My first 180 gallon BUILD THREAD (from 55 gallon)

[MiniBukta]

Figured I’d start a thread for my build, it’ll be a nice place to have it all catalogued. I’ll keep adding to this as I do more and more. (I’m hoping this is the right place for this? If not, lemme know and I’ll move it)

Started with a 20 that had one leather coral and a couple fish. Then moved to my 55 gallon I’ve had running with fish and LPS for about 4 years. Decided now is the time to move up to a 180 gallon tank. Probably run about the same, maybe try my hand at SPS which I never did well with before.

I wanted the tank to stay where it is, which is parallel to the rafters, so I sistered in 3 - 2x6s on each side, and put a beam in the middle I found and repurposed from a house demo.
Also removed the carpet the old tank sat on and put in vinyl plank flooring so I can change carpet out in the future without worrying about the tank.
Set up RO filter to (finally) make my own water. Going to the LFS every couple weeks was nice, but it’s hell on the wallet.
All pics for posterity below.

Light is a reefbreeder 50”, bit concerned it’s not wide enough for the tank, but I can always add a light on one end if needed.
Trying out an auto top off with this tank, I’ve always wanted one.
Skimmer is a curve 7, and sump is a trigger 36.

Still need to do some research on proper heater setup, right now I just run one heater

 

[Peace River]

Good start to the thread! You should add a build thread banner (which doubles as a link to your thread) so people can find your thread more easily.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to add your build thread banner:

1. Copy your build thread URL
2. Click here to edit the link in your profile: https://www.reef2reef.com/account/account-details
3. Scroll down the page until you see "R2R Tank Thread Link" and paste your build thread link in box next to it and then select "save"
4. Your build thread banner will show up below your name in all of your posts!

 

[MiniBukta]

Figured I’d start a thread for my build, it’ll be a nice place to have it all catalogued. I’ll keep adding to this as I do more and more. (I’m hoping this is the right place for this? If not, lemme know and I’ll move it)

Started with a 20 that had one leather coral and a couple fish. Then moved to my 55 gallon I’ve had running with fish and LPS for about 4 years. Decided now is the time to move up to a 180 gallon tank. Probably run about the same, maybe try my hand at SPS which I never did well with before.

I wanted the tank to stay where it is, which is parallel to the rafters, so I sistered in 3 - 2x6s on each side, and put a beam in the middle I found and repurposed from a house demo.
Also removed the carpet the old tank sat on and put in vinyl plank flooring so I can change carpet out in the future without worrying about the tank.
Set up RO filter to (finally) make my own water. Going to the LFS every couple weeks was nice, but it’s hell on the wallet.
All pics for posterity below.

Light is a reefbreeder 50”, bit concerned it’s not wide enough for the tank, but I can always add a light on one end if needed.
Trying out an auto top off with this tank, I’ve always wanted one.
Skimmer is a curve 7, and sump is a trigger 36.

Still need to do some research on proper heater setup, right now I just run one heater

Figured I’d start a thread for my build, it’ll be a nice place to have it all catalogued. I’ll keep adding to this as I do more and more. (I’m hoping this is the right place for this? If not, lemme know and I’ll move it)

Started with a 20 that had one leather coral and a couple fish. Then moved to my 55 gallon I’ve had running with fish and LPS for about 4 years. Decided now is the time to move up to a 180 gallon tank. Probably run about the same, maybe try my hand at SPS which I never did well with before.

I wanted the tank to stay where it is, which is parallel to the rafters, so I sistered in 3 - 2x6s on each side, and put a beam in the middle I found and repurposed from a house demo.
Also removed the carpet the old tank sat on and put in vinyl plank flooring so I can change carpet out in the future without worrying about the tank.
Set up RO filter to (finally) make my own water. Going to the LFS every couple weeks was nice, but it’s hell on the wallet.
All pics for posterity below.

Light is a reefbreeder 50”, bit concerned it’s not wide enough for the tank, but I can always add a light on one end if needed.
Trying out an auto top off with this tank, I’ve always wanted one.
Skimmer is a curve 7, and sump is a trigger 36.

