180 gal build

[krazykrakr2186]

Hey everyone! I just picked up a complete 180 gal setup. What are some things I need to look out for when setting up at tank of this size? What are some things that you wished you did differently when setting up your tank? I don't know very much about how the lighting works, need to do a little research there.. I currently have a 90 gal bowfront running that will be moved over to the new tank once I build a stand and canopy for the new tank.

The tank is an oceanic and it measures 6'x24"x24. drilled with 2 corner overflow boxes
Oceanic Trickle filter 250 (any thoughts on this setup?)
2 little giant pumps
40W UV sterilizer
3- 250w Metal halides
4- 72" VHO's w/ icecap ballast
Coral inserts from Living Color enterprises- 2- custom overflow box covers, large eel cave insert, Aruba insert ( I don't plan on using these)
a 10" Vlamingii Tang, 6" sail fin tang, 5" yellow tang, large domino damsel, large 3 bar damsel, med blue damsel. (all of these guys need a home)

I am currently running a reef octopus skimmer 200 series. would that be sufficient for the 180?

[Big_Pun]

is this going to be a reef or fish only system?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

congrats on the buy. check integrity of the tank, center bracing, seals, and look for any bowing when water is in it. nice pic. looks good.:bigsmile:

[sdunn90fowlr]

How much for the yellow tang?

[krazykrakr2186]

I would like to make this a reef tank, ive got a few corals and about 100lb of rock in my 90 gal, gonna need some more though..
Would it be worth it to just re-seal the entire tank while its broken down?
Does anyone know anything about the sump, it looks to be 40 gal or so..

[Big_Pun]

tank should be fine I have that same tank just 60 inches. if you don't see any air bubbles in silicone your fine. oceanic built some nice tanks at that time.

if reef is what your after then filtration lighting should be upgraded. that trickle filter prob won't work for reef, you may want to run a refugium, prob a better skimmer down the road as bio load increases. lighting is personal choice and what your budget fits.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Does this one have a glass center brace? If it does how are the seals on it? A 5ft tank wont bow as much as a 6ft tank.
or is the bracing part of the trim?

[krazykrakr2186]

as far as filtration would the sump tank be sufficient if i would be able to modify it to keep a refugium and put a skimmer in there with filter floss and bio balls? this is how my 90 gal is setup now and it works great. I would just have to get creative with the deeper tank..
Also here is a pic of the lighting i got from him, but since LED's are all the rage right now would the led's be alot more expensive than fixing this MH setup?17502

[Big_Pun]

what ever works for you go for it. that looks like a old mh system, what do ballast look like, any info in labels

[krazykrakr2186]

what ever works for you go for it. that looks like a old mh system, what do ballast look like, any info in labels

I believe the halides had icecap ballasts as well. I do not know alot about putting my own lighting together, i have always bought the self contained setups. Do yall know of any good links for diy lighting. I am very handy with automotive electrical systems so no problems, just need to understand how it works. I know they need a starter and ballast but thats about it..

[Big_Pun]

you could keep the ballast and get better reflectors save some money upfront, or LEDs.

[krazykrakr2186]

Looks like i've got some research to do !

[Scutterborn]

I've got some very nice reflectors and ballasts for sale that are plenty for a 60" tank. Shameless plug, I know. Just thought I'd let ya know.


- Ben -

[rrasco]

If you're planning to go reef, what are you going to do with the coral inserts?

The absolute biggest piece of advice I can give you, especially with a tank that size, is make sure the tank is ABSOLUTELY level. There is not much room for error with a tank that size and weight.

[350gt]

If you want to go fairly cheap.... Better reflectors would be the easiest way... Not saying those wont work to get u up and running..

LEDs for a tank that size would be a lot upfront unless you plan to make a kit....

[krazykrakr2186]

I am going to sell the inserts, ill post em in the for sale area. Just a heads up for everyone, All of the fish have been sold.

I fig i would just get some new reflectors since i would like to make a canopy for it. Does anyone know of any good links on setting up and wiring the lights?

[krazykrakr2186]

I am going to sell the inserts, ill post em in the for sale area. Just a heads up for everyone, All of the fish have been sold.

I fig i would just get some new reflectors since i would like to make a canopy for it. Does anyone know of any good links on setting up and wiring the lights?

Well, didnt know i needed to be a member to post in the for sale. guess i need to sign up !