Matt's 180g build thread

[Matt0676]

Hello everyone!! I am finally posting pics of my "new" 180g build.:celeb1: A lot of you have read my posts and offered advice and I can't thank you enough. Everyone has been great with my "newbie" questions.

This tank is a 180g AGA that I bought off a guy on Craigslist. It has been running at my house for exactly 1 week, but before that it was established for about 9 months.

I hope you guys enjoy the pics. I labeled them all in Picasa so I hope you can read the text.

Please feel free to offer advice if you see something wrong. But remember, I am a newbie so try to be constructive. :)

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0098.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0099.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0100.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0101.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0105.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0106.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0107.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0108.jpg

[Matt0676]

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0114.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0115.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0116.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0117.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0118.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0119.jpg

[ScubaPrawn]

Awesome pics man. This tank is gonna rock--can't wait to see it develop!

[Matt0676]

Awesome pics man. This tank is gonna rock--can't wait to see it develop!

Thanks Scuba, I appreciate it. I still have all the live rock from my Nano, I am going to add that shortly. It should add nicely to the aquascape.

[akunochi]

Looking good man. I wish my 180 was soo clear....well it would be but an anthias descided to check out a power head a lil close ;) Keep the pics rolling

[Matt0676]

Looking good man. I wish my 180 was soo clear....well it would be but an anthias descided to check out a power head a lil close ;) Keep the pics rolling

Thank you, I hope it stays this clear. Sorry to hear about your anthias.

I will post more pics for sure. I am hoping my cycle doesn't take long given the fact it was an established tank with lots of live rock.

[ScubaPrawn]

Seachem Stability really helped my tank go faster with the cycling period. I highly recommend it.

[lordofthereef]

Nice start. My only criticism for the time being is to do something with that heater. It should be horizontal for the best efficiency, but at the very least it need to be fully submerged IMO. Looking forward to the development of this thread :)

[Matt0676]

Nice start. My only criticism for the time being is to do something with that heater. It should be horizontal for the best efficiency, but at the very least it need to be fully submerged IMO. Looking forward to the development of this thread :)

Thank you for your input, I actually got rid of that heater as it was broken. I have since replaced it with a model that not only works, but fits better too.

[Hoodrich]

nice set up. is the sump custom?

[Matt0676]

nice set up. is the sump custom?

Thank you. It is a modified Precision Marine Sump. The piece of glass was added between the skimmer and fuge giving it a total of 4 compartments

[Matt0676]

Here are some updated pictures. The tank is coming along great!! Let me know what you think!


http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0116-1.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0114-1.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0118-1.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0121.jpg

[lunchmeat]

Looks amazing. :)

[mkobu]

Looking sweet!! One thing I noticed though, Is that sump big enough to handle power outage?? Looks a lil high during operation.....

[Matt0676]

Looking sweet!! One thing I noticed though, Is that sump big enough to handle power outage?? Looks a lil high during operation.....

Thanks for your question. I actually killed the power to it a few times to test it out and the sump did great. I also marked the "Max Fill" line on the side so I never fill it too much when topping off. The water level stops about 2" from the top of the sump.

[Matt0676]

I am also building my water changing station as we speak. It is just a simple setup that makes life a little easier. It should be done today. Pics tonight!

[brgmini]

This looks great! I am following along.

[Matt0676]

This looks great! I am following along.

Thank you, I am glad you like it. I will add pics as things progress.

[Matt0676]

Here are some pics of my water station. Not quite done yet, but getting there.

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/WaterStand.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0127.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0128.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0129.jpg

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/matt0676/180g%20tank%20build/DSC_0024.jpg

[Matt0676]

I have to go buy a larger drill bit so I can plumb the PVC through the plywood. More to follow shortly. I am going to work on that tonight. More pics tomorrow!

[LocalPref]

Tank looks like it is off to great start.
Can you provide an equipment list?
Also what are your plans for stocking?

[Matt0676]

Tank looks like it is off to great start.
Can you provide an equipment list?
Also what are your plans for stocking?

Sure, here is the equipment list:

Tank - 180g AGA (6'x2'x2')
Lights - 72" Nova Extreme Pro T5's
Protein Skimmer - ATB 840
Sump - Precision Marine
Return Pump - Little Giant 4-MDQX
Powerheads - Koralia 4 (4)
Carbon Reactor - Dual BRS GFO
RO/DI - Ocean Reef Miser Six Stage (150 GPD)

In regards to stocking, My list is pretty standard. Tangs, clowns, various inverts, mandarin (eventually), pistol shrimp, watchman, sexy shrimp (several), etc.

As far as corals, I am a fan of softies. I like my corals to move in the flow. I may try SPS someday, but that isn't part of the plan right now.