Still need to do some research on proper heater setup, right now I just run one heater

Next up! Finally got my tank today. The LFS ordered me a stand but apparently it keeps ending up on back ordering, and will be a while before I see one. So, I’ll be building my own over the next week. I think I’ve got enough popsicle sticks and hot glue rods to put something nice together.
180 gallon tank was a pain getting into my house, but we got it. Also got a Ruby 36 sump, and some other misc hardware.
*border collie for scale

 

[PacoPetty]

I am looking forward to following your build. I have just started a 180 gallon build of my own and I started by building my stand first. I already have my sump, protein skimmer, and return pump. I am currently researching lights and trying to decide which ones to go with without having to upgrade in the future.

 

[MiniBukta]

Next up! Finally got my tank today. The LFS ordered me a stand but apparently it keeps ending up on back ordering, and will be a while before I see one. So, I’ll be building my own over the next week. I think I’ve got enough popsicle sticks and hot glue rods to put something nice together.
180 gallon tank was a pain getting into my house, but we got it. Also got a Ruby 36 sump, and some other misc hardware.
*border collie for scale

I’ve been cruising along on building my stand, all ready for sanding and painting!

Outside plywood shell was all glued and screwed on as part of the structure, with holes for a cabinet fan and vents on the other side for air flow. Had to stick my sump in while it was being built, so hope it works well! Lol

Side cabinet has a panel just inside the door, and all my controllers will be velcroed inside the door for easy access.

 

[MiniBukta]

I’ve been cruising along on building my stand, all ready for sanding and painting!

Outside plywood shell was all glued and screwed on as part of the structure, with holes for a cabinet fan and vents on the other side for air flow. Had to stick my sump in while it was being built, so hope it works well! Lol

Side cabinet has a panel just inside the door, and all my controllers will be velcroed inside the door for easy access.

Stand is done! Now it’s time to figure out how all this stuff goes together. Testing the tank out with a very unenthused dogfish.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

Figured I’d start a thread for my build, it’ll be a nice place to have it all catalogued. I’ll keep adding to this as I do more and more. (I’m hoping this is the right place for this? If not, lemme know and I’ll move it)

Started with a 20 that had one leather coral and a couple fish. Then moved to my 55 gallon I’ve had running with fish and LPS for about 4 years. Decided now is the time to move up to a 180 gallon tank. Probably run about the same, maybe try my hand at SPS which I never did well with before.

I wanted the tank to stay where it is, which is parallel to the rafters, so I sistered in 3 - 2x6s on each side, and put a beam in the middle I found and repurposed from a house demo.
Also removed the carpet the old tank sat on and put in vinyl plank flooring so I can change carpet out in the future without worrying about the tank.
Set up RO filter to (finally) make my own water. Going to the LFS every couple weeks was nice, but it’s hell on the wallet.
All pics for posterity below.

Light is a reefbreeder 50”, bit concerned it’s not wide enough for the tank, but I can always add a light on one end if needed.
Trying out an auto top off with this tank, I’ve always wanted one.
Skimmer is a curve 7, and sump is a trigger 36.

Still need to do some research on proper heater setup, right now I just run one heater

180 yeah baby! Welcome to da club!

 

[RobB'z Reef]

I’ve been cruising along on building my stand, all ready for sanding and painting!

Outside plywood shell was all glued and screwed on as part of the structure, with holes for a cabinet fan and vents on the other side for air flow. Had to stick my sump in while it was being built, so hope it works well! Lol

Side cabinet has a panel just inside the door, and all my controllers will be velcroed inside the door for easy access.

Nice, that's one very stout stand!

 

[RobB'z Reef]

Stand is done! Now it’s time to figure out how all this stuff goes together. Testing the tank out with a very unenthused dogfish.

What did you paint that with?

 

[MiniBukta]

I’ve been cruising along on building my stand, all ready for sanding and painting!

Outside plywood shell was all glued and screwed on as part of the structure, with holes for a cabinet fan and vents on the other side for air flow. Had to stick my sump in while it was being built, so hope it works well! Lol

Side cabinet has a panel just inside the door, and all my controllers will be velcroed inside the door for easy access.

Stand is done! Now it’s time to figure out how all this stuff goes together.

What did you paint that with?

I used the Rustoleum Cabinet paint. I used it a couple years ago in my kitchen and have had great results with it. Looks great and is super durable.