1mbrews8 Tank Build thread - 180g with basement sump, frag, etc..

[1mbrews8]

OK! I figured I'd start a new thread to consolidate my other topics, etc.

my current tank

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its a 150g non rr and i have the u tube overflows which are always running dry, messing up sump, etc and are a pain. prob #1 reason to upgrade.

I want a fish room for more space, less weight on the 1st floor, less mess, more options like 2 part, and to create a frag setup, and bigger/better sump. It will be under the tank in the basement. This is the layout:
[IMG]http://img237.imageshack.us/i/tankroomdim.jpg/">[IMG]http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8130/tankroomdim.jpg alt="" /></a>
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hopefully better looking in real life:
[IMG]http://img198.imageshack.us/i/img6996z.jpg/">[IMG]http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5559/img6996z.jpg alt="" /></a>
Uploaded with

 

[1mbrews8]

those are shadows on the tanks! Looks like a crapload of algea, but i clean better than that! )

as of now, the plan is to get a aga rr 180g tank, build a custom stand and canopy for it and have it upstairs, plumb it to the basement, set up better frag tank down there, create a sump/ fuge system, have a qt, etc! Piece of cake!

i have let the current tank go a bit due to the u tube things pi$$ing me off, work, kids, etc... so i want to do this right this time!

I have crushed coral in the 150 now and plan to go dsb for the new one. Is it ok to use used sand, or better off geting new?

i have 2 mp40ws now, will that be enough on a 180?




i would go get the tank now, but its raining. what should i work on first?? design the fish room, plan what lumber to start the stand? cry?
mike

 

[fish scales2]

Put together your current drygood stocklist. Decide what will work for you and what will not.
Then put together your "what I need" list. And I would recomend going and looking at several setups that are similiar, this will help you you wrap your mind around the theories. If you are ever up this way I can show you several that can give you ideas.

 

[1mbrews8]

cool. meant to call u earlier but had to do some paperwork, etc... might call in a bit to discuss sump or frag tank, etc...

 

[1mbrews8]

equip currently:

150g tank
2 mp40w ph
3 koralie ph
reef octo extreme 200
20g sump
couple heaters
55g tank
mag 18
several maxijet ph
10g tank
Aqua Medic Hang on Tank Turboflotor 1000 Multi Skimmer w/pump
hob cheezy filter
some timers, etc

one of my main goals is to have it more automated. ato, controller, etc. looking at either the autotopoff build your own, or brs one. apex controller..

 

[1mbrews8]

also, i have this stuff, maybe coriline (sp) or something:

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crappy pics, but it is a bit hairy/fuzzy and more purple than pink...
[IMG]http://img13.imageshack.us/i/img6997e.jpg/">[IMG]http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4666/img6997e.jpg alt="" /></a>
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but want to see if i want to cook/clean the rock, or if it's ok to go in the tank. i dont want to introduce anything bad into the new tank...!
not stringy or fleshy at all..
mike

 

[1mbrews8]

update with pics tonight...

got a xsi new camera for pis and when i set up frag tank. ($337 bucks baby! Closeout from sams!!)
got lumber, screws, pocket screw tool, etc to start stand.
got ~240lbs of fiji pink sand
will pick up tank this weekend

 

[1mbrews8]

well, thought about pics, but now it's just some lumber and buckets with sand in it......soooooooo... once i get started on stand or get the tank, PICS!

 

[cr500_af]

1mbrews8;511340 wrote: equip currently:

150g tank
2 mp40w ph
3 koralie ph
reef octo extreme 200
20g sump
couple heaters
55g tank
mag 18
several maxijet ph
10g tank
Aqua Medic Hang on Tank Turboflotor 1000 Multi Skimmer w/pump
hob cheezy filter
some timers, etc

one of my main goals is to have it more automated. ato, controller, etc. looking at either the autotopoff build your own, or brs one. apex controller..

Your equipment list looks like you will be pretty well set up for a 180, actually. Once you get a non-HOB skimmer, that is.

 

[1mbrews8]

well i have the octo xtreme...

 

[1mbrews8]

ok, so about to start building the stand... one ? though:
i haven't seen the tank in like 2 weeks so i'm not sure if the overflows are set back from the sides or right against...
it has oak trim i know so i think it is like this: http://op5.triadinet.com/elmers/nlcatalog.asp?loc=nlsearch.asp&args=action|search|searchfor|180a2v|searchby|bydesc">http://op5.triadinet.com/elmers/nlcatalog.asp?loc=nlsearch.asp&args=action|search|searchfor|180a2v|searchby|bydesc</a>
here is a better pic of the black trim overflow closeup : [IMG]http://op5.triadinet.com/elmers/nlcatalog.asp?loc=nlsearch.asp&args=action|search|searchfor|180a2v|searchby|bydesc">http://op5.triadinet.com/elmers/nlcatalog.asp?loc=nlsearch.asp&args=action|search|searchfor|180a2v|searchby|bydesc</a>
my question is will i have space for the overflows for the stand or will it hit? i will be custom making it... top frame will be prob 2x6 - design from the rc stand thread...
mike

 

[1mbrews8]

had a bunch to do today, but got the top and bottom almost done..

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[shrimpy brains]

Looking good! Keep us updated on the stand build. I'm about to build one for a 220g and could use the ideas!

 

[snowmansnow]

In an earlier post you mentioned wanting a good ATO.

I've been running the Tunze Osmolator for a few years, and it hasn't failed to keep my water level perfect, not once.

Very good unit, and worth consideration IMO

B

 

[1mbrews8]

deff considering the tunze.... either that or a "custom" one from autotopoff i think it is...

hope to maybe pick up tank, sump, or get the legs for stand done today.. tired though...


thinking of the 100g rubbermaid trough for the sump. i will hav the 180g dt, frag tank (maybe 4' x 2'x 16"?), and fuge. will that sump be enough?
mike

 

[mockery]

If your getting a frag tank made then I'd consider 12 or 13in in height. Then you could easily light it with 150's. Just an idea though.

 

[1mbrews8]

k. i wasn't sure how high to make it. I kinda was gonna do maybe 2 different levels for low light/high light corals... i already have one 150mh so that is a good idea to consider...

i have 8 t5s ho over the 150 now that i was going to reuse over the 180 (4 actinic, 4 reg). i could use those over the frag tank or buy another set instead of the halide..?

i will be using a wahoo gold as the return from the basement and i think that is not the most energy efficient thing, so mh might ake it worse and more $$$...

my new (for used $) tank!!

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[1mbrews8]

legs for tank done, but now i have to take a break to do MY legs and back with p90x baby!

 

[1mbrews8]

back from orlando and sea world! got some more done today:

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stand is perfect level top and left to right, but front to back is a bit off. what is the best way to fix it?

also bought some 5/32mm (or something like that. similar to 1/4") oak skin but of course having 2nd thoughts about using it v/s reg oak boards. what is everyones thoughts?

i want it to look similar to this:
[IMG]http://img69.imageshack.us/i/94999669.jpg/">[IMG]http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3897/94999669.th.jpg alt="" /></a>
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another couple ?s is how to do the doors? 2, 3, or 4? How big to make them? should i put 1 top to bottom brace in the middle, 2 of them even apart (like the tank trim brace positions on top, roughly 2'), or some other measurements or positions?

 

[1mbrews8]

anyone? Buler? Buler?