

[Rhodes19]

Well, its already been said but, you did a really nice job on that stand.

Thanks strout, I appreciate that. It was fun and the saw dust therapy was good for me.

 

[Rhodes19]

Make sure you support the pluming. Not good to let it hang from the glass. Good job.

Good call lakee911. I'll pick up some straps to hang the plumbing form tomorrow on my way home. Don't need any extra stress or water all over the place.

 

[Rhodes19]

Well I had a little set back/let down this morning. I filled the tank with about 55 g of water and noticed a leak from the tank into the back right overflow corner near the bottom. I have stripped the silicone from that area twice to fix the problem but I quess it hasn't worked. I drained it, dried it, and then applied some silicone to the inside of the overflow. We'll see if that works. If not, I am told that I will have to strip all of the silicone inside the tank and then re apply it. Apparently, silicone does not stick to dry silicone. I hope I don't have to do that.

 

[MarineGirl411]

what return pump are you going to use?

 

[Rhodes19]

what return pump are you going to use?

Hi MarineGirl,

Its a Pan World PX NH 50PX-X. 1100 gph with 13' head pressure. Its supposed to be a nice little pumb. Can't wait to get the leak fixed so I can turn it on.