ReeferMike's 180 gallon come-back build

[ReeferMike]

Here we go with a build that's going to be pretty much from scratch. I currently have very little equipment and no fish or coral to start this off with. So this should be a fun build, hopefully, and with a little luck, we'll all be able to watch it go from concept to completion, from infancy to maturity.

A little background about me, and about this tank in particular: I've spent many years in this hobby along with long hours and thousands of dollars. Due to personal reasons, around 2010, I sold/gave away everything I had and completely went on hiatus... Up until now:big_grin:... but lets back-track a little bit.

About 20 or so years ago I was just a kid. My dad and uncle both bought aquarims and ventured into saltwater, and then into reef-keeping. My dad bought a 90 gallon, and my uncle bought a 180. Both Clarity Plus acrylic aquariums. For years after that as a kid watched both of these aquariums grow into incredible displays. I remember bio-balls, wet/dry filters, VHO lighting, crushed coral substrate with ug filters...etc.. etc. long story short, knowing this tank was a big part of why, when I was 18, I bought my first very own aquarium, and by 22 was a full blown reefer. Skip to the present..

My uncle now owns and operates 2 different businesses... He works from morning to night 7 days a week... I honestly don't know how he does it but I have to give him a lot of credit. He asked me about a year ago if he decided to get rid of the tank if I'd be interested... which my reply was yes of course, but I was right in process of house-hunting and getting ready to move, so I wasn't quite ready for it. Now were all nice and settled in our new house, and he asked me about it again... So..... After all the childhood years of drooling over this tank....In my best evil villain impersonation.... ITS MINE!! ALL MINE!!! MUAHAHAHAHA!!!!

So now that I'm officially a blogger... Lets get down to buisness...

Heres a few pics of what I'm working with. Here's a pic of the tank as it was when I went to pick it up. It had been sitting stagnant in FW for who knows how long. Note the stand and canopy... I remember helping my grandfater in his garage build it...
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140111_132930114_zpsfd6b9c8b.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140111_132930114_zpsfd6b9c8b.jpg.html)

loaded up ready to go
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140111_153223792_zps7f31d849.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140111_153223792_zps7f31d849.jpg.html)

And here it is after a little elbow-grease... thats a little better... cleaned up really well for as old as it is.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140112_113542516_zpsbee6d288.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140112_113542516_zpsbee6d288.jpg.html)

And thats as far as its gone so far. So my current to do list is as follows:

-Im going to have to move a doorway in my family room in order to accommodate the tank. The location will be pretty cool, the door I'm moving will go into a fish room behind it for a refugium, prop tank and whatever else.

-I plan to modify the tank itself quite a bit... I want to install overflows and a spraybar type cls, and also modify the top bracing a bit for easier access and to improve the aesthetics of it.

- I also want to re-finish the stand and canopy, just to make it pretty basically.

So I've got alot of work ahead of me before this thing sees water again, and I plan to take pics and upgrade this thread every step of the way.... so stay tuned!

[ReeferMike]

decided against the modification to the top of the tank

[MizTanks]

I like opening up the bracing but wont it hurt the supports integrity?


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.

[schminksbro]

Here's what I'm thinking about doing to the top of the tank

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140112_113542516-Copy_zps6c543333.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140112_113542516-Copy_zps6c543333.jpg.html)
I would not cut it. Don't underestimate the need for support.

[ReeferMike]

I like opening up the bracing but wont it hurt the supports integrity?


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.



I would not cut it. Don't underestimate the need for support.


Just seems like it would be a pain to work in as it sits... I'll have to think on that one...

Speaking of thinking on it, since I got it cleaned up that's about all ive been doing is thinking about this tank. A plan is starting to form...

The original location I had planned for this tank has changed. I'm thinking now that it's going to be a through wall tank between my kitchen and dining room. Expecting resistance from my wife I pitched the idea to her, and she was like YES DO IT lol.

I've thought alot about lighting and plumbing too and think I'm going to go with t5 and led retro kits. That way I can start off small and keep adding to it as time goes on, being that I dont have cash just bursting out of my pockets. I'm thinking of starting with 2 60" t5ho, then add another 2, then add some led strips, maybe then another two etc..

Got a couple Ideas for flow, but still working out specifics. I do need a return pump recommendation. In a 180 how big of a pump should I be looking for? Whats a good brand pump, good efficiency, quiet, and under $200?

