Eshopps Mariner M180 Reef Build - 90/10 Method

[ChrisfromBrick]

my dream tank.

 

[FirstSalt24]

I’m 6 weeks in. Installed my ReefMat 1200 Reef Octopus REGAL 200INT. Both were tight fits, had to modify the filter sock chamber slightly like everybody else to make the ReefMat fit. Skimmer is still going through its break-in period.

Slight diatoms are starting to show on sand and rock work. Will be adding some CUC soon.

Next 3 weeks will be to observe if the tank can “fix itself”, as I’m expecting the diatoms to go away within in the next two weeks. I will start looking at adding coral when I clear Week 8 without any major algae issues.

Happy Reefing!

 

[oakcityreefer]

What size skimmer is that? I went with a Octo 220 INT and Im regretting it. Its too big, that's what she said . It takes up all the room in that chamber and I had to put my reactor with the return pump. I also wish I had waited longer like you are doing before adding corals. Im battling dinos right now and i wish I could just cut the lights for a week.

Yours looks good though, Im watching your thread for ideas on mine.

 

[FirstSalt24]

What size skimmer is that? I went with a Octo 220 INT and Im regretting it. Its too big, that's what she said . It takes up all the room in that chamber and I had to put my reactor with the return pump. I also wish I had waited longer like you are doing before adding corals. Im battling dinos right now and i wish I could just cut the lights for a week.

Yours looks good though, Im watching your thread for ideas on mine.

It is the Reef Octopus REGAL 200 INT. Kind of too big as well ( she said nothing ), and takes up all the space. At some point I was wondering if it is even going to fit, since I didn’t measure anything, just assumed. The challenge was that the next size down was not strong enough for a 180gal.

Currently I have to pay attention to my phosphates not to zero out since I’m very lightly stocked at the moment. ( two fish only) Getting more fish this week that should help with that. I have also been feeding a little more

I’m hoping this algae goes away on its own in the next two weeks, and that I’m not going to run into anything else. Otherwise I’ll cut the lights for a week or two. Week 8 will be the deciding factor.

 

[FirstSalt24]

Hi All!

I’m in week 9 of the Serious Reef 90/10 biome method cycle. Skimmer is broken in, I have a light fish load going. ( 2 tangs; foxface and two wrasses) Still monitoring the tank to see how it handles the ugly stage.

I have a slight diatom bloom. Ordered some trochus snails to help that should arrive by the end of the week. Have some serith snails but haven’t really seen them on the rock work. I have no hermits.

Next step is to install a UV sterilizer. Any advice from reefers that installed an AquaUV Classic 57 watt on an Eshopps Mariner M180 will be appreciated, or any advice in general.

The plan is to slowly add coral in about two weeks from now if the worst is diatoms.

Have a great week!

 

[FirstSalt24]

Latest update: I’m 69 days in and so far still some diatoms. Added trochus snails and pods to help, although it should go away on its own.

I had to monitor my phosphate as it bottomed out on me twice. Last thing I wanted was dinos or something crazy. Started to feed a little bit heavier as my fish load was light. Added some more fish in the mean time so I should not have this problem going forward.

I think I’m in the safe zone to start adding corals. Will post pictures when that happens.

Overall I’m happy with how everything turned out. Let’s hope I didn’t jinx it!!

Have a great weekend!

 

[FirstSalt24]

Hi all!

I want to install my AquaUV 57W sterilizer, but I don’t think I have enough space in my first chamber where my ReefMat 1200
Is installed. Anyone else installed as AquaUV 57W on a Mariner M180 using the ReefMat 1200?

 

[Rocco's Reef]

I am kind of confused on how you want to run it? I've seen people with the 180 mount it to the stand on right side above the refugium area. The red area in my beautiful drawing is where I'm talking about

 

[FirstSalt24]

I am kind of confused on how you want to run it? I've seen people with the 180 mount it to the stand on right side above the refugium area. The red area in my beautiful drawing is where I'm talking about

Thanks. That is where I ended up mounting it. Everything is such a tight fit in a sump!

 

[Rocco's Reef]

Thanks. That is where I ended up mounting it. Everything is such a tight fit in a sump!

For real. My only complaint about the whole tank is how small the sump is/feels.

 

[FirstSalt24]

I agree. They should make provision for the type of equipment you need for a 180gal. And the bar in the middle doesn’t make it any easier. (Although important). The tank itself is a beast, and for me the plumbing could have been a slightly higher quality as well compared to the CADE.

 

[Seansea]

I dont like how the sump is designed. I like all chamber to lead to a final chamber for return pump. The big right chamber with no way to mechanical filter it is annoying. Wish this chamber was right after the skimmer chamber. Mine collects junk in bottom just like roccos.

 

[FirstSalt24]

I dont like how the sump is designed. I like all chamber to lead to a final chamber for return pump. The big right chamber with no way to mechanical filter it is annoying. Wish this chamber was right after the skimmer chamber. Mine collects junk in bottom just like roccos.

Started using the big right chamber as a refugium. Had to clean mine out as well b/c of junk on the bottom. I don’t see real movement in that chamber as well. Hoping I’ll get more value out of it as a refugium. (Fingers crossed)

 

[FirstSalt24]

Hi All,

I’m 90 days into this build. Still just diatom like algae on the rocks. But no other algae issues. I have added quite a bit of fish and the tank is settling out nicely. Added a AquaUV 57W a week ago and started up my refugium this weekend. The refugium chamber of the M180 is huge and I don’t see any water movement in that chamber. I might have to add a small wave maker to move the Chaeto. Add addition copepods as well.

I will slowly start adding coral of the next couple of months.

Have a great week!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hi All,

I’m 90 days into this build. Still just diatom like algae on the rocks. But no other algae issues. I have added quite a bit of fish and the tank is settling out nicely. Added a AquaUV 57W a week ago and started up my refugium this weekend. The refugium chamber of the M180 is huge and I don’t see any water movement in that chamber. I might have to add a small wave maker to move the Chaeto. Add addition copepods as well.

I will slowly start adding coral of the next couple of months.

Have a great week!

Any idea on what corals you are going to add?

 

[FirstSalt24]

Hi All,

I’m 90 days into this build. Still just diatom like algae on the rocks. But no other algae issues. I have added quite a bit of fish and the tank is settling out nicely. Added a AquaUV 57W a week ago and started up my refugium this weekend. The refugium chamber of the M180 is huge and I don’t see any water movement in that chamber. I might have to add a small wave maker to move the Chaeto. Add addition copepods as well.

I will slowly start adding coral of the next couple of months.

Have a great week!

Any idea on what corals you are going to add?

I’m going to go the easier route with softies and LPS. Not ready to tackle SPS with everything that is needed to keep them happy and alive.

 

[Seansea]

Tanks lookin good

 

[FirstSalt24]

Anybody with a M180 that started a refugium? I’m interested to know what your value setting is to get adequate flow for cheato to tumble without messing with the water level in the rest of the sump.

Thanks!!