New tank build - 180 gallon

[klwheat]

Figured I'd go ahead and start the thread while I'm waiting on equipment.
Currently on order, custom 180 with 3 internal drains and 2 returns in large center overflow. Trigger tideline 36 sump, vectra return pump, G4 radion lights.
I cannot wait to get this thing setup.
It's going to be on a 36" stand (little taller than the 32" I have now) with 12" canopy.
Also going to be plumbing in a small frag tank in the stand as well as a wall for all of the controller stuff and shelf for ballast.
Will be adding pictures as it progresses.
Would love to hear any suggestion or advice from previous experiences.


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[alton]

Sounds awesome, cant wait to see the G4's

[klwheat]

Me too! Lol
Can't wait to do this. Planning to do all of the plumbing and electrical before a drop of water hits it. Since it's going to go in a different place than the current tank, I can take my time and do it the way I want upfront with no hurry for a change.


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[FarmerTy]

This is definitely going to be an awesome build! I'd do more research on the Vectra pump and see if it's a good fit for you. I've heard only issues from it from a local in Austin and for that price, you would assume you wouldn't have to deal with that kind of stuff. His may be just an isolated issue though.

[Justin]

I didn't hear about that issue with Vectra's but the idea of being able to control the flow via the controller is cool. Especially while feeding. I was trying to do research on similar pumps that can be controlled via the apex to accomplish the same thing. In the end, I just decided to be happy with my current Sicce 4.0.

[klwheat]

FarmerTy...do you know what the issues were? I've only good things so far. Would definitely like more info.
Justin, I agree that controlling it with the apex would be great, but my understanding is that the vectra is not controllable with the wxm.


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[FarmerTy]

I don't really remember but here's his build thread if you want to scan it. He's actually using a Jaebo DC return pump now.

[klwheat]

I did some more reading too. Was very surprised to see reliability and customer service issues. May just go with another sicce like I'm using in the 90. Does it's job well, no issues.


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[FarmerTy]

Oops, here's the thread link.

http://www.austinreefclub.com/index.php?/topic/35253-BornToHula's-240-Gallon-Build

[FarmerTy]

I have a Sicce HF 12 with a new impeller I'm not using anymore. Not sure if you need that much flow but I'll move it along for cheap if you are interested.

[klwheat]

Thanks for the link. Not sure about the pump, but I'll look it up.


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[alton]

I understand they have had issues with the L1 because of the pump getting warmer than the controller would allow. I use the M1 on my 180 on about 1/2 to 3/4 and have had no issues. Definitely no heat and it is super quiet. It has been around a year of continous running

[klwheat]

Ok, install day is next Thursday! Can't wait!


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[klwheat]

New tank/stand/canopy arrives shortly! Can't wait. Of course, it won't be and running yet, but it'll be here...lol


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[klwheat]

Ok, gotta get teaser pics up. Apparently my new tank came with a mermaid 😄(my 12 year old daughter)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170217/f90459dc719559565cd3ef762551eae8.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170217/1561b50edc9fd1952a35db4b16812286.jpg


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[FarmerTy]

Awesome! Tank looks great and thanks for the size reference! Haha.

[klwheat]

Awesome! Tank looks great and thanks for the size reference! Haha.

Thanks! Can't wait to come get the new frags! 😄


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[klwheat]

Plumbing is almost complete!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/19b58a0c309e3e5ff379aae31ef737d1.jpg


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[Justin]

Randy did a hell of a job. Looks really good. I'm assuming the shelf over the sump is for a doser or 2 part solution?

[klwheat]

Randy did a hell of a job. Looks really good. I'm assuming the shelf over the sump is for a doser or 2 part solution?

Dos pump, ato pump, and radion ballasts


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[klwheat]

Water getting there - Tuesday evening

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170223/88ea17d385ab4af04cb80ae0a2654cc2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170223/5dc8f71c741bb6ba8543e9fd042a77af.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170223/947d7f3ff7e302aaab3cc08037520f2d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170223/4c6785d4433ed28a95e04ec9ac89d275.jpg


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[klwheat]

Tonight got water flowing and fans blowinghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170223/6002f0d6609847b17102862e7f433636.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170223/a3e4ad2b6b770c443c9bf3e19705ace5.jpg


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[alton]

Looking great! thanks for posting

[klwheat]

Looking great! thanks for posting

Thanks!
More pics as we progress.


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[klwheat]

Lights are on, but nobody's home 😄 It's slow progress...but it's progress.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170224/1b5cc1e8a2b44020343e186ea63ab8d2.jpg


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[Reefnub]

Nice!!

[Justin]

getting there and almost in time for our Frag Swap later in the year.

[klwheat]

getting there and almost in time for our Frag Swap later in the year.

When's the swap!


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[leliataylor]

When's the swap!


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In the works for May 7th. Love the tank by the way.

[klwheat]

In the works for May 7th. Love the tank by the way.

Thanks!! Need more room for the swap 😄


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[Justin]

getting there and almost in time for our Frag Swap later in the year.

