Eshopps Mariner M180 Reef Build - 90/10 Method

[FirstSalt24]

Hi Fellow Reefers!

I have been in freshwater for a couple of decades. I still have two freshwater tanks. Ventured into saltwater starting with a 15gal nano tank. It has been up and running for just over two years, and I have learned a lot. I decided that it was time to upgrade...after months of research I decided on the Eshopps Mariner M180.

The tank is a beast, with top and bottom bracing. I didn't want to stress about possible seam leaks. I'm also very impressed with the stand and the sump is roller mat ready, with a nice size refugium.

I'm going to document my tank build journey following Serious Reef's 90/10 method. The tank has been delivered on April 12. I have built the stand so long while waiting for my TBS live sand. It is a longer wait than what I would have liked, but I wanted to make use of the March special pricing, and that meant that the earliest TBS live sand shipment was May 22. So two more weeks to go...longest wait ever!!

 

[rtparty]

Very nice! The 90/10 method is going to make waves IMO when people start seeing all the success from it

 

[fishface NJ]

Wow! Nice system. I'll be following

 

[FirstSalt24]

Very nice! The 90/10 method is going to make waves IMO when people start seeing all the success from it

Yes...I'm super excited to start the process! I ordered 60lbs of TBS sand and will supplement with CaribSea Ocean Direct. Will post my aquascaping soon. I used Devin's from ReefDudes BRS glue and Nyos Reef Cement method. Best hack ever! :-)

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[oakcityreefer]

Congrats! I love my Mariner M180. Looking forward to follow what you do. Maybe someday I'll create my own build thread.

 

[FirstSalt24]

Congrats! I love my Mariner M180. Looking forward to follow what you do. Maybe someday I'll create my own build thread.

Thank you! Of course the M225 is coming out soon now that I bought the M180. LOL!!

 

[oakcityreefer]

Thank you! Of course the M225 is coming out soon now that I bought the M180. LOL!!

They have been advertising that thing for almost a year now. I dont think you'll mind moving ahead.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Super cool! More pictures! I’m thinking of switching tank brands and I’ll follow along your build progress. I gotta get out from this Red Sea before it forces me to.

 

[FirstSalt24]

They have been advertising that thing for almost a year now. I dont think you'll mind moving ahead.

Waiting for the TBS sand is bad enough...no way I would have been able to wait for the M225 :-)

 

[Reef Jedi]

Waiting for the TBS sand is bad enough...no way I would have been able to wait for the M225 :-)

How long did it take from order to delivery? I’m torn between the m130 or the m180. I have the room either way but can’t decide

 

[FirstSalt24]

Super cool! More pictures! I’m thinking of switching tank brands and I’ll follow along your build progress. I gotta get out from this Red Sea before it forces me to.

More pictures coming soon!! It is not a cheap investment so when I saw the Mariner has top and bottom bracing I was sold! Read to many horror stories. LOL!

 

[FirstSalt24]

How long did it take from order to delivery? I’m torn between the m130 or the m180. I have the room either way but can’t decide

Bigger is always better if you have the space. The extra length on the m180 give you more options when it comes to fish and the extra width helps that you can aquascape and still have enough swimming space and room for coral growth. You know how it works....couple of months into the m130, you are going to wish you bought the m180. :-)

 

[FirstSalt24]

Bigger is always better if you have the space. The extra length on the m180 give you more options when it comes to fish and the extra width helps that you can aquascape and still have enough swimming space and room for coral growth. You know how it works....couple of months into the m130, you are going to wish you bought the m180. :-)

I ordered March 23....delivery was April 12. They did reach out to me to apologize as they had some staff turnover and had to catch up. You can always reach out to them directly as what the delivery time will be.

 

[FirstSalt24]

Congrats! I love my Mariner M180. Looking forward to follow what you do. Maybe someday I'll create my own build thread.

What fish do you have in your M180?

 

[Lelegance]

Best method out there. A month in, and only light hair algae, no slimes. Great method, very good information

 

[FirstSalt24]

Best method out there. A month in, and only light hair algae, no slimes. Great method, very good information

That is awesome!! Congratulations!

 

[FirstSalt24]

Ordered hybrid, reef saver and shelf Marco Coraline rock for my aquascape. I wanted a negative type scape with enough swim lanes and open space. Leaving 4 inches in the front and 3 inches on the side and back to allow enough room for coral growth, and swimming space. It is very tempting to build to high and wanting to use most of the rock. I ended up using less reef saver rock than I thought. Went with 3 individual islands with your typical arch in the middle. I was impressed with the shelf rock pieces, makes for great scaping and lots of coral space when it is angled. The hybrid pieces are really nice, as they can be used as small shelf rock in the scape as well. I ended up using about 60lbs of rock. I will add a couple of island pieces for zoas at some point.

I'm excited to see how it is going to look in the tank with the TBS sand. Next is getting the mixing station built.

 

[AWR]

Awesome! The TBS sand is worth the wait. I only had enough algae to ensure the tank was healthy then the clean up crew handled it now I have the two tangs yellow and bristle tooth two spot and they are relentless. Can't wait to watch you proceed through the process.

 

[Rocco's Reef]

Looking good! Any updates? I have an M180 I’m setting up as well, the thing is a beast

 

[FirstSalt24]

Yes, tank is finally on the stand. Had to get my LFS to help. Got my TBS on Friday. Tank is wet but I’m having g a hard time adjust the sump to not make a noise at the overflow and my filter sock chamber. I’m using the Hygger 80w DC pump at 25% and based on what I read the pump is not to powerful for the M180. How is your setup going ? I will post lots of pictures soon.