Need help for BEST setup for 72x24x24" (180G)!!!

[mcegelsk]

I'm currently doing research and preps for my 180G. Currently what I have is a tank I used for a few years with FW (Sat now for 3 yrs empty) but have gotten into SW and need to outfit it with the works. The goal of the tank will be reef, including a clam sometime (would like to plan lighting for this) Including the following:

-Full Lighting setup (I know very little, also best resource?)
-Sump Size/Setup
-Pumps (number/size)
-Skimmer
-I think I need to build in overflows since there are none in the tank and possibly drill the tank (Anyone have a similar arrangement?)
-RO/DI
-Wavemakers
-All the awesome stuff that makes the coolest tanks that I don't even know about yet (like the VorTech propeller pump)

I am looking for THE BEST stuff so hit me up with your best suggestions (Links and Pics are greatly appreciated!) Thanks for your help! ~Matt

[mcegelsk]

Can used tanks be flame polished to round the edges and surface polished? Are there any professionals that do this?

[mcegelsk]

Does anyone have a 180G setup with 2" bulkheads? How large are the overflow boxes? Please Help.

[Detritivore]

if you dont mind telling us, what is your budget? when you say the best stuff, it is usually expensive.

the best piece of advice someone could give you right now is to keep reading and researching. there is a wealth of information on here and other websites.

HTH

[mcegelsk]

Detritivore-

Thanks for the reply. I am definately reading...tons...and as far as my price range how about $5000-$10000 (remember I already have the tank).

So far what I have read and put together is this list (and I want to add much more for the most possibilities, everyone please help!):

Base Rock:
www.reeferrocks.com


Skimmers:
Deltec's
www.euro-reef.com


Pumps:
Internal- Vortech Propeller pumps
External-?

Wave:
oceans motions 8Way
SCWD Wavemaker

Heater:

Chiller:

Controller:

Lighting:

Valves:
Savko sells George Fisher true union ball valves

Bulkheads:
Hayward BH usplastic.com - hayward
Savko

[nikonosis]

Base Rock:
www.reeferrocks.com
www.hirocks.com


Skimmers:
www.finsreef.com (h&s)
Deltec's
www.euro-reef.com
www.asmskimmer.com


Pumps:
Internal- Vortech Propeller pumps or any mag/eheim pump
External-panworld or sequence

Wave:
oceans motions 8Way
SCWD Wavemaker

Heater:
2-250W Pro-Heat Titanium Heater

Chiller:
maybe none, depends on your setup

Controller:
Neptune Systems Aquarium Controller & Monitor

Lighting:
3-250w metal halides
maybe 2-vho for acintic

Valves:
Savko sells George Fisher true union ball valves

Bulkheads:
Hayward BH usplastic.com - hayward
Savko

[asnatlas]

For my 600gal (96x48x30) (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=654492) I went with the following :

Base Rock:
www.reeferrocks.com

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Reeferrocks%201.JPG

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Reeferrocks%202.JPG

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Reeferrocks%203.JPG

Skimmer:

BK400 EXT

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/BK400%20on%20stand%201.JPG

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/BK400%20on%20stand%202.JPG

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/BK400%20infront%20of%20tank.JPG

[asnatlas]

Pumps:
Internal- 6x Tunzes (2x6200s and 4x6100s)

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Tunzes%20in%20boxes.JPG

External- Seq Dart for my return.

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Sequence%20ReeFlo%20Dart.JPG

Wave:
Aquarium Specialty (http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=68)

I am thinking about 2x WavySea with 2x 6100s attached to them if it will work...

[asnatlas]

Heater:
Premium Aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com)

4x 500w Finnex (2 on Aquatronica Controller and 2x on Medusa COntroller for backup)

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Finnex%20500W%20Titanium%20Heaters.JPG

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Medusa%20Dual%20Stage%20Digital%20Controller.JPG

Chiller:
Planning on not needing one since my system will be in the basement and I will be running the following :

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Honeywell%20HT800%20fans.JPG

[asnatlas]

Controller:
Aquatronica

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Aquatronica%20Controller.JPG

Lighting:
reefgeek (http://reefgeek.com/)

4x 250w in Lumenarc III's along with 8x T5's on IceCap ballests.

