After running my 80-gallon reef for a while, I finally decided it was time to go bigger. This build turned into way more than just upgrading tanks — it became a full system redesign focused on automation, stability, and making maintenance easier.
The new display is a 180-gallon reef with a custom-built stand and canopy. One thing I wanted to do differently this time was move the equipment behind the tank instead of cramming everything underneath, so the system runs through a Trigger Sapphire 39 sump located behind the display. This makes access way easier and keeps the display area clean.
I also built a fully automated water-change station, which is now handling 2 gallons per day automatically. No buckets, no hauling water — just stability and consistency.
Lighting is a hybrid setup with two Radion G5s and a Kessil AP700 to get strong coverage across the 6-foot tank.
Flow is handled by two Jebao DMP-45 wave makers, and filtration includes a Lifegard Pro Max 55-watt UV sterilizer and a huge Skimz protein skimmer.
For circulation and redundancy I’m running two Ecotech M-Series return pumps.
Heating is controlled with two BRS 600-watt heaters on an Inkbird controller for safety.
The entire system is run by a Neptune Apex A3 with:
• Trident for automated testing
• Multiple DOS pumps for two-part dosing and automatic water changes
• Neptune ATK for top-off
• Flow meters and multiple leak sensors for monitoring and protection
Right now the system is automatically dosing alkalinity and calcium while maintaining the daily water changes to keep parameters stable as the reef grows.
Going from 80 gallons to 180 gallons has been a huge project, but building the stand, canopy, water-change station, and automation has been one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby so far.
Now the fun part begins — growing this reef out.
The new display is a 180-gallon reef with a custom-built stand and canopy. One thing I wanted to do differently this time was move the equipment behind the tank instead of cramming everything underneath, so the system runs through a Trigger Sapphire 39 sump located behind the display. This makes access way easier and keeps the display area clean.
I also built a fully automated water-change station, which is now handling 2 gallons per day automatically. No buckets, no hauling water — just stability and consistency.
Lighting is a hybrid setup with two Radion G5s and a Kessil AP700 to get strong coverage across the 6-foot tank.
Flow is handled by two Jebao DMP-45 wave makers, and filtration includes a Lifegard Pro Max 55-watt UV sterilizer and a huge Skimz protein skimmer.
For circulation and redundancy I’m running two Ecotech M-Series return pumps.
Heating is controlled with two BRS 600-watt heaters on an Inkbird controller for safety.
The entire system is run by a Neptune Apex A3 with:
• Trident for automated testing
• Multiple DOS pumps for two-part dosing and automatic water changes
• Neptune ATK for top-off
• Flow meters and multiple leak sensors for monitoring and protection
Right now the system is automatically dosing alkalinity and calcium while maintaining the daily water changes to keep parameters stable as the reef grows.
Going from 80 gallons to 180 gallons has been a huge project, but building the stand, canopy, water-change station, and automation has been one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby so far.
Now the fun part begins — growing this reef out.
