New GC 180 Starfire tank build

[fishn]

I am posting this a little late after the start of the build. but here it goes.

I have moved to the area and I am setting up my new tank. I had to buy all of the water to get the tank up and running, you should have seen the looks as I picked up around 240 one gal jugs of water at Walmart. Well any way I will get started with the build.

Equipment so far:

180 GC starfire 180 gal
75 Gal sump/fuge
2 Vortech pumps
Ehime 1262 (return pump)
ASM G3
Luminaric reflectors with 2 250 watt SE MH
Phosban and carbon reactors
DIY nitrate reactor
Kalk reactor

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0804.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/tank.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/plumbing.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/t2.jpg

[fishn]

Fish holding tank
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0213.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0214.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0215.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0222.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0224.jpg

[fishn]

Auqua scape without water in the tank
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0225.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0226.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0227.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0228.jpg

[fishn]

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0229.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0230.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0231.jpg

[RayAllen]

Very NICE! Great job and the stand is a one of a kind. Very nice selection of equipment.

[dustint21]

Good looking setup! Stand is very original! The aquascape looks nice! Great job!:applause:

[fishn]

Here are some pics from tonight after the MH went out.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0233.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0234.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0236.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0237.jpg

[Bill S]

I love the mosaic.

Do yourself a favor - buy an RO/DI unit (www.buckeyefieldsupply.com (http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com)).

[princer7]

I am concerned about your returns from the tank to the sump. In the event of a power outtage or other event turning off the main pump, it appears you will be draining possibly more water than your sump will allow for - possibly causing a flood.

[apedroza]

I second what Bill said, you won't regret getting one. I love the stand and your tank looks fantastic!!

[dustint21]

What lights are on while the halides are off? I am looking for a nice moon light setup to stay on after the MH's and actinics shut off!

Sent you a PM!

Thanks
Dustin

[subsailor]

wow!that is a lot of water to tote I third Bill and Anthony... Very nice stand/setup.

[LoneStar]

I had to buy all of the water to get the tank up and running, you should have seen the looks as I picked up around 240 one gal jugs of water at Walmart.

I thought you were joking at first till I saw your photo with the water. That could of paid for a good ro/di filter right there!

[mikedelgado]

does the front of the stand open up to access the sump? looks great.

[fishn]

I am concerned about your returns from the tank to the sump. In the event of a power outtage or other event turning off the main pump, it appears you will be draining possibly more water than your sump will allow for - possibly causing a flood.

Ther is a check valve that prevents any water from draining in to the sump from the return lines

[fishn]

I love the mosaic.

Do yourself a favor - buy an RO/DI unit (www.buckeyefieldsupply.com (http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com)).


I have a RO unit, but I needed to get the tank up and running. That is why I bought the water, as it would have taken 3 daysto make up that much water. Thanks

[ErikH]

Welcome to MAAST! :) Thanks for the entire rundown, it always helps to see how other tanks are setup!

[LoneStar]

I have a RO unit, but I needed to get the tank up and running. That is why I bought the water, as it would have taken 3 daysto make up that much water. Thanks

Ahh ok. Looks nice so far. Did you pick it up second hand or did you do all the work yourself?

[Mr Cob]

Very original looking. Who did the stand work?

Nice setup. Thanks for sharing and welcome to MAAST.

[Bill S]

Check valve? Those tend to DRASTICALLY reduce the water flow.

[prof]

You could invest in swing type check valves. They are extremly low restriction and would give you much better performance from your pumps.

http://www.lagunakoi.com/prod157.html

[fishn]

Thanks all for the welcom and the coments, I did build the stand and do the tile work myself. The tank is custom from Glass cages with starfire on the from and sides. As far as the flow thought the check valve, I just need it to move water from the sump up. I am running 2 vortec pumps set almost wide open so the water turnover is plenty. I am on the other hand looking at upgrading to a larger return pump in the future. The thing that I am glad about is the it dose not look like I will need a chiller. The tank only gets up to 82 Degrees by the time the MH turn off. Thats a good thing.

[fishn]

You could invest in swing type check valves. They are extremly low restriction and would give you much better performance from your pumps.

http://www.lagunakoi.com/prod157.html


This is the type that I have, I got it from Savco Plastic. The only diffrence is that mine has unions on both sides.

[Marlin]

Check valves are also notorious for failing to close just when you need them. I've had several floods over the years due to check valves sticking open. I tried all different styles and they all eventually fail.

[fishn]

Ok finaly looking like a tank. It just now looks like a 180 gal frag tank. Pics comming soon

[fishn]

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0283-1.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0284.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0285.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb158/shuturhole316tx/DSC_0286.jpg

[dustint21]

LOOKING GOOD!!!!

[fishn]

Thanks