Making the move from 75 to 180

[jaxteller007]

So this is pretty early in the process and we've been going slowly but we're hoping to have the new tank up and running by the end of the year. Came across a deal way to good to pass up (free if I came and got it and helped move a brand new 220 and stand into the office) so we'll be moving from our current 75 FOWLR to a 180 setup. Here's some pictures of the stand before I painted it (yes I'm not a professional painter lol) and the tank. The sump came with it as did a huge DC return pump and controller, an algae reactor a couple power heads, etc. We have 3 ecotech gen 3 radion's we will be using, a reef power rp-m, coral box rn-1 in addition to the power heads that came with the tank and should be working a deal on an amazing new protein skimmer and a used controller.

Trying to get ideas of how we want the aquascaping and things like that. Just have to remember to take it slow this time so that we do things the right way lol.

 

[Sashaka]

Nice! I didn't notice any amateur painting. Looks great to me!
I also upgraded from a 75 gal FOWLR to a 180 used tank and had to finish the stand (came with frame only). Not sorry! I enjoyed the build then, and enjoy the tank now. I can get most any fish I want. Only the largest of fish are off limits now. The worry is overstocking. LOL

I'm sure you'll love the 180 gal too! Keep us updated!!

 

[jaxteller007]

Nice! I didn't notice any armature painting. Looks great to me!
I also upgraded from a 75 gal FOWLR to a 180 used tank and had to finish the stand (came with frame only). Not sorry! I enjoyed the build then, and enjoy the tank now. I can get most any fish I want. Only the largest of fish are off limits now. The worry is overstocking. LOL

I'm sure you'll love the 180 gal too! Keep us updated!!

Yea there are so many fish we want that we just can't have in the 75. Looking forward to having this up and running. I think I did ok on the paint haha. A few spots need touching up. I actually got the idea for the white appliance epoxy on the inside from a thread on here.

 

[jaxteller007]

Probably a silly question, but when putting rocks out in the sun to cure/dry do you need to protect them from the rain and stuff? Or do you just leave them outside for a couple weeks, elements be danged?

#reefsquad

 

[jaxteller007]

Had a guy locally that really wanted a crazy hot softball bat I had that was basically brand new. Told him I only wanted cash, no trades because i needed rock and stuff for my new tank. He didn't have any cash, I let it slip that I knew a website that did financing for aquarium supplies.. now i have a couple hundred bucks worth for Marco reef saver dry rock in bins in the garage.

And i really don't feel bad about the guy doing it cause he was a butt head during softball and told me he purposely hit at our pitcher multiple times.

 

[jaxteller007]

Think i have enough rock. Now if i could get the skimmer working dangit.

 

[jaxteller007]

First attempt at the aquascape. I kind id like it right now but im sure the ADHD will kick in soon. The small loose rocks on the side are just extras that i have in there for now.

 

[jaxteller007]

Haven't posted many updates but that should change. My company had a big layoff so i have lots of free time right now lol. Been constantly playing with the aquascape, I think i like this set up.

 

[jaxteller007]

Sorry for the lack of progress pics. Things kind of happened in spurts. All the livestock will be transferred over this month.

 

[jaxteller007]

And yes i know the wiring needs cleaned up lol.

 

[jaxteller007]

Up and running now

 

[jaxteller007]

 

[jaxteller007]

Got a couple new buddies added. Magnificent foxface, sailfin and marine betta.

 

[Sashaka]

Everything looks great! Watch out for the tang police...LOL. A sailfin can grow to about 15 inches, but they do tend to vary in size. Just be aware it could outgrow your tank and have a plan B if it does. If you don't overstock, it should be find for awhile.

 

[jaxteller007]

Everything looks great! Watch out for the tang police...LOL. A sailfin can grow to about 15 inches, but they do tend to vary in size. Just be aware it could outgrow your tank and have a plan B if it does. If you don't overstock, it should be find for awhile.

Man if it outgrows a 180 gallon tank that's some serious fish roids he is on lol. Least I would hope this is big enough.

 

[jaxteller007]

Everything looks great! Watch out for the tang police...LOL. A sailfin can grow to about 15 inches, but they do tend to vary in size. Just be aware it could outgrow your tank and have a plan B if it does. If you don't overstock, it should be find for awhile.

Oh and thanks for the compliment

 

[jaxteller007]

So right now we have 2 clowns, aipstaisa eating filefish, melaranus wrasse, 1 cardinal, 1 chromi (we lost the other cardinals and chromis during the switch), Desjardini sailfin tang, magnificent foxface, marine betta, pistol shrimp and blue spotted (i believe) watchman goby. We are definitely adding some more chromis and cardinals so we have some schooling fish. Picking up a powder blue tang next week as well.

Not sure how much more we can go after we add those guys.

 

[jaxteller007]

Also traded some labor for a vertex aquaristik 3 stage RO/DI and an Accel aquatics bio pellet reactor. Have to get the reactor cleaned up, my friend has pellets seeding for me. Have a used Neptune Apex controller system I need to get going (have to order new probes for it) and a DIY algea reactor if I need to add one.

 

[Sashaka]

Sounds like you're going all out and the system is doing well. I forgot to mention that I love the caves you built. I think your fish will love them too.

 

[jaxteller007]

Just picked up some new guys that I traded work for. Powder blue tang, 2 bicolor blennys, 2 firefish and a pink headed goby. Will post pics when I get home