Sullyfish's 180 build

[sullyfish]

In 2003 we bought a new house with the basement unfinished. It has always been a dream of mine to have a nice room to relax in with a big saltwater tank, and I promptly began the project of finishing the basement, designed around my new tank. I have been lirking on this site for years "taking notes", and many of the tanks (and the rooms they are in ) are absolutely fabulous !
I didnt think it would take this long, however my dream finally having my room or "mancave" complete is within site. I would like to share my progress with you all and feel free to add input/ask questions.
This is my first big tank (big for me) as before this the largest I had was a 55. I feel comfortable with most of the stuff, however the plumbing and setting up a functional water change/topoff system I am still a bit iffy on the details. I am sure as this tank progresses it will all get worked out. I will attach some pics and stuff bit here are the basics...

here is the equipment list.....

180 g AGA display ( In-Wall )
80 g acrylic sump
euroreef skimmer (not sure of model # CS-8 ?? )
72" maristar light fixture, (3) 250w MH HQI, (4) T5
75 g refugium
(2) vortech mp40w powerheads
UV sterilizer 57w

Plan to stock with LPS/SPS and a few softies. I love ACANs and Acros.

I still need to get a return pump and plumbing parts but that is what I have so far. Right now I am finishing off the drywall in the storage/equipment rom and putting sink in

here is a very basic layout of the fish room showing placement of sump and refugium. One thing I wanted was a refugium that flows into the display via gravity so as not to harm the pods with the return pump.

pics to follow soon

Thanks for reading

Mark
aka Sullyfish

 

[sullyfish]

Here are some pics showing the progression of the basement family room and tank stand


early stages of the family room showing in-wall stand on left and fireplace position

same shot with sheetrock

getting closer to being finished

The family room finally finished, only the fish tank left to be completed

 

[sullyfish]

The stand is 4x4 construction w/ biscuit joints and steel bracket reinforced wrapped in plywood. I bit overkill I admit but better safe then sorry.

 

[sullyfish]

The fish room is a 20x20 storage room that I am currently working on. I just need to install a utility sink and finish drywall and I am done. Here are the current pics of where the sump will go. The refugium will go above the sump as shown in the graph posted earlier. I want to also include a 40g breeder for frags and a 20g hospital tank.

 

[jbrown11352]

Looking great!!