Bulkheads / Valves / Fittings :
Savko (http://savko.com/)

http://www.600gal.asnatlas.com/resized/Misc%20Savko%20plumbing.JPG

[mcegelsk]

asnatlas-

Sweet! This is the kinda things that I'm looking for! I think your input is excellent...I'll add it all to my overall list! Thanks! ~Matt

[nikonosis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6730545#post6730545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcegelsk
asnatlas-

Sweet! This is the kinda things that I'm looking for! I think your input is excellent...I'll add it all to my overall list! Thanks! ~Matt

What are you using for a sump?

[gobygoby]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6719473#post6719473 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcegelsk
Can used tanks be flame polished to round the edges and surface polished? Are there any professionals that do this?

I assume this is an acrylic tank? yes they can be flame polished....but it weakens the acrylic and the bond. can also cause crazing( little tiny cracks)...so beware!

try and use aceteline if possible. You can use butane..but you risk burning it more easily with butane.

[mcegelsk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6731866#post6731866 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gobygoby
I assume this is an acrylic tank? yes they can be flame polished....but it weakens the acrylic and the bond. can also cause crazing( little tiny cracks)...so beware!

try and use aceteline if possible. You can use butane..but you risk burning it more easily with butane.

gobygoby-

Thanks for the info. Do you know of anyone that does it professionally to used tanks?

[mcegelsk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6731834#post6731834 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nikonosis
What are you using for a sump?

nikonosis-

I'm not sure, what size does everyone recommend? I was thinking about a 50 GAL. Other ideas?

[gobygoby]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6733405#post6733405 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcegelsk
gobygoby-

Thanks for the info. Do you know of anyone that does it professionally to used tanks?

Not that I am aware. If yo do find someone, they will probably give you the old "we will do it, but wont garuntee it."

Flame polishing probably wont hurt, I just wanted you to be aware of the risks. and as for a seam springing a leak....it can all be attributed to how well the tank was built, during periods of moving was the tank "thrown around" meaning handled sloppy to bump into things? and are the seams already crazed?

I would be more leary to polish the seamed edges then any small scratches. those would be less likely to have any effect on the structal integrity of the tank.

hth
Goby

[nikonosis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6733414#post6733414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcegelsk
nikonosis-

I'm not sure, what size does everyone recommend? I was thinking about a 50 GAL. Other ideas?

im using a standard 65gallon all glass tank as my sump.

[llewoh05]

taggin along. starting my 180gal. in 5 months.

love the info so far.

mcegelsk, when you start building please post pics.

[mcegelsk]

llewoh05-

No problem. I'm definitely getting ready to do some serious documenting. I just ordered a new digital camera 6MP Sony DSC T9. Got it for a song and will really make for wonderful pics over my old 2MP camera. Thanks for coming along for the ride. And I hope you let me know if you find some great stuff! ~Matt

[mcegelsk]

bump for more info.

[hans1976]

For a sump, I used an Oceanic model III. It's 58 gal, has the bubble trap and is drilled. About $225.

[asnatlas]

I am going to be using two of the 150gal poly rubbermaid tubs (about $120.00 each) for my sump and ref on my 600gal display... I also am going to be using a 50gal poly tub as a frag tank...

[mcegelsk]

Yeah, I have been seeing those around the RC. I definatly like that idea.

[panic]

I have 2 of those Rubbermaid 50s for prop tanks. The round shape makes for some great flow, none is wasted.

[mcegelsk]

What is everyone using on the skimmer side? Deltec? Model?

[mcegelsk]

Bump

[hipertec]

just tagging along/

[alien9168]

Tagging :)

-alien

[Drewcipher]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6774631#post6774631 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcegelsk
What is everyone using on the skimmer side? Deltec? Model?