[ReeferMike]

So after much thought and consideration I've decided on a location for the tank and I'll be starting on it tonight by relocating my tv (mounted to the wall). I've decided not to go inwall and the tank will be right next to a very large storage closet that will become my "fishroom" For the first time in this hobby space will not be an issue. I went today and picked up the rest of the load from my uncle. Being that I'm starting over I'm very happy for all of the equipment I got... I'd much rather upgrade as time goes by than having to buy everything at once or just going without.


Heres what I got:

55gallon glass aquarium that I plan to use as a sump.

45gallon tall glass aquarium that I plan to use as a refugium

60gallon cube glass aquarium that I'm probably going to use as a topoff reservoir.

300 watt azoo titanium heater

protein skimmer looks like an old coralife 200? with a sedra pump. I tested it and it works and will definately get me by for a while.

1500gph stream pump

kent phosban media reactor

non-functioning mag 24 pump

2 working 6ft vho lamps and ballast. uv actinic white and uv super actinic bulbs


still need to get before startup:

return pump. probably getting a speedwave dc5000

bunch of pvc pipe, fittings, unions, valves etc...

salt

refractometer

sand... maybe


still need to do:

figure out plumbing/drains for the tank/build and install an overflow

remove carpet and put in a vinyl floor for under and around where the tank will be.

move the tv.

hold up a bank

Heres some dirty equipment in a dirty garage pics for the reefers out there with appreciation for things that are dirty...

using the 55gal to test the skimmer, pumps, heater, etc:
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140115_171806547_zpsb2f202e1.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140115_171806547_zpsb2f202e1.jpg.html)

the 60 cube and media reactor:
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140115_171816341_zpsedc5a0c8.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140115_171816341_zpsedc5a0c8.jpg.html)

all the rock piled in the 45 gal
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140115_171831377_zps783a4a48.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140115_171831377_zps783a4a48.jpg.html)

the lights! the plan is to use them for startup and for probably the next few months until the tank itself is suitable for corals. Gives me some time to save some money.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140115_171746066_HDR_zps8cbcad54.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140115_171746066_HDR_zps8cbcad54.jpg.html)

[Coral Frenzy]

Congrats on the new build!!!!!

I would agree that I wouldn't cut much unless you were to add some reinforcements.

[ReeferMike]

Yea that was just a thought. I think I've decided against that

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[ReeferMike]

Here's a couple pics of progress so far. I've got my tv moved, and the stand and tank temporarily moved into its location in order to plan out plumbing and the layout of the fish-room. I'm pretty excited about its location... almost Ideal for a reeftank. I'm not sure if I want to put an overflow on the left side of the tank, or if I want two of them on the back wall... decisions, decisions.... Im ordering enough acrylic to go either way.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140119_093740011_zpsf4c99da3.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140119_093740011_zpsf4c99da3.jpg.html)


I've also got the rock that im using curing in a 60 gallon tank in the fish room. It is kept dark unless im in there checking on it, and I plan to run the skimmer for an hour or two a day. I found that alot of the rock that I got isn't lr, looks like landscaping rocks that were put into a tank. Those rocks have been separated and what's curing is what I have left. I'm planning on building rock stands so I may still have enough rock for the tank. Heading to the lfs for a new piece of lr to seed bacteria, some dechlorinator, and some activated carbon.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140119_093755451_zps2770e68c.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140119_093755451_zps2770e68c.jpg.html)

[ReeferMike]

Busy day today. I went across the street to a carpet and flooring store and scored a linoleum tile remnant for $40. Then got the carpet cut and the tile and trim cut in. Nothing is nailed down yet though, and I'm about done for the day. I plan on replacing the base moulding in the room this week, so I'll wait until I have that in place to finalize the floor.

pics:

The remnant, with my year old lab mix Bella wondering what the heck is going on
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140120_130026725_zps01e6c849.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140120_130026725_zps01e6c849.jpg.html)

The cut out
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140120_153843988_zps761bfd43.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140120_153843988_zps761bfd43.jpg.html)

And the turn-out
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140120_191536180_zps11b4adae.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140120_191536180_zps11b4adae.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140120_193417399_zps1b98171d.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140120_193417399_zps1b98171d.jpg.html)

[Coral Frenzy]

Coming along nicely. :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Very nice. How did you get the cut carpet edges to look so nice?

