Mike's 180 build

[MrFlameangel]

Well so only a few short months ago my wife gave me the go ahead to upgrade our 60 cube to a 180. The plan was to take our time and have this tank finished around the first of the year. But the next thing I knew, I was selling a riding lawn mower I didn't really need and she sold a couch that was taking the spot of the new tank.

So I ordered the stand and canopy and would receive it a month after ordering it. In the mean time I found a 40 breeder in savannah that i would be using for the sump. So i Headed there to get it only to find out, I lacked 1/2" of getting it in the trunk of my car. So what did we do? Yes that's right red neck reefing all the way back to Warner robins.

Attachment 38132Attachment 38133


The stand came in about a month ago.





Well after seeing the stand sitting there collecting dust we couldn't wait to buy the tank.








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[MrFlameangel]

So the pictures of us bringing the sump back did not attach. Here they are. Ok so I just had to put it out there my wife had to go to wet willies. Lol. Pic of the sump.




So then came the plan to wait a week to do the plumping. Well I was wrong, it happened the next day getting back with the tank




As I was just about to finish the plumbing my wife got the bright idea to go ahead and put the rock in. Now mind you it's 930pm and I have to be at work the next morning at 545am!!! But there was no telling her NO.





So I am now at work, tired as all get out and still lacked a bunch of water. I have the last batch of water mixing now and when I get home this evening, the tank should be full. For last night I had the ph's running to keep the rock and sand alive.


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[JeF4y]

Nice!! Can't wait to see it with water in it!

haha... didn't have to wait long! =)

[ShanePike]

Man, I love this stage. I know exactly what you mean about not being able to wait on things

[rdnelson99]

Great story and the tank and stand are very nice. I love your rock work. I kind of miss all the planning and putting things together when I upgraded to the 125. :-)

[beccaf91]

Very nice setup Mike

[bpatterson617]

Originally Posted by rdnelson99

I kind of miss all the planning and putting things together when I upgraded to the 125. :-)

Well you could always start planning for the next upgrade!!

But seriously, everything looks very nice!! You are pretty much building my dream tank!

[eddie'sfig]

Love the storyline have had those nights with the wife but I keep her up lol. this tank setup and aquascape is nice tuned in.

[merkywater]

Looking good Mike!

[MrFlameangel]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I will be trying my hand at a slow movement through my sump.

Return pump: eheim 1200

Skimmer: super reef octopus 2000 (very light bio-load)





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[MrFlameangel]

So I am now at 5 days and still no cycle. I was hoping for a 3 day cycle but it looks as if I may not have a cycle at all. I am still waiting and checking to ensure the tank does not take a slow take off. I am using using MicroBacter7 for the first month of this upgrade.

SG - 1.026
PH - 8.0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0

I have have a few purple zoa's 1 green mushroom that was still attached to the rock when I put the rock in the tank. I have also seen 4 crabs that were hidding in the rock also. All are still alive and kicking. So far so good and hope things stay this way.

[Butch]

Looks good Mike. Glad to see you kept the rock from your 60g...that stuff is awesome. I cant tell from the pictures, but it looks like you have a small fuge area in your sump. If you need some cheato for it, let me know.

[rdnelson99]

Very nice. I like the arches.

[MrFlameangel]

Originally Posted by Butch

Looks good Mike. Glad to see you kept the rock from your 60g...that stuff is awesome. I cant tell from the pictures, but it looks like you have a small fuge area in your sump. If you need some cheato for it, let me know.

No, just more rock acting as a filter. And that is what I will bust up when I need frag plugs for coral.


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[MrFlameangel]

Originally Posted by rdnelson99

Very nice. I like the arches.

That is the only thing the wife likes. She has done all the Rock work in any tank we have had. If I do it, I get yelled at. Lol.


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[Butch]

Originally Posted by MrFlameangel

She has done all the Rock work in any tank we have had. If I do it, I get yelled at. Lol.

Know your role! Let her have at it. She had the 60g looking great and is on her way to a repeat performance! That girl has skilz. lol

[MrFlameangel]

She did a wonderful job with the rock. No the only thing I need for the setup is one center light in the canopy, a 300w heater and the 2 doors for the stand.

I hopefully will have the heater and doors next week. The light will be bought with our tax return. Right now I am using 2, 250w MH. And at tax time I will add 3 radions to the setup.




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[LegalReefer]

Haha! awesome story!

[J.B.]

Looks absolutely awesome, Mike...I gotta get over there and see this beast in person.

sDn, since I know you routinely read over Mike's shoulder, you did a great job with the rockwork! My only critique would be in post #11 picture #5...you need to shave your toes...lol

[MrFlameangel]

That is so great. She's gonna love that one j.b.