Bryan's 180g CustomAquariums Build

[Tuffloud1]

Did any problem arise from the gaps?

 

[bean2986]

I've been so bad at updating.... Life has been busy. Everything is actually great as far as the tank is concerned. The gaps caused no issues and structurally everything is 100% after two years.

If I could change anything it would be to do a different overflow instead of the one the tanks came with.They are not as quiet as I expected. Even worse, if you have any algae in the tank it seems to accumulate there and needs to be cleaned frequently with a toothbrush or your water level will rise about 1/2". I've had no water spills, but I have had the water routinely touch the bottom of the frame.

 

[Tuffloud1]

I've been so bad at updating.... Life has been busy. Everything is actually great as far as the tank is concerned. The gaps caused no issues and structurally everything is 100% after two years.

If I could change anything it would be to do a different overflow instead of the one the tanks came with.They are not as quiet as I expected. Even worse, if you have any algae in the tank it seems to accumulate there and needs to be cleaned frequently with a toothbrush or your water level will rise about 1/2". I've had no water spills, but I have had the water routinely touch the bottom of the frame.

Thanks for the update and good to hear no issues came up from those gaps.

I actually had them drill for a Modular Marine overflow. Other than them drilling the holes wrong (they are paying for me to have another one made), glad I went that route based on what I’ve heard about the H2O Overflow.

I have heard from multiple people that got those that they are louder than expected/wanted.

 

[Tuffloud1]

Just out of curiosity, if you put a level on the top lip of your bottom frame, does it follow the same un-levelness as the bottom (not touching your stand)?

Here are some pictures of my bottom frame with the level sitting on the lip.

 

[bean2986]

The bottom frame was not level at install and still is not. The tank/ top rim and stand are level. The corners still tilt upwards. The foam seems to be doing its job and I have no signs of any type of failure.

 

[Tuffloud1]

The bottom frame was not level at install and still is not. The tank/ top rim and stand are level. The corners still tilt upwards. The foam seems to be doing its job and I have no signs of any type of failure.

Good to hear.

I would love to see current pictures of your tank!

 

[bean2986]

Finally took the time to take some pictures of the tank now that its about 2.5 years. Everything stabilized around the 2 year mark and I've had corals grow more in 6 months than in the prior 2 years. I resolved all my algae issues by depriving the tangs of nori for about a month, and now all 3 will pick at hair algae. I also started dosing some trace elements.

As far as the equipment, nothing has failed. The foam/ tank leveling/ overflows/ parts I was concerned about are fine. I still regret having the overflows put under the crossbars because I cannot remove them to clean them. The overflows also clog easy and have to be cleaned a few times a week or the water level rises about 1/2". The overflows are the only thing I would definitely change.

 

[bean2986]

Over the last few months I was able to dial in my alk/ calcium and I have had significant improvements in growth. I've had to do a lot of fragging to prevent warfare and my leathers have been reproducing rapidly.

Also added a few new fish:
3x Green Dartfish
3x Blue Eyed Cardinal
1x Clown (to pair with mature clown

Also added a small maxima( I think) to go with the derasa.

Surprisingly I had no aggression with the new additions. The clowns were together within an hour and the baby has started hosting the large mushroom leather which is exciting.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Looks great

 

[SmCaudata]

I know this hasn't seen an update in a while, but wondering how you are feeling about the tank. I'm in WI, always good to consider the local guys.

Holding up well? Other than Overflow anything you'd change?

 

[bean2986]

I know this hasn't seen an update in a while, but wondering how you are feeling about the tank. I'm in WI, always good to consider the local guys.

Holding up well? Other than Overflow anything you'd change?

The tank was actually taken down recently since I've got a lot going on. Overall it was very successful SPS reef and there is not much I would change. I'm not sure if I would even change the overflows except moving them over a few inches.

While I had great growth with T5s, the heat management was a pain. I would definitely do LEDs next time. Some pics from it's prime.