I am setting up a 72X30X24 and am to receive my H&S skimmer next week. 200 2 X 1260 bought from finsreef.com

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7012376#post7012376 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hipertec
just tagging along/

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7014714#post7014714 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alien9168
Tagging :)

-alien

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/91862Subscribe_to_this_Thread.jpg

[Bono]

I just took down my 180 but here is what I had.

ASM G5 skimmer that worked fine but is cheaply made. I had a Euroreef a few years ago and the quality was much better.

A pair of 6100 Tunze Streams. These are awesome and not nearly as completed as a closed loop.

A PFO retro hood with 3x400w 10k's and 4x55w PC's. If I did it again I would go with the 250's, although these lights were awesome.

My sump was in my garage so I had a 110 gallon tub (like a rubbermaid) with a 1/2 hp Aqualogic chiller and a Sequence dart for return pump. I have used many return pumps and the sequence run great.

Like I said, I changed my 180 to FW but I'm starting to get the itch again.

Let me know if you need any help as I'm in Bradenton.

[mcegelsk]

Thanks for the info guys. All this is great and I've been getting a lot of info down from the excellent recommendations from all of you! I'll be buying a house in about a month or two and look forward to the endless possibilities that await! So don't worry, this thread is far from dead!!!

[portjeffski]

I just completed my 180 project and I am using a MRC2 skimmer that is working just fine.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/8627DSCN2123__Small___Custom_.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/8627DSCN2153__Small_.JPG

[alien9168]

:)

I Love it.

-alien

[ghever]

I am also starting a 180g.... before even buying the tank though, I called Paul at Ocean Motions today....because I plan on using a 4way...my tank will be 50-70%SPS and rest clams, zoos, etc.
For a standard 180 (72x24x24), he recommended the following for flow:

1)2 3/4in returns coming from inside the overflow, up and over and pushing water straight down...
2)2 holes drilled in the back (1 on each side of the overflow) 1in size for closed loop...
3) Another 2 holes as follows:
- For a bare bottom tank, they can be 1inch at back of the tank like the 2 other closed loops, so youd have 2 holes on either side of the overflow.

- For a sand bottom, you'd put those two holes on the front bottom of the tank, and have them angled up (45deg) and towards top of the tank.

So the 2 return lines would be fed by a return pump (you are shooting here for a turnover of about 5times tank size, rest of the flow will come from closed loop) and pump water straight down the tank through rocks etc....
The closed loops would then push the water forward to front of the tank...and then water would either hit front glass and get shot up to top of tank (Bare bottom) or the 2 holes in front would go on and push water up the tank through corals and to overflow.

I will have a glass tank and dont want to drill the bottom, and I am still thinking about whether to go barebottom or not.

For heaters, I am planning on a couple of 250w ebo jagers.
My controller will be a Aquacontroller III.
I have a Korallin 3002 calcium reactor that will be controlled by the aquacontroller.
My closed loop pump will be a sequence reeflo dart.
I plan on my lighting to consist of 3 x 250HQI DE MH and then supplement that with some T5 HO, mostly for a dusk/dawn effect.
I have ordered the Reef Octopus 3000 skimmer and it will be inline, not in sump.

For sump, I am planning on a 100gal acrylic sump...not sure yet how water will flow through it...but part of it will be the refugium.

Last, I also plan on adding a frag tank to the system, so water from sump will get pushed up to a frag tank and then come back down to sump...the plumbing and filtration will be in my garage and pipiing will go through the wall to room where tank will be.

I bought 2 55gal containers to hold my RODI and saltwater... I plan on making water changes as automated as I can ...I currently spend around 2hrs to clean and do water changes for my tank, and I want this to be more like 10-15mins...I know many on here have done this.

I'll tag along for the info anyone else wants to give...and post some of my progress on here as well if you wish.

