Glass Cages 218g Build

[DeepBlueBox]

Hi everyone, I’ve been in and out of the hobby since 2019. Last September we had our daughter, which was followed by a move that ended up with me selling my previous tank. My daughter is 8 months old now and already loves to watch the fish at my in-law’s house, so of course I told my wife we had to get a new tank for her!

After moving in December, we are settled into our new home which means it’s time for a new tank build! When I placed the order, I was told 8-12 weeks wait time. I’m going on week 11 now and I’m very excited. While I (very impatiently) wait for my new tank to be built by Glass Cages, I figured I would go ahead and start a build thread so that I can get input from others on my plan!

While I did splurge a little on the tank itself, and I wanted quality equipment for this build, I did my best to buy used equipment where I could to help save some money.

Here it is:

Tank: Glass Cages 218g (72” x 28” x 25”). I added vertical seam guards, low iron glass, and synergy external overflow with white modern stand

Sump: Synergy TS-60 sump (pre-owned but unused)

Controller Cabinet: I have a pair of the Adaptive Reef Controller cabinets that I plan to have on either side of the tank for easier access to equipment on each side and a balanced look.

Lights: 2 GNC Blu-ray Pro from my previous tank and 1 GNC Blu-ray X (bought used) to go with the Pros.
** I would like to add some actinic light bars in the future to pair with the GNC lights**

Powerheads: pair of Maxspect xf350 cloud edition (bought used)

Return Pump: Ecotech Vectra L2 (bought used). I actually bought a pair from the same person. I’m using the second on my saltwater mixing station for now, but it could easily be swapped over to the main system if I have a pump failure.

Heating: I have a combination of a Helios heater system from my previous 100g system and a new brs titanium heater paired with a Helio universal heater controller to supplement.

Filtration: Red Sea Reefmat 1200 and Reef Octopus Elite 220-INT skimmer (bought used)

Controller: Neptune Apex A2 (used) 2x EB832, Neptune Trident, Neptune ATK
**I would like to add a Trident NP in the future**

I will be *attempting* a couple of DIY projects with this build that I hope will go as planned.
1) The first was the saltwater mixing station. It took several attempts with leaky bulkheads but I finally have that completed.

2) I will have to do custom plumbing on the tank. Not completely new to this, but I’ve never done the plumbing on the tank itself. Only on other, smaller projects.

3) I would really like to figure out how to set up an auto water change system. Between work and having a baby, my time will be limited for maintenance, so if I can figure this out, I think it will pay dividends in the future.

4) I will be making a custom light mount rack for the GNC lights out of extruded aluminum and I plan to add removable panels for a canopy that will hang or attach to the aluminum frame.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

nice! excited for you!

 

[DeepBlueBox]

Well, this week makes 12 weeks since I placed the order for the tank. My LFS checked with Glass Cages at the end of last week and was told my order was 3-7 week out now. While I impatiently wait for my tank to be ready, I’ve got my saltwater mixing station almost completed, and have started making plans to incorporate automatic water changes. This will be my first time attempting to use automatic water changes.

 

[vividwrasse]

Following! I just got my 180 from Glasscages wet a couple weeks ago. Well worth the wait; you won't be disappointed.

 

[DeepBlueBox]

Following! I just got my 180 from Glasscages wet a couple weeks ago. Well worth the wait; you won't be disappointed.

Nice! I’ll have to check out your build as well!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

Well, this week makes 12 weeks since I placed the order for the tank. My LFS checked with Glass Cages at the end of last week and was told my order was 3-7 week out now. While I impatiently wait for my tank to be ready, I’ve got my saltwater mixing station almost completed, and have started making plans to incorporate automatic water changes. This will be my first time attempting to use automatic water changes.

Hi @DeepBlueBox

We are very excited to build your tank for you.

just want to respond regarding the timeline for some clarity.

We dont put orders in the shop until we have received approvals and the overflow kit intended for the project. This allows us to use the kits template shipped with the kit. We received the overflow kit towards the end of April. Then emailed an updated drawing for approval that was approved on 4/29. Your build is in the shop now moving alone. Our standard build time is 8 to 12 weeks from drawing approval.

Hope this detail helps. It's moving along nicely now.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to build your tank.