Tom

[ReeferMike]

Thanks,

You just need to cut it with a fresh blade along a straight-edge. Getting it straight isn't that hard, getting it square when the walls aren't is a little more challenging. The carpet trim helps to hide small imperfections. I've done some similar carpet work in the past, so this wasn't my first rodeo.

[ReeferMike]

Being a DIY kind of guy I decided to build my own overflows. They are similar to a Glass-holes design, but they will be glued directly to the back wall of the tank. I took some acrylic in to the shop this morning, cut it on a tablesaw, milled the slots in it, and glued them up. I'll paint them black before installing them on the tank. I plan on drilling the tank and painting the back black this weekend also.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140123_162437992_zpsf5e91898.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140123_162437992_zpsf5e91898.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140125_083737654_zpsa340627d.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140125_083737654_zpsa340627d.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140125_122838934_zps56d7d6fe.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140125_122838934_zps56d7d6fe.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140125_123618855_zpseb10181d.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140125_123618855_zpseb10181d.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140125_145844925_zps30ed3b6e.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140125_145844925_zps30ed3b6e.jpg.html)

[Dmmz]

Those look great might have to copy off you for mine

[ReeferMike]

Busy as heck this week with life, but managed to get a little bit done. I painted the overflows, and then hated how they turned out... so I got a hold of some 3/16 black acrylic and re-made them. I decided to put a back panel on them and drill them, then attach them with a bulkhead. Very similar to the overflow I had on my old tank. they aren't perfect, but they pass. Once I paint the back and get water in it im sure any imperfections wont be noticeable.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140129_195043333_zpsc763ab81.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140129_195043333_zpsc763ab81.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140129_195054840_zpsbbc2eabd.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140129_195054840_zpsbbc2eabd.jpg.html)


I got a stand made for my sump. Should be nice and comfortable to work in, and also possible to syphon it. This weekend I'll be finishing the fishroom walls and floor, and if I have time I'll start work on the sump. In the pic you'll notice that I also got a hold of a 5" DIA x 5ft long piece of cast acrylic tube. I have something in mind for that for sure.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140129_195147182_zpse45c3a5b.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140129_195147182_zpse45c3a5b.jpg.html)

[ReeferMike]

Despite a crazy weekend I got a few things done on the tank. One thing that bothered me about this tank and all acrylic tanks with top bracing are the tiny square access holes that dont let you access the tank without being on a ladder.

I sketched up what I wanted to do and talked to our engineer at work about it. Being a structural engineer I value his opinion, and he basically gave the green light. Out came my router for better or for worse and I'm pleased with how it turned out. I'm confident the tank is still structurally sound, but, in reality I wont really know until I get some water in it.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140202_160344871_zpsf1751a8f.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140202_160344871_zpsf1751a8f.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140202_163011393_zpsc5dbb5ae.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140202_163011393_zpsc5dbb5ae.jpg.html)

After that I got the tank plumbing pretty much tackled. Pretty basic, dual 1.5inch drains, and a split 3/4 return. Once I slide the tank into position for good I can finish up the plumbing in the fishroom. Still need to paint all the exposed piping black, and I'm half-tempted to drill and install 3/4 bulkheads for the returns instead of going up and over like I did.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140203_175729185_zps453666a4.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140203_175729185_zps453666a4.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140203_175844416_zps8a094315.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140203_175844416_zps8a094315.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140203_175648170_zps9b0ee194.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140203_175648170_zps9b0ee194.jpg.html)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Looking good! What's the ETA for adding water?

Tom

[ReeferMike]

Got my pipes painted. Let's see if my first mobile upload will work.

Tom I'm not really sure. I need to get ahold of a rodi system or make lots of trips to the water store when that time comes. Maybe the weekend after next.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140204_203237895_zps8e283479.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140204_203237895_zps8e283479.jpg.html)

[MizTanks]

Some great pictures! Almost feel like I'm there. Feeling kind a tired even-lol. That's a lotta work!
Love how you painted the pipes. Blends in nicely with the back, great job!
That euro bracing looks much much better! Lots more room for sure. Still looks pretty sound :)

[ReeferMike]