G

[mcegelsk]

ghever- Sweet info thank you! I definitely like the ideas you have above. Right now I've been talking to my relator about houses and can't wait to get moved and really dive into this TANK!!! Keep them coming guys...I have a lot of info I need to post and I'll get to that this week. ~Matt

[roni]

planning a 180 or 240, depending on what size i have in our new place

probably 72x24x24 glass

gen-x 55 return pump going to 2 sea swirls (already have)
2 vortech on opposite ends run on an RK2 (have a couple gen-x mak4 I could use on CL but really trying to avoid extra holes/plumbing as this will probably become an altum angel tank in 3 years)


DIY RC 20"x8" NW skimmer off gen-x 4100, gravity fed from main tank at 200 gph) + 1 euroreef 5-3...still thinking about ozone though probably not...

Actually trying one of the coralife ca reactors with a separate ph controller

2 400W 10K LAIIIs + 2 160 W VHO actinics

Stilling mulling over the sump...probably a small 20 gallon refugium overflowing into a 75 that i'll use three baffles in (return from tank, middle section for skimmers, return to tank)

topoff with a Litermeter

a 30 gallon tank will probably be plumbed into the main system on slightly different lighting regimen

[mcegelsk]

Well, I've finally decided and acquired my skimmer and calcium reactor. I picked up a Deltec AP702 and a PF600. I think these will suit my need for at least one upgrade to come!!! Critical upgrade planning sounds like it can save a lot of money in the long run!! Keep your recommendations coming! ~Matt

[Natterjak]

Here's what I'm planning for my 180 (72x24x24 acrylic):

Mag 12 return
Sequence Dart and OM 4-way for closed loop
H&S 200x2-F2001 skimmer
K2R calcium reactor
60-70 gallon sump/fuge
Red Sea 100mg/h ozonizer w/Milwaukee ORP controller
Aquacontroller Jr.
3x250w HQI MH, ReefOptixIII pendants with SLS HQI ballasts, Phoenix 14k bulbs

:)

[mcegelsk]

What would everyone recommend as far as lights go? I'm looking to keep SPS and am thinking about the T5 idea...anyone have input? I'd like the best option for growth while minimizing electrical running costs. ~Matt

[15nano]

Awsome looking Stand/Canopy tank is nice too

[alien9168]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7188614#post7188614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Natterjak
Here's what I'm planning for my 180 (72x24x24 acrylic):

Mag 12 return
Sequence Dart and OM 4-way for closed loop
H&S 200x2-F2001 skimmer
K2R calcium reactor
60-70 gallon sump/fuge
Red Sea 100mg/h ozonizer w/Milwaukee ORP controller
Aquacontroller Jr.
3x250w HQI MH, ReefOptixIII pendants with SLS HQI ballasts, Phoenix 14k bulbs

:)

Looks good to me! :)

[mcegelsk]

Anyone with a 180G setup using ONLY T-5s? ~Matt

[brad23]

Cool thread, I'm setting up a 180g as well. I have all the equipment I need.

I'm using the tunze wave box, sequance dart closed loop for flow, and a mag 12 for the return.

ASM G4X to skim the tank with.

[hipertec]

I have a newly set up 180 but I am having an issue with my return/flow in my tank. I bit the bullet and bought a Dart as a return going to 4 outlets (loclines). My flow out of the loclines are not strong at all and I am afraid that I dont have enough pressure to create flow in the tank.
But the flow going thru my sump is ALOT. Does this mean that I have enough flow in my tank?
I hate to drill another hole in the tank for a closed loop and I tried to add a RIO 32HF as a return and the Dart and I think it was too much from my sump.
Is there anything I can do to keep the Dart as my main pump?
PS- My plumbing is 1.5" in and 1/5" out to about 2ft from the return to the tank where it reduces to 3/4" bulkheads/loclines.
Plumbing it directly to 1.5 all the way is not going to work...any suggestions???

