Ryan's 180g build thread ;)

[rskillz]

So. I initially got this setup because I thought I was moving to Florida (didn't work out) and my ONLY request to my lady was that I get to upgrade tanks. She of course, wanted all kinds of other things with the new house, which I agreed to. Luckily for me, we didn't go anywhere, and I already got my side of the bargain, haha.

That, and Jenn had a really nice deal on a 180g that was brought into her store. I had to grab it, and here I am trying to dial it in and put it in this week. For those of you who've seen my 72, I NEED a upgrade, corals are nearly growing into each other. It will be pure warfare in months.

I have most of what I need now for the setup; my friend Reggie (reeferman here) is working on modding the stand a bit so the sump can be taken in and out and refinishing it. Otherwise, I'm ready to go.

What I'm going with;

180g AGA dual overflow tank
72 inch Coralife pro (3 DE 250w Phoenix, 4 460nm CF)
6 Truelumen LED blue strips
60 gallonish acrylic sump
Reeflo Dart return pump
2 reactors (Biopellets + Carbon)
Reef Octopus Extreme 3000
2 Vortech Mp40wes
1 Vortech Mp10wes
Working on a chiller (last piece of puzzle)

Few pics;

The lighting fixture (missing one CF that came in broken from Marine depot)

alt="" />

The skimmer that came in today! (LOVE Octopus skimmers)

alt="" />

The sump (My first REAL sump, been just using modded, baffled, glass tanks)

alt="" />


I'll update as it unfolds, hope to have water in it by the weekend

 

[ruadh]

Congrats Ryan! You're right, you definitely needed it. Good luck on the chiller hunt. I got mine off ebay...a steal...and finally got it hooked up today. Needless to say, there was a lot of "R" rated language going on in the house! By the way, the zoas/palys are doing awesome.

 

[rskillz]

Ruadh;622703 wrote: Congrats Ryan! You're right, you definitely needed it. Good luck on the chiller hunt. I got mine off ebay...a steal...and finally got it hooked up today. Needless to say, there was a lot of "R" rated language going on in the house! By the way, the zoas/palys are doing awesome.

Glad they are doing well! The Rastas are growing nicely, I'll get ya a frag of em soon. As far as the chiller; I've always hovered between 78-82 without one, and never had any ill effects. I really don't WANT to get one, but I guess I'm finally sold on the importance of stable temperature. I just hate to add the electric expense. =(

 

[ruadh]

Definitely let me know when the Rastas are ready. I got a small offer for ya...my tubs are growing like crazy, so, if you can show me how to frag these bad boys then I'll let you keep what is fragged. Last time I talked to you, you didn't have any. I'm scared to touch them myself, but, they're ready whenever. There's about 25 polyps right now.

 

[rskillz]

Sure, no problem. Fragging zoanthids is a bit tedious but not too bad. I still don't have Tubbs Blue (no idea how that happened). Just let me know when and drop by with em.

 

[jeffmuse]

Nice job on the equipment! I like the Super Octopus Skimmer

 

[grouper therapy]

Rskillz;622706 wrote: Glad they are doing well! The Rastas are growing nicely, I'll get ya a frag of em soon. As far as the chiller; I've always hovered between 78-82 without one, and never had any ill effects. I really don't WANT to get one, but I guess I'm finally sold on the importance of stable temperature. I just hate to add the electric expense. =(

Take your heater up to around 80 and you will not need a chiller imo

 

[seth the wine guy]

I think you will have to ditch the MP10. On a 180 the glass is most certainly too thick. (Or you better hope it is) Maximum thickness is 3/8" for an MP10.

 

[rskillz]

Seth The Wine Guy;622798 wrote: I think you will have to ditch the MP10. On a 180 the glass is most certainly too thick. (Or you better hope it is) Maximum thickness is 3/8" for an MP10.

Blarg. Good point. I'd totally forgotten about that tidbit. =( Looks like my tank is 1/2 inch...