Here's an update... I decided that the 2x4 stand wasnt going to work for me... It was proven to be able to support the tank, but wasnt very flat or square, so I decided to build a new one. Then I decided to over-build one lol... Ordered 6, 10ft lengths of 2"x2"x3/16" HRS angle. Drew up a print and started cutting and welding. Here's a few pics of the progress so far, I'll post up some more as I finish it up this weekend. Proudly over-built in the USA.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140213_174210722_zpsd382ea72.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140213_174210722_zpsd382ea72.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140213_190616774_zps6fd0a8fb.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140213_190616774_zps6fd0a8fb.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140213_190630581_zps67cc58c6.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140213_190630581_zps67cc58c6.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140213_191753686_zpsa47c5dba.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140213_191753686_zpsa47c5dba.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140213_194847648_zps9224dee3.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140213_194847648_zps9224dee3.jpg.html)

[ReeferMike]

Here it is all put together and with the first coat of primer. I wanted to get it powdercoated, but they are too busy to fit me in until next month. So I'll be rolling on a coat of industrial gloss black enamel over the primer. I figure that should suffice.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140214_183142002_zps16794cb1.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140214_183142002_zps16794cb1.jpg.html)

[Sir Patrick]

Great progress, and welcome back man!

[ReeferMike]

Great progress, and welcome back man!

Thank you.

More progress: I got the stand painted, moved into place, and a piece of Styrofoam cut to fit on top of it.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140215_175616864_zps53152609.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140215_175616864_zps53152609.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140215_182852713_zps2dfe2a77.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140215_182852713_zps2dfe2a77.jpg.html)


Forgot to mention I cut and glued in glass panels for my sump. From left to right I'll have the returns from the tank and the skimmer sitting in the first section. Then a small refugium in the middle. The return pump and ato system will be in the section to the far right.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140215_175655793_zps3532d1dc.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140215_175655793_zps3532d1dc.jpg.html)

Also picked up a couple toys... Should be getting wet by tomorrow starting the long process of filling the tank. The excitement is building... cant wait to get some water in this thing!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140215_134846291_zpse5fbad29.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140215_134846291_zpse5fbad29.jpg.html)

[ReeferMike]

After getting the tank to sit exactly level, I hrew in 40 lbs of special grade reef sand and been filling for a couple hours now.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140216_174600141_zpsb391a042.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140216_174600141_zpsb391a042.jpg.html)

Hooking up the rodi under the sink was a nightmare... My house is 40 years old and I think they hired the village idiot to plumb under there. It's cramped, theres pipes tee'd into no-where and capped, everything I touched started to leak... After a couple hours, a couple beers, and some profanity I got it all squared away. Eventually Ill be gutting the whole kitchen and the plumbing will be completely ripped out and re-done.

[ReeferMike]

The tank has come a long way since the last update. I figure pictures are worth a thousand words.;)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140306_201354596_HDR_zpsa5c2ed2f.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140306_201354596_HDR_zpsa5c2ed2f.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140308_150515637_zps8ee381dd.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140308_150515637_zps8ee381dd.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140312_155735915_HDR_zps486b6a89.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140312_155735915_HDR_zps486b6a89.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140322_124203127_HDR_zpsbc4cc172.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140322_124203127_HDR_zpsbc4cc172.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140321_202921452_HDR_zps679257c0.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140321_202921452_HDR_zps679257c0.jpg.html)

Cheers.

[Poseidon]

Great Progress for sure!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Awesome update. Everything looks great. Your skimmer cup needs to be emptied!

Tom

[MizTanks]

Really like the minimalist look of your rock scape. I have similar plans for my new 40 :) Your stand came out beautifully! Awesome setup!

[Coral Frenzy]

Fantastic work!!!!

[reefwatcher]

Nice tank :beer:

[ReeferMike]

Thanks to all for the comments. Getting a new toy tomorrow... cant wait.

[ReeferMike]

So I upgraded the skimmer as an impulse great deal from a local reefer. It's an older Octopus pro with a sicce psk-2500 pinwheel pump. Its got an 8" reaction chamber and 4" neck and so far seems to be a beast. I'm pretty stoked about it. Between it and the turf scrubber(which is just starting to grow algae) I think I should have filtration all squared away. Now I can focus on lights and waterflow in the tank... one step closer. Here's a few more pics.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140328_173140196_zps9585e6b8.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140328_173140196_zps9585e6b8.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140328_222428445_zps53a23a6f.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140328_222428445_zps53a23a6f.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140328_222146101_HDR_zps4cb08052.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140328_222146101_HDR_zps4cb08052.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm122/reefermike1/IMG_20140328_222119788_zpsba4ce7ec.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/reefermike1/media/IMG_20140328_222119788_zpsba4ce7ec.jpg.html)