my surprise 180gallon build

[likemike99]

So I’m not new to tanks. I have had quite a few over the years and been doing saltwater for about 20 years. My wife was active duty And the moving limited what sizes tanks I had over the years. 10 years ago I had a nice mixed reef 75g. Since then I have been only able to have a biocube 30. Well I got my wife to retire from the military and we bought our forever home in Pensacola Florida.

I had my heart set on a red sea tank 90g. I know they get some bad reviews I just really liked the way they are done so cleanly and well thought out. Well cruising facebook one day I found someone getting rid of a 180g tank. I talked my wife into and this is where my current journey begins.

 

[likemike99]

mother nature helped me out water testing the tank

 

[likemike99]

. So it came with the stock stand. I didn’t like how flimsy it looked and I didn’t like the height. So building a stand was up on the board.

I think we probably go a bit overboard with building tank stands. This is the stock stand. It worked for the previous owner for 3 years with no issue. If this stand made out of ½” boards all the way around then the 2x4 method is probably a bit overkill. With that being said... I started on my 2x4 build.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Can't wait to see the stand that you make!

 

[UncommonSense]

. So it came with the stock stand. I didn’t like how flimsy it looked and I didn’t like the height. So building a stand was up on the board.

I think we probably go a bit overboard with building tank stands. This is the stock stand. It worked for the previous owner for 3 years with no issue. If this stand made out of ½” boards all the way around then the 2x4 method is probably a bit overkill. With that being said... I started on my 2x4 build.

Those stands are actually pretty strong in compression! I have an identical one under my 180g!

The issue arises in the hardware choices for assembly… the whole darn thing is assembled with Brad (finish) nails!!!

I have several hundred strategically placed screws, metal and plywood gussets, plus some other oddball modifications on mine, but it’s definitely robust!

Let me know if you’d like any advice!

 

[likemike99]

I did not try to reinvent the wheel with the stand. I just wanted it strong. here was the first stage of it

 

[likemike99]

semi finished. I will wrap it later. have a few ideas that i'm considering. can anyone spot my big flaw?

 

[likemike99]

I for got to cut holes for the plumbing. In my defense. I was not sure about the sump so ... yeah no defense. the drains are where they are regardless of the sump.

 

[fishface NJ]

Congrats!

 

[likemike99]

It came with a glass sump that I was going to use to save money but just wasn't satisfied with it the way it was.

 

[likemike99]

so instead of saving money I went with a new sump. a trigger systems. In addition you can see the bubble magus curve 9 elite I got to keep things clean

 

[likemike99]

Next I got started on my rock formations. Many years ago I had purchased 75 pounds of March Fiji premium rock. I never had a chance to use it and have been moving it with us for the past 10 years. time for it to get some use. FINALLY

 

[likemike99]

The plan was for 3 islands of rock. I always did the great wall against the back of the tank, but wanted to try something different.

 

[likemike99]

and two more

 

[likemike99]

so here is the initial rockwork

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

dang, those overflows are huge! I'm worried they will block some flow in your tank.
Other than that, looking good & goodluck!

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

so instead of saving money I went with a new sump. a trigger systems. In addition you can see the bubble magus curve 9 elite I got to keep things clean

What is the black foam for in that small sump compartiment?

 

[likemike99]

What is the black foam for in that small sump compartiment?

it is a bubble trap before the return pump

 

[likemike99]

I had an old setup of the Loralia 4's with the wavemaker that I was going to use but I guess it sat too long because it did not work. I decided to try something new to me. the gyre...I got the dual 350's

 

[likemike99]

for the return I got a maxspect vercta. I like the simple adjustability