 

[DeepBlueBox]

Hi @DeepBlueBox

We are very excited to build your tank for you.

just want to respond regarding the timeline for some clarity.

We dont put orders in the shop until we have received approvals and the overflow kit intended for the project. This allows us to use the kits template shipped with the kit. We received the overflow kit towards the end of April. Then emailed an updated drawing for approval that was approved on 4/29. Your build is in the shop now moving alone. Our standard build time is 8 to 12 weeks from drawing approval.

Hope this detail helps. It's moving along nicely now.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to build your tank.

@Joe Glass Cages Thanks so much for the update!!

I ordered through my LFS, so I’ve gotten all my information second hand. I’m not upset at all, just excited and impatient haha! I knew I would have some wait time associated with a custom tank going into it.

I’m very excited to be getting a tank built by Glass Cages. Thank you again!!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

@Joe Glass Cages Thanks so much for the update!!

I ordered through my LFS, so I’ve gotten all my information second hand. I’m not upset at all, just excited and impatient haha! I knew I would have some wait time associated with a custom tank going into it.

I’m very excited to be getting a tank built by Glass Cages. Thank you again!!

Most awesome. And thanks so much.

Just like to share the process. processes are so important.

Looking forward to you getting your build and seeing things come along.

 

[DeepBlueBox]

Small update. I drilled 3/4” holes through the sides of the kitchen cabinets and the wall that goes from the kitchen to the garage, where my water station is. This will hide the water lines until they come out by the refrigerator. I found some black grommets to fit in the holes. I’ll be running the lines for auto water changes through these. The tank will be going on the wall to the left of the refridgerator.

I also did some shopping today. I ordered a Neptune DOS QD for the auto water changes, an adaptive reef mount for 2x DOS units, and a Bashsea Biospace Reactor. I got the 6-3 model that says it is rated for 300 gallons. I watched a video on these on YouTube and I’m pretty excited to try one out. I’ve sent a message in to Bashsea to ask them if they recommend a specific pump or flow rate for it before I buy one.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Keep the photos coming.

 

[DeepBlueBox]

Well, I don’t have much to update on. We’ve been extremely busy at work lately. I did pick up some Dalua Vitamini Actinic blue light bars from a local reefer to pair with the GNC lights. I got a good deal on them, but they are only the 48” length. I bought 2 of the 23” versions to pair with them so I can cover the full length of the tank. This will mean 2 extra plugs, but saved me quite a bit of money on the front end vs buying 2 of the new 72” bars.

I did get a start on the aluminum light mount. In the picture, you can see I attached the 2 66” bars to the wall. I drilled 4x 3/8” holes in each of them and used 3/8” lag bolts with washers to attach them to the wall studs. One mistake I did make was that I used my impact on the lag bolts and must have ovetightened them, which caused the drywall to buckle some. I’m not too worried about it though, as it should be hidden behind the tank.

 

[DeepBlueBox]

I got the light mount frame finished up and the GNC bar mounts attached. It looks a bit intrusive with no tank under it and no panels but the plan is to not be able to see the light mount once the tank is in place and I get some removable panels attached to this. On a side note, it’s very solid. I used some 45 degree arm supports that worked out great. If I could do a pull-up I think I could do one on this!

 

[DeepBlueBox]

The lights are mounted now and I’m scheduled to pick up the tank this Friday. I ended up removing the GNC mounting bar. I figured out that it was much easier to attach the lights directly to the 15 series aluminum. I have 3 GNC BluRay lights with Dalua Vitamini accent bars.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Countdown to tank lift-off has begun!

 

[DeepBlueBox]

A few pictures from today! I drove over to Dickson to pick up the tank this morning and had enough help to get it in the house and on the stand this afternoon. Now the work really begins. But for now I’m just enjoying looking at it like it is! Pictures do not do it justice.

Next steps will be painting the back, installing the overflow and make a plan for plumbing.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Beautiful!

 

[DeepBlueBox]

Woke up early this morning and started painting the back. It’s going to take several coats of this, but ultimately is going to work great. Ordered the roller set and the paint from Amazon.

 

[DeepBlueBox]

Since I got the wooden stand, I wanted to do my best to protect the inside of the stand from water spills and leaks. I’ve ordered a pond liner that I’m planning to put in the bottom of the stand and cut to fit.