180 gallon dream build

Albertan_Reef

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Figured I should start a thread for my dream build!

My last 180 was a total flop, high nutrient issues that water changes wouldn’t fix, used equipment and cheap equipment! I tore it down in January this year (2019) , sold almost everything off except for the rock and corals and the few fish I have left, and transferred them into a bio cube.

Currently the biocube is doing incredible, amazing coral growth, super stable! The rest of my live rock has been staying alive in a brute can with water changes, power head and a heater.

Fast forward a few months, the bio cube just isn’t doing it for me. So now , I’m building my “dream” 180!

Last week I purchased a custom 180 off a local forum, but unfortunately chipped the corner moving it. So ended up ordering a new 180 threw concept aquariums here in Calgary.

Plans for the tank are mainly SPS, with some LPS and zoas.

For lighting, I picked up 3 hydra 52hd of a local reefer
Skimmer I’m using a CSC 450 (Skimz monster 254)
Full apex control VIA apex EL.
Maxspec gyre xf350 for flow
Cor-20 return pump
Modular marine over flow box
Trigger crystal 36 sump
And undecided on what calcium reactor to go with, leaning towards the vertex one.

Now for the photos :
Old 180:
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Current biocube:
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New equipment:
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“New” tank I cracked:
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Albertan_Reef

Albertan_Reef

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Looks like a great start to your dream build! Remember take your time and do it the way you want the first time, rethink every move and don’t make any rash decisions!

Thanks! Yeah, my last 180 was doing great, never an issue , till we moved. I kept the rock wet, but started with new sand, it was more gravel so I think it caught a lot of crap. Then I started “upgrading” equipment, but it was all used or cheap.

I doubt this tank will be wet before September, but that’s fine by me.
 

JoshH

Tank Status: Wet...ish, growing things....
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Thanks! Yeah, my last 180 was doing great, never an issue , till we moved. I kept the rock wet, but started with new sand, it was more gravel so I think it caught a lot of ****. Then I started “upgrading” equipment, but it was all used or cheap.

I doubt this tank will be wet before September, but that’s fine by me.

I didn't know you were in calgary??? That sucks on the chipped tank but good to see you didn't let it get you down!! Excited to see this one come together!
 
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Albertan_Reef

Albertan_Reef

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I didn't know you were in calgary??? That sucks on the chipped tank but good to see you didn't let it get you down!! Excited to see this one come together!

Yes! Moved down here last summer from Edmonton!

And I already have 75% of the equipment, and I’m still in it fairly cheap for the tank, compared to my off the shelf 180 I had before. Can’t give up now. Lol
 
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Albertan_Reef

Albertan_Reef

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I didn't know you were in calgary??? That sucks on the chipped tank but good to see you didn't let it get you down!! Excited to see this one come together!

If you know any one wanting a free tank and stand! It’s fixable , I just don’t have the time lol
 

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Looks like you’re off to a great start. I’m about to get my 180 tank wet, hopefully by this weekend. I took my time and set it up my way though, which I’ve been enjoying, and it’s only taken me a solid month working on it little everyday after work. I have had the tank since last mother’s day though just not the time with work until now. Can’t wait to see your progress!
 
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Albertan_Reef

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Little bit of an update, since I want this to be my “dream build” , I decided to upgrade the dimensions to 72Lx30Wx24T, making it a 210 instead.

I’ve always loved wider tanks to give it that visual depth that we all try to aim for with our rock scapes!

Tank will be done by the time I finish my next rotation at work, so when I fly home I’m July I can pick it up.
 

Mastiffsrule

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Sounds awesome. I say you got the upgrade on size, sneak in another upgrade to 300 if you want and don't mention to fiance
 
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Albertan_Reef

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Sounds awesome. I say you got the upgrade on size, sneak in another upgrade to 300 if you want and don't mention to fiance

I personally wouldn’t go any wider then 30, and definitely not any taller then 24.

I use to have a 150 tall, and it was a pain to do anything in it.

I think this size is perfect and should do pretty well.
 
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Albertan_Reef

Albertan_Reef

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So I’ve had lots of free time while at work this past week, and got another slow week ahead of me before I head home.

I’ve been debating between a calcium reactor, or the apex trident with 2 DOS pumps?

Really torn between the 2, I’ve seen amazing results with both set ups (dosing pumps vs calcium reactors). Obviously one will cost a bit more ( Trident ) , but long term in an SPS dominated tank, will dosing 2 part be enough? Or will I end up getting a calcium reactor any ways?!

Also thinking of adding a lagoon tank to the system, making it a mangrove tank, and a small community of red spot cardinal fish. Thinking 30x30x20 for the tank.
 
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Albertan_Reef

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Good news, and bad news!

My modular marine ghost over flow was finally sent out after being in back order! Bad news, returned to sender today! [emoji20]
 
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Albertan_Reef

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51e5912f789b9f180a400736f1acbc3c.jpg
8dadc31a569eab35b4fc4e24a0202391.jpg


And we have more goodies!

Apex EL
AFS
Pm1 module with PH probe
FMM module with optical sensors for a ATO
Hanna Alk checker
And a Precision marine calcium reactor!

Now all I need is a sump( bashsea )and my over flow box from modular marine I ordered over a month ago now.
 
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Albertan_Reef

Albertan_Reef

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Little bit of an update.

Tank was complete this past weekend, and I will be picking it up first week of July when I’m home from work.

My overflow box finally showed up after travelling the continental US.

Now, what’s left is I need to figure out a sump. Is a $1000 bashsea or trigger sump really worth it? Or should I use a 75 gallon tank and install baffles instead? Make a 18x18x18 refugium, then a 20 inch skimmer chamber and a 10 inch return chamber?
 
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Albertan_Reef

Albertan_Reef

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Nice build!

Thanks for tuning in!

I’m excited for this build. It’s nice to have all the equipment before the tank, this way it’s done properly.


Btw, in case any one is wondering what I do for work since I’m always out of town, I work on a remote hydro dam project in northern Canada running a bulldozer.

ac5be0ac5916a8be33795b097113998e.jpg
 

A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

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