Daniel's 180g Mixed Reef

Daniel@R2R · Feb 12, 2013

Here's another build thread I'm trying to start. I'm not so great at these build threads bc I tend to not think about snapping pics in mid project, but I'll definitely do my best. This is the upgrade of my 75 gallon reef (see pic below)

to a 180 gallon system. This will be a mixed reef that I expect will be LPS dominate (I'm currently very much into favias and acans, and I want some nice chalices).

This first pic is of the bare tank after being placed in my basement (my wife won't let me keep tanks in the living room any more...something about flooding and mess...I forget...). This was a BEAST to move! here she is with no plumbing or anything. I'll be replacing the stand so that I can get my 30" skimmer underneath.

nitrox36 · Feb 12, 2013

WOW congratz... keep the pics flowing.

Daniel@R2R · Feb 20, 2013

Here's an update. Work is still in process, but coming along.

First up is my overflow. The previous owner had a bean animal system, so I'm just doing the same thing.

Next, here are a couple of pictures of the rock work. It's mostly done except for the rocks that already have corals. I learned from my mistakes with the 120 and added the rock before putting in the water. Result...much better aquascape. :-)

Here is the unfinished stand and the dangling plumbing...still lots to be done.

Here's my monster skimmer. I'm excited about getting this guy hooked up! :-)

revsgirl · Feb 20, 2013

Lookin' good...

Daniel@R2R · Mar 1, 2013

This is moving slow, but I now have my sump, return pump (a quiet one 4000), and circulation pumps set up. My flow is two tunze 6101s with a 7095 controller and a mj 1200 pro. I have another tunze 6101 that I plan to put in there too, but I'm afraid it might be too much...we'll see...right now it's getting a vinegar bath. I'll post a pic soon with all this stuff added.

I ran into a problem with a leaky seal on the skimmer pump...I'm having to check into that and see what can be done...hoping this doesn't get expensive. :-)

I also have a two little fishes reactor setup running GFO bc I already have a phosphate problem...go figure...not sure how that happened since this thing has only cycled and only has some snails in it...

Daniel@R2R · Mar 1, 2013

Here are a few pics from the stand (the frame is built and under the tank, so we're just doing the skin) and canopy build. :-)

This is the frame for the canopy

This is the shelf for the lights (I'll be using 2 R4 fixtures on the sides and an A4 fixture in the middle from Chester Aquaria).

These last two are different pieces of the stand's skin and doors.

ericta000 · Mar 3, 2013

Nice looking build....will follow

Daniel@R2R · Mar 17, 2013

Here is the finished product. First shot is of the finished stand:

Next is the canopy:

Next are a couple of full tank shots:

Lastly, here is my favorite lobo...pic quality is crappy on my phone, so now I have to go get a decent camera. :-D

ruppertb · Mar 17, 2013

Looking good. We are in the process of getting our 180 set up as well

Sent from my LGL75C using Reef2Reef Aquarium Forum mobile app

revhtree · Mar 20, 2013

Great progress!

Poriferan · Mar 20, 2013

Looks great. I love the look of the finished stand.

purplereef · Mar 20, 2013

Very nice tank.

Daniel@R2R · Mar 20, 2013

Thanks! Here are a few more coral shots.

mallorieGgator · Mar 20, 2013

Looks great! Awesome job on the hood and stand!

Daniel@R2R · Mar 20, 2013

Thanks! I can't take all the credit, though. I just followed instructions. My 81 year-old grandfather is really the master builder. He did the routing and most of the sawing...and he told me what to do on everything else. He's an amazing carpenter...and stronger than I expect to be at 50. :-D

Daniel@R2R · May 2, 2013

Here are my two clams. I just ordered the one on the right from Pacific East Aquaculture for $99 I recommend you guys jump on the "our pick" sale.

Daniel@R2R · Aug 3, 2013

I haven't updated this thread in a while. Here's a few FTS shots taken today.

Daniel@R2R · Aug 3, 2013

and here are a few close up shots at some of the inhabitants. :) These all came from the prize pack I won in the Reef Raft USA live sale.

Here is the rainbow brain eating...he's a little puffed up... :)

Lil Princess zoas

red baron chalice

Utter chaos zoas

Daniel@R2R · Aug 3, 2013

Here's a few of the other inhabitants that I'm proud of.
This is my PwGt (purple with green tips) BTA. He stays behind the rock work ever since he slit a while back.