Walt's 180

[WDLV]

This has been a long time coming and has been a slow process.... It will probably continue to be slow but I'm OK with that.



I decided to use this space because it was close to the drain, close to the water supply and would allow me to finish the rest of the basement with maximum allotment for space.

"Low odor" Mineral spirits will still make you see trails. Lesson learned.

Built the stand. That really got the ball rolling. The tank has been sitting empty for months.

All level.

I figured I ought to water test it before I voided the warranty.

No more warranty.

Decided to keep the mess to a minimum.

Last time I drilled a 210, I got a bit of chip out when the bit went through. Using the Dreml for the last little bit turned out to be an excellent choice.

First nerve racking hole took me most of the day. They got consecutively faster as I got braver.

All four 3" holes completed. I'm glad that's over with. One for overflow. One for CSD. Two for CL.

Waiting on the 2" bulkheads for the next stage.

 

[adam87]

Good thing you did a water test. I got a new 220, drill it, and it had bad seals. $600 gone.
When I get new tank ( a RR 180), going to water test it.

 

[WDLV]

Experience is the best teacher.... My last project was a 75. I didn't know it was tempered until it exploded.

 

[immokalee98]

Keep the pics coming!

 

[WDLV]

Keep the pics coming!

Absolutely. I'm a pic freak.... but give me a little. I just ordered the bulkheads from Glass Holes yesterday and I think they're on the opposite coast. I would have bought them earlier but I figured why buy them before I know whether I'll crack the tank.

Some details about where I'm going with this system:
This system will be very similar to my old 210 gallon but will also incorporate features I've liked from other experimental systems....

- I'm planning to have a ~50 gallon Carlson Surge Device. I accomodated for the rise and fall of the water line by dropping the overflow hole about 6". I will have to order some low iron panes for the glass canopy to reduce bubble splashing. I'm not concerned about the look of the bubbles. I rather like the look.
- CSD will be fed by a Reeflo Dart.
- CL will be provided by a Reeflo Hammerhead.
- Lighting will be provided by three 250W MH with Lumenarc A3 mini reflectors... and I noticed that there will be some afternoon sun coming in through the back of the tank. I'm guessing 2-6 hours depending on the season. It wasn't planned but it's perfectly alligned. I may have to paint the window it if algae is a problem. Otherwise I might use it as a sunset affect.
- I will need a double sump. One that has a direct feed from the tank and maintains a stable height for the skimmer and the other that is permitted to rise and fall. I may just use a bucket inside a 100 gallon Rubbermaid trough.
- The rockscape may have a shelf that stays dry most of the time for mud skippers or hermits or something.
I have no idea what sort of cnidarians I will keep. If I go mostly coral, I will go mixed. I may also go with a boatload of various colors of BTAs and make it a clown-dominated tank.
- It will have a chiller.
- It will have two titanium heaters.

K.I.S.S. principle will be in affect. I need to enjoy my vacations!!!

 

[WDLV]

Bulkheads cam in a day earlier than expected. USPS - Good on ya mates!

Started pulling equipment out of mothballs.

I'm wondering if this vessel is the answer... Perhaps I can find an old 55 gallon or an old sump with ~50 gallon volume. The round shape is not very conservative with space....

 

[WDLV]

Anyone have natural sunlight as a supplement to their primary lighting? I know there are a few who have skylights, solatubes etc. but I'm looking at it strictly as a supplement.
Any problems? Benefits? Its in a perfect spot to get afternoon sun through a basement window. I'm considering letting the MH lights shut off at 4PM (I usually run them 6AM-8PM) and letting the sun set on the reef naturally. I can't possibly provide a better dusk effect.
It will be a longer photo period (up to four hours longer) in the Summer, but I don't know how much impact that will really have on coral growth. The back of the tank faces West. So, it would be coming in from the back of the tank. It should make the whole room ripple with light. I could even put some mylar above the front of the tank so it reflects back into the tank from the front as well.

I'm also considering shutting off the CL at night and just let the CSD keep the circulation going.

 

[WDLV]

After thinking on it for a while I decided on a 40B as the reservoir for the CSD. I decided not to use the 55 gallon drum because of the height and the wasted space. This provided a lot more space, had less height restriction and only lost 15 gallons of space. It's the same footprint as a 50 gallon. So, I accomodated for the height of a 50 gallon if I decide to go that route in the future.

I got the stand for the CSD built last night. I have a parent thing tonight. So, drilling will have to wait till tomorrow. I may do some plumbing over the weekend.

 

[cameronpalte]

Neat build... love the pics looking forward to seeing how this works out.

 

[WDLV]

Thanks!

I ran into a small snag last night. I discovered that the 2" PVC doesn't fit snugly into the bulkheads. I'm more than a little concerned. I'm not sure if I should expect it to swell when I add glue or what. I'm used to bulkheads fitting like any other coupling and these don't.

 

[WDLV]

very nice built

Thanks!

 

[AquariaUSA]

Hey Walt...the 2" is straight pipe or pvc flex? If i dont see post shoot me an email or text since I rarely visit RC Good to see you are still into reefs

 

[WDLV]

Hey man! Nice to hear from you!

I'm using rigid this time.... the fitting was initially tried with an elbow that was male on one end and female on the other. Because the male end was only 1/2" long, it wasn't fully seated and felt loose. When I tried a piece of PVC pipe, it fit nice and snug like I expected.
So, I'll have to use the double female elbows is all.

 

[gmate]

Looks good, looking forward to seeing this in action

 

[WDLV]

Looks good, looking forward to seeing this in action

Thanks!

 

[WDLV]

Young fool... Only now, at the end, do you understand...
Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the Dark Side.

Now, you will pay the price for your lack of vision!

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

 

[WDLV]

If you like powerful flow, it's a good thing.

 

[WDLV]

I got the rough framing done last night.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

If you like powerful flow, it's a good thing.

Flow is definitely good