180 upgrade begins :) custom stand and setup build


Added the rest of the braces tonight the front two are as close to center while still allowing the sump to get out from under the tank... Also played with some 1/4" Wayne's coat paneling on the sides to try and match my tongue and groove ceiling looks pretty good and has no structural value so why not go thin and keep the weight down... Going to add the plywood bottom tomorrow hopefully and paint the inside and all 2x4 parts of the stand white so under cabinet reflects light brightly for maintenance
 

Painting inside of stand white



Drilled the two 3/4" returns and setup some return plumbing... Went flex so I could cut and remove tank easily while main components stay with the stand... 2 gate valves are on the way to adjust flow to each side independently



Random plumbing shot... Still working out manifold and drains.. I'm running Herbie style overflow so I'm probably going to use 1" flex for the emergency drains and hard pipe with unions and gate valves to regulate drains... Pump is equipped with flex to hard pipe to a spears check valve to a ball valve to a reducing t for the manifold then to the returns...
I have 3 - 3/4 " gate valves and 3/4 to 1/2" reducers for flex tube off the manifold... Do you think I'll want more than 3 ports? Also any suggestions on things you guys don't like.... Please chime in

Also debating on a dosing setup not controlled via apex or a calcium reactor... Please give suggestions on pro's and cons... Also ordered 90 lbs more of Marco rocks to add to the 90-100 lbs of live rock coming out of the 93... Bought a mp40 as well... That hurt the wallet!

Also painted the back black and started staining and pre painting some trim tonight
 
Wow looks good glenn. You've been busy since I swung by. Now just wrap the stand and put it upstairs

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Looking good Glen. I'm not sure what your plans are, but I'd recommend running a stub-off on your return line so you can run reactors without using additional powerheads. I just did this recently and it works great. Even if you don't plan to run reactors now, you may in the future.

Also, what is the white care in the background? Looks sweet! I'm not that good with classic cars, but I'll guess Chevy II?
 
Sawdonkey said:
Looking good Glen. I'm not sure what your plans are, but I'd recommend running a stub-off on your return line so you can run reactors without using additional powerheads. I just did this recently and it works great. Even if you don't plan to run reactors now, you may in the future.

Also, what is the white care in the background? Looks sweet! I'm not that good with classic cars, but I'll guess Chevy II?
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I have a 3/4" reactor line coming off the return pump its just in the rough stages and hard to see... ill be adding three outputs for now on it all controlled via gate valves then reducing to 1/2" flex tubing are you running a calcium reactor? i will have gfo running immediatley
 
1000rrstunna said:
I have a 3/4" reactor line coming off the return pump its just in the rough stages and hard to see... ill be adding three outputs for now on it all controlled via gate valves then reducing to 1/2" flex tubing are you running a calcium reactor? i will have gfo running immediatley
Click to expand...

Sounds like you have it under control. I only have two outlets off my stub off, but can easily add more. I run biopellets and gfo currently. I should have just put in two more, one for a carbon reactor that I'd like to run from time to time, and one for anything else such as a calcium reactor.


No, I only use kalk. When my colonies grow out and demand more, I'll start adding vinegar to the kalk, when they demand more, I'll dose two part to supplement, and if and when they demand more, I'll look into a calcium reactor (this scares me though).
 
And I got a lot done today... Not sure how much I like it though...

All un finished wood stained to match the sides and I will be doing black doors as well I hate finishing wood to :(



Also nervous on how I'm going to safely transfer all my livestock from the 93 and not crash my tank and kill everything. I have a 55 gallon to house corals and fish along side it with a hang on back filter and powerheads for 48 hours max... The new tank must go where the 93 is currently. Any advice or is anyone willing to babysit a few nice pieces my tank is 100% parasite free coral wise. Never one disease all items always dipped ect... I'm not concerned about the small fish I have and I'd like to sell one or two of my larger guys before the transfer.anyone have advice or is this a horrid idea
 
What if we move the 93 over so the 180 will go in place then drain the entire system into the 180 and fill it the rest of the way with the fresh saltwater. Do you think that would cause it to crash

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I can't move the 93 wayyyy to heavy and last time I slid it it scratched my floor somehow... Even though I glued thin felt carpet to the bottom
 
Ok. Hmm well do you think if we empty the 93 then put the 180 in and used the old water and new water if it would crash

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Yeah, drain the 93 enough to where you can lift each end. Slip a folded towel under each end and slide it. I was in a solar situation as you when I went from 90 to 220.
 
Can't I just drain and put all livestock in a bare bottom tank on the floor I have like a 55 and a 75 laying here with a hob filter they could live in there a few days until new tank is filled then add rock and all livestock... I have like 90lbs of good live rock that started as dry rock a year. Ago to date. I have a fresh bottle of dr Tim's in the fridge to... Also have the cheato and will be buying all new live sand... How much did you need for your 220 saw?
 
I'm just worried it might start a mini cycle and take some casualties, but as long as everything's good after a couple days I see nothing wrong with doing it your way

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Me to... Also wondering what light to purchase for the third since I'm running two AI hydras right now I'm wondering if I buy a hydra 52 or another standard hydra and save 200$
 
Just get the same one you got. They are working great for you already

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If the other lights are doing what you want then just get another one. If they aren't then get the 52, but keep in mind that you may not be able to match spectrum/intensity with a different light in the middle.
 
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