[mcegelsk]

Hipertec-

How much head (feet from pump up to outlets) is the pump pushing against? This should give you a good idea of how much flow you have going through your tank. To add some flow you have other options other than drilling other holes. You could use one of the new IceCap Vortech pumps, I plan on doing this and using a minimal flow through the sump. Or you could just try this idea, isolate one of the 4 locklines returning to the tank. With only 3 lines returning you should get more water flow through the other three. If you have your system setup well, then this should only be a twist of a valve. You could rotate which line is closed and therefore kind of give the tank a longer term "tidal effect". Just an idea. ~Matt

[brose]

Excellent Thread, my thanks to all.
I'm getting ready to re-establish a 2'x2'x6' reef which has been down for over a year, so this has been helpful.
I appreciate all the useful info & ideas. Cheers

[mcegelsk]

Brose-

Thanks. I'm glad people are getting useful stuff from this. That is why I originally started it and will continue to ask and accumulate the wealth of info from people here on RC. Experience, in my opinion is worth tons more than winging it on this kind of thing! Just make sure you come back and share your experience!!! ~Matt

[drutar]

This thread is great. I am about finished with my 200g stand/cabinet setup myself. RC and it's members are very inspiring!

[Drewcipher]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7289326#post7289326 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcegelsk
Anyone with a 180G setup using ONLY T-5s? ~Matt

I have finally decided that my new 225 is going to be all T5. Tom at aquatinics.com makes a 14X39 watt fixture that is 72 inches long. He has one on his 180 and says it is plenty of light. I am going to get one and then see if I want to further supplement it later. His user name is aquatinics, so you can check with him if he has any pics.

[bradleyj]

I am in the process of just finishing the setup of my 225g, 72"x24'x30' . This is what I have so far.
2- Sequence Darts, one return, one closed loop
Deltec AP702 skimmer
DeltecPF500 calcium reactor
Deltec Rowaphos reactor
Red Sea Aquazone Deluxe 100 Ozone
72" Maristar Light fixture 3x250w DE MH and 4 39w T-5's
Neptune AquacontrollerIII
We are in the process of designing an auto waterchange system where I will be able to do a 30 gallon waterchange with the push of a button on my PC thru the neptune. It is going to be great and very convenient.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/tileman/100_8398Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/tileman/100_8390Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/tileman/100_8414Large.jpg

[mcegelsk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7457408#post7457408 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Drewcipher
I have finally decided that my new 225 is going to be all T5. Tom at aquatinics.com makes a 14X39 watt fixture that is 72 inches long. He has one on his 180 and says it is plenty of light. I am going to get one and then see if I want to further supplement it later. His user name is aquatinics, so you can check with him if he has any pics.

Drew-

Amazing that I have price quoted the exact same thing from Tom and will be ordering it soon. I've already purchased most of the bulbs, and going to add some of the new URI/UV bulbs into the mix. Please let me know what you think of the fixture once you receive it. I'm anxious to hear customer reviews on the setup. Thanks. ~Matt

[RokleM]

I'm interested in that setup as well. I have T5's on my 58 now, but am still up in the air for what to do on my new 180. I'm thinking I'd like the open top idea as well, but there aren't many options for non-retro thus far in our size.

I was also looking at the 72" Maristar Light fixture 3x250w DE MH and 4 39w T-5's. I've heard pretty good things about it.

Just finished my stand last night, so I'm really starting to look at hardware as well.

http://mad-skillz.com/aquarium/05.28.2006-6.jpg

[mcegelsk]

Very well built stand!!! Keep up great work! Let me know what light you end up going with and how you like it! ~Matt

[mcegelsk]

Well, I have finally acquired my main pump. I've just purchased the Red Dragon 4.5 and look forward to getting this project moving along! I'm going with a low turnover through the sump and going to have internal flow from two Vortechs.

I'll be ordering the 72" fixture from Tom as mentioned in above posts and I've decided to DIY upgrade my tank and mod it with the external tank length overflow. I'm going to be integrating the quieting features of Calfo.

So the next big items will be the piping setup and I will be utilizing spaflex I believe as much as possible. I still also need to build my sump and I'm debating what route I want to go as well as the size I really need.

Does anyone have sump recommendations for my 180G? Any experiences for different sizes or benefits of smaller or larger? Thanks!

~Matt

[RokleM]

Sorry, I never did reply to this post.

I installed daul 400w MH's on a HQI ballast with the new LumenMax2's. I've tried both the Radium and Hamilton 14k and like the look.