[klwheat]

Ok, some progress tonight. Got the new radions attached to the apex and programmed, frag rack built for the frag tank, skimmer stand done, and feeder tray installed.
On another note, love the new radions. The g4s are at at 50% putting out the same PAR as the g1 at 70% output. Also, I LOVE the added UV coloration on the g4s.


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[SantaMonicaHelp]

Figured I'd go ahead and start the thread while I'm waiting on equipment.
Currently on order, custom 180 with 3 internal drains and 2 returns in large center overflow. Trigger tideline 36 sump, vectra return pump, G4 radion lights.
I cannot wait to get this thing setup.
It's going to be on a 36" stand (little taller than the 32" I have now) with 12" canopy.
Also going to be plumbing in a small frag tank in the stand as well as a wall for all of the controller stuff and shelf for ballast.
Will be adding pictures as it progresses.
Would love to hear any suggestion or advice from previous experiences.


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Hi Klwheat :)

Congratulations with new tank!
How is the set up going?
How you think to fill the tank?

Zhenya

[klwheat]

Hi Klwheat :)

Congratulations with new tank!
How is the set up going?
How you think to fill the tank?

Zhenya

Thanks. Planning to try to transfer livestock Friday. Adding new livestock after that!


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[klwheat]

Alright! Tank setup is basically done! Didn't get many pics during the setup...but wanted to post a quick fts. The hardest part was rerouting the apex into the new setup. Can't wait to sit and enjoy it now!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/1bb7f2dfcecb279a21b1a57c271d838c.jpg


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[BBQHILLBILLY]

Awesome 180 is a perfect size tank


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[klwheat]

Ok, update with week 2 water tests (last week only tested nitrates and phos...both 0).
Nitrates 1, phos 0.05, calcium 475, alk 9.07, mag 1410. Think I'll turn down the dosers just a touch and see how it looks next weekend. We've added some new corals, a new anemone (2 actually...the rock had a hitchhiker), and a couple of new fish. If phos creeps up, I'll add gfo to the currently empty reactor.
So far, everything is looking good!


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[klwheat]

Figured I'd post an update with some new pics. Have added several corals and a few new fish. Water is looking good, just waiting on my skimmer replacement. Currently using one that's pretty undersized for the tank.
Nitrates 1, phos 0.04, alk 8.85, calcium 460, mag 1365. Temp 78, pH 8.1-8.3 throughout the dayhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/44cb7c602f9518c1ad88b0af7fde1053.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/3a5bf1b2f53a522893d5641c6ab60c2a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/f9452fd360c29a1035788276c28d60c7.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/ae156bdc66b4d73611ea55660bacbd21.jpg



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[Awais98]

Figured I'd post an update with some new pics. Have added several corals and a few new fish. Water is looking good, just waiting on my skimmer replacement. Currently using one that's pretty undersized for the tank.
Nitrates 1, phos 0.04, alk 8.85, calcium 460, mag 1365. Temp 78, pH 8.1-8.3 throughout the dayhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/44cb7c602f9518c1ad88b0af7fde1053.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/3a5bf1b2f53a522893d5641c6ab60c2a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/f9452fd360c29a1035788276c28d60c7.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170318/ae156bdc66b4d73611ea55660bacbd21.jpg



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Looks beautiful


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[klwheat]

Thank you!


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[klwheat]

Okay, it's been a few...time for an update. The 180 is still fallow due to velvet, but the corals don't seem to care. Apparently, they're all quite happy. I usually check parameters weekly, but didn't have time last weekend. Checked today (basically 2 weeks) and alk, normally 7.5-8, had dropped to 6. Calcium down from 450 to 420 and mag down from 1350 to 1300. Time to turn up those dosers I guess!
Also, nitrates 2, phos 0. Been continuing to lightly feed the tank and continue reef roids, reef energy and acropower throughout the fallow time.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170526/65f0aa7e914781532b44a0c0fb8c20cb.jpg


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[Reefnub]

Looking good bud!

[klwheat]

Looking good bud!

Thank you


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[Justin]

Looks good man. What is that huge Red colony on the red?

[klwheat]

Looks good man. What is that huge Red colony on the red?

Thanks. That's a montipora setosa. Has grown like a weed! What you see there is about 1/4th of the total growth it's had. Grew it from a quarter sized frag, and have sold or given away a ton of it!


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[FarmerTy]

Very nice!

[klwheat]

Very nice!

Thank you sir! How's the family?


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[FarmerTy]

Thank you sir! How's the family?


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Little guy is cracking us up and momma is good. Thanks for asking! Tank misses me though. Haha.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/29bde615af63f168c6cabb8c17d46e6c.jpg

[klwheat]

Little guy is cracking us up and momma is good. Thanks for asking! Tank misses me though. Haha.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/29bde615af63f168c6cabb8c17d46e6c.jpg

Aww...adorable!


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[FarmerTy]

Aww...adorable!


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Thank you sir. We were afraid he'd come out with red hair like my wife. :p

[FarmerTy]

How are you liking the new tank setup?

[klwheat]

Loving it so far...other than the whole "no fish" thing...lol


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[FarmerTy]

Loving it so far...other than the whole "no fish" thing...lol


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Just tape some fish to the front glass. I'm in the same boat, no fish in the tank right now. :(