180 w/modular marine overflow

[NannFam]

so im starting on the 180 Dual overflow set up, Got the stand built today, was a tight fit getting it next to the 60b that is up and running right now, but least i got it up, Went with 2x8 for the top and 2x6 for the bottom and support beams , stand height is the standard 36in also started to work on the control board, not as fancy as alot out there but it will work for me. next im going to be working on the light mounts, going with two reefled 160's and two reefled 90's its what I got so they will work untill i figure out better lights. once i get in the new bulkheads will start working on the tank and getting it up on the stand to start working on the plumbing, would rather have had a center overflow with heribie or bean animal, but dual overflows is what I got., will be putting up closet doors soon as well so that part wont been seen soon,

 

[lapin]

Lookin good

 

[NannFam]

i just want to get some conformation before i go any further, from what i read on here that with 2x8 is the main support on the top that i would not need center braceing, or should I put a center brace in

 

[NannFam]

so I got a little more done with the stand, I got three of the doors/panels done would have gotten them all done but I messed up a couple of cuts so have to go back and get a new board, im useing cleat picture hangers to hang the doors/panels on and I stained them with true black. I like how in person You can see some of the natural wood grain under it giving it a kinda burnt wood look, now I want to get the stand outside and stain the whole thing, that should be fun to try and do

 

[NannFam]

the three complete doors and the light rail for the reefled's

 

[NannFam]

ok so im about to start work on the 180, im thinking of getting rid of the two overflows and go with a single external overflow, I was wondering if the eshopps L overflow would be enough for a 180 or do I need to get something bigger just curious on thoughts

 

[NannFam]

well got all the doors done, and got the stand outside and stained as well, looks really good in the sunlight hope it still looks as good once in place, now im thinking once I get the tank on the stand im going to build a canopy as well just to cut down on the light spill

 

[NannFam]

well going to place my order for the eshopps overflow as that will be here the quickest, tomorrow will start cutting the silicone on the overflows so I can get them removed and get ready to start drilling the tank, going to do dual 3/4 return lines, and im thinking of getting siphon stoppers as they seem to be a good idea on keeping back siphon from being a problem

 

[UncommonSense]

i just want to get some conformation before i go any further, from what i read on here that with 2x8 is the main support on the top that i would not need center braceing, or should I put a center brace in

For a 5-6ft span? 2x8 will do it with no center support!

I was wondering if the eshopps L overflow would be enough for a 180 or do I need to get something bigger just curious on thoughts

The Eshopps Eclipse L is only good for 1,000GPH, on the low end, particularly if overflow teeth start clogging up!

I landed on a Synergy Reef Shadow 2,400gph overflow for my 180g a decade or so ago, which is a bit overkill, but was one of the only games in town for a reasonable price back then…

I’d recommend looking into Fiji Cube, and Modular Marine’s offerings in the 1,500-2,400GPH range! (1.5” drains)

—- alternatively, just keep the dual overflows!

get ready to start drilling the tank,

Always wait until you have your new overflow and its associated drill template to drill! You cannot change things later!

going to do dual 3/4 return lines

Good for 1,300-1,500GPH, should suffice!

and im thinking of getting siphon stoppers as they seem to be a good idea on keeping back siphon from being a problem

Skip these… the most reliable siphon prevention has no moving parts… typically just a return nozzle, right at the water’s surface, and/or a small hole drilled in the return plumbing within the display tank which sucks air when the return pump shuts down!

 

[NannFam]

https://www.customaquariums.com/product/3-4-siphon-stopper-return-fitting/ .... These were what I was talking about not thouse flapper check valves, these have no moving parts they just allow the return lines to stay under the water and pointed how You would like them, and as far as for drilling was just talking about getting the 3/4 returns drilled, as far as the overflow was trying to keep 1in drains to line right up with the redsea fleece roller I allready own.

 

[PrattysReef]

Looking great, keeping your gadgets organised from the beginning is a great idea!

 

[NannFam]

Just ordered a 1600 from Modular Marine , should take about two weeks or so to get here, wich gives me plenty of time to get the rest of the stand ready and set up, once the overflows are off im going to place bulkheads in and cap them to seal the holes, My stand is open top so that shouldnt be an issue with clearance, now once the stand dries can bring it back in and set it back into place

 

[NannFam]

stand was dry so I brought it back in and got the last door in place, now im thinking of doing a light sand on the frame of the doors see if I can bring back some of the natural wood tones and keep some of the black as well will try on one door first see how it looks can always just restain it if I dont like it

 

[NannFam]

Here is a look at our current tanks, 1st 60 b tank that will be getting moved over to the 180 once its set up, second is My wifes IM 50 aio softy tank, third is wifes IM 20 aio Nem tank

 

[NannFam]

so I have a question about adding new sand when I go to set up the 180, would it be ok to use sand straight from the ocean , it is a cold water ocean and not a warm one, would the bio be too different to ok with the corals and fish we keep from warm water oceans

 

[NannFam]

ok got a little more done today, got both the overflows off, will clean them up some more in a bit, they were harder to take apart then I thought they would be, now im just waiting for all the parts to come in so I can getting it drilled and ready to go, although I guess I could drill the return lines now

 

[NannFam]

Couple pictures of the new aquascape going in the 180

 

[Asm481]

Are you sure you don't have tempered glass. I'd bet that bottom is.

 

[NannFam]

yeah I checked it, but will check it again, and I looked all around couldnt find a single stamp on any sides or bottom. I used the polorized sunglasses trick on the back panel and didnt see any lines

 

[NannFam]

just got a Neptune Dos to add to the tank, going to use it for an automated water change system from the mixing station so no more carrying buckets for that, will be useing the IM 15 gallon ATO container still for top offs so will still have to carry some water for now untill i figure something out for that as well