If you have space, I would consider just using a 100 gal rubbermaid poly. If you want to stick it under than tank, depending on the stand size and such, you should have little issues sticking at least a 30 gallon down there which only takes up about half the underside (plenty of room for equipment).

I'm running a Sequence Tarpoon, but that feeds both my 58 upstairs and my 180 in the basement from the sump. When I ran it in a closed system (not hooked up to my large sump and 58), I justed used a Mag9 and it worked fine.

Slightly recent picture.

http://mad-skillz.com/aquarium/08.01.2006-10.jpg

[mcegelsk]

Well finally I am making some headway with my 180G. I've acquired most of the major basic components and have it doing the initial fill of Saltwater currently. This set of pictures includes the coast to coast external overflow that I built on the back of my existing 180G. Then it also has the sump construction.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01369.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01370.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01371.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01423.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01424.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01425.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01426.jpg

[mcegelsk]

This is the pics with the sump water testing...amazingly on my first extremely longer project there were no leaks, seams look good as well.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01427.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01428.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01430.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01431.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01432.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01433.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01434.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01435.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01436.jpg

[mcegelsk]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01439.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01440.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01441.jpg

And I thought this was a great sign to see!!! Pot of gold at the end...hopefully and excellent reef to come!!!

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01444.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01445.jpg

Finally sump is full:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01446.jpg

[mcegelsk]

Well with a little bit of trouble at first I managed to finish the external coast to coast overflow. It works exceptionally well. You can see in a couple pictures that I had a bit of trouble routing the first cut (guide wasn't tight enough), but after that the cuts are pretty good. Also for the bulkheads (1.5") all I did was put some tape over them and one held perfectly the other had a small bubble in it that leaked but didn't really matter since this was just a test, it sufficed. Again, no leaks on either the tank which I wanted to test as it just made a move from CT to VA. And then the overflow test as well.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01447.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01448.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01449.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01450.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01451.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01452.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01453.jpg

[mcegelsk]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01454.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01455.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01456.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01457.jpg

[mcegelsk]

I received my 14X39 watt 72 inch long fixture a few months back and was farther behind in my tank progress. So I finally unpacked it last week and had half of the bulbs and got the rest Friday. Saturday my Vortech came, and here is a few pictures of the initial tank fill and my light setup. First the order and schedule I plan to run.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01494.jpg

What the setup looks like (top of the pic is front, just like top of order of bulbs is front).

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01488.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01489.jpg

First switch on (only):

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01490.jpg

Second switch on (only):

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01491.jpg

Third switch on (only):

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01492.jpg

All together on:

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/mcegelsk/180G%20Build/DSC01493.jpg

[mcegelsk]

So with that, has anyone found anything cool lately as far as equipment, sweet SPS or any thing I should know specifically about going BB? Thanks. Always room for improvement! ~Matt

[geobau]

Those lighting comparison photos are great! I'd like to see that again when you have corals beneath them. I debated the halides and T5s and decided on the halides. Not sure I'm going to stick with them yet.

[greghigham]

Matt,
I'm in the planning process for what is likely to be a 170g (72x18x30) and this thread has been invaluable - thank you!
Question: Early on you mentioned you were considering either Oceans Motions 8Way or SCWD Wavemaker for water movement. This issue is one I am wrestling with as well. Curious where you landed on this - and what other opinions are?
Thanks,
G

[mcegelsk]

G,

Initially I was looking at all possibilities. However what I found that I wanted to focus toward was keeping SPS, but in the most efficient manner. I went through and broke down the investment cost of more flow and decided I'd rather invest the money up front toward equipment that uses less power and maximizes flow than going to excess. With the 8way or SCWD you need a fairly large pump to drive the force, and you will lose a decent amount of energy just by the SCWD operating. I am utilizing minimum flow through the sump, while maximizing the flow in the tank. I'm doing that currently with one Vortech and will be getting another as soon as I can. The controller that I select will need to be able to control the pumps back and forth to create a best tidal environment, again for the lowest wattage. I also didn't want to deal with excess heat issues and therefore through lighting and pumps wanted to minimize the input that they have on the heat issue. Hope that helps.

~Matt