My 1st 180 build

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Im new to this addictive hobby Id say the beging of September I had a tank going. Iv had my eye on a six foot tank from the start but didn't want to invest to much into something I knew little of. So I started small with a BioCube 32. Realized the limitations on that! Got a 60 cube that has become SPS dominated. Hooked! Having fun and more confident I picked up a used 6'×2'×2'.

Shep · May 14, 2017

Following along! cant wait to see it filled

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Loaded tank.Didn't care for the stand it stayed. For some reason the sell insisted I take the light? This tank ended up being picked up around one of my jobs about 800 miles away from home. From VA to it's new home in FL!

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Made it home in one piece. Was able to slide it off the truck into the garage. Heavy

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Quick Google search check the glass if it was tempered with laptop and polarized glasses. Tested on the slider door that was clearly marked temp for the black lines you can see when the tempered glass is heated. Back of tank all clear. Out with the corner overflows. Temporarily duct taped pre-drilled holes.

hybridazn · May 14, 2017

Yes! Another 180 build!

My 2nd favorite tank size

I'll def be following

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Pick up a good deal on Shadowbox at Reefapalooza!

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Spotted assembled sticker 2002. All silicone looks in good shape. Better than the two brand new previously tanks I bought. The tank was stored in the basement climate controlled. Seller said it's been dry for about 8 years.

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Water test. Filled with water threw in a gallon of bleach and a power head this morning. Tomorrow going to check for leaks. Empty , refill with water add vinegar.

masssnapz · May 14, 2017

Nice I I wish I could find a 180 around mass that someone doesn't want 2k for. And lol you had to take the light, people are wierd.

Chris8232 · May 14, 2017

Plain on building the stand out of steel at a hight of about 41". Hope to find some time during the week to pick the steel and burn it this weekend. In high hopes get it degrese and a coat of paint.
Drill for returns and over flow box.
Install silicone glass over old pre-drilled over flows. Later this week.

I'm probably gonna stick to what's been working for me.
This Aquascape will be minimal.
Not real set on but I'm thinking I might go with tonga rock.
3"-4" sand bed for Wrasse.
Lighting I'm not really sure. I like my 26s. Maybe 52s and a couple of t5 to help with shadowing.
Biopellets
MP40s
Probably a gyra as well
SPS
I have a small Sailfin, purple tang, red coris, melanurus, mystery, potter's angle that I will transfering.
I'm thinking blue tang, anthias, wrasse to be added as it goes

Chris8232 · May 18, 2017

Not much progress. I've been slammed at work . But no leaks! Drilled my holes with out breaking the glass. I drilled it dry only stoping to cool the bit in bucket of water. Didn't want continue scratching the frame up rolling it over by myself. So moving forward. Installed synergy overflow box. Could only find glass 3/32" at local hardware stores. Gonna try a couple of windows and glass shop tomorrow. Need to get the old holes patch. I want to get the tank in it's place and running before the end of next weekend. Probably need to take the back overflow box off and black out the back glass panel. Thanks for following along.

Chris8232 · May 20, 2017

Got glass patches silicone in last night. Wasn't able to aquire steel for stand during the week . Therefore won't be able to work on stand this weekend. I did pick up a 48" tidewater trigger sump!! Three drains , two 1 1/2" one 1" . Now no need for reducers on main plumbing drains. Won't be limited on flow now.

Chris8232 · May 20, 2017

Oops... TIDELINE not tidewater

Chris8232 · May 25, 2017

Got main part of stand tac together tonight. 1/4" beast

Chris8232 · May 30, 2017

Stand painted. Skimmer came in. Waiting on more pukani rock and some plumbing supplies. Slowly but surely getting there.

Chris8232 · Jun 4, 2017

Got more rock in. Now have approximately 100 pounds of pukani. Drilled two holes for 1" bulk heads returns. Black out the back panel. Stand and tanks in place. Still need to pick up a sheet of plywood for the bottom to have the sump sit on. All the heavy lifting is done. Set up is in place, now I really can see the jump in size. From 60 to 180! This thing is BIG! Excited

Chris8232 · Jun 4, 2017

I think this is pretty much what I'm going with. After I glue some pieces together I'll remove some that are support. Still unsure if I want to soak the rock in bleach before starting cycle. I'm afraid if I put it all in a can to soak I'll never get back together the same!