1st Step of Picture Journey for 180 Gallon All-Glass *LOOOK*

[ryhoward]

My goal with this post is to get as much feedback from the group as possible so I can help limit the newbie mistakes.

This first post will show pictures of my DIY stand, sump, and location of the soon to be arriving custom drilled 180g AGA RR aquarium. I have also included a list of hardware that I currently have.

Future posts will include every step of the process looking for insight into lighting, plumbing, setup, etc.

Relevant Info:
Tank resides in Finished Basement which is our primary hang-out area. The tank and all equipment is in a Fish Room I built when I finished the basement.

Currently Have:
180 g AGA RR
Aquac EV-180 Protein Skimmer powered by Iwaki 30RLT
30 g Acrylic Sump / 60 Gallon glass tank for refugium
(3) 400 W 10K MH
(4) 36" VHO Actinic powered by (1) Icecap 660's
Dolphin Ampmaster 3600 for Closed Loop drilled in back of tank (Considering Sea Swirls but may just stick with circulating water)
75 GPD Captive Purity Reverse Osmosis / Deionization units (RO/DI)
(2) 250 w Ebo-Jager Heaters

 

[Anonymous]

We almost have the exact same setup!. You mention a custome drilled 180? Do you just mean RR or is AGA drilling it in a certain spot.

I would really like to see pics of your stand/canopy. I am doing mine over and need ideas

 

[ryhoward]

The pictures and 2D layouts will be up shortly.

The tanks was drilled by the LFS to support a closed loop system. There will be (3) 1" 1/2 Bulkheads. I will post pictures when the tank arrives.

Ryan

 

[ryhoward]

Here are a few drawings of the stand layout. I fastened the 4x4's with the 2x4's & 2x6's with Lag & Hex Bolts. If you have any questions or need more info please ask.

 

[ryhoward]

I have brought in 3 separate circuits to the fish room. (2) 15 Amp and (1) 20 Amp. Do you think this would be sufficient?

How should I setup the equipment that will best protect me in case of a blown circuit?

Here are my thoughts:

20 Amp
Dual PFO Ballast for (2) 400 w MH
Icecap 660 for (4) 36" VHO's

15 Amp #1
Single PFO Ballast for (1) 400 w MH
(1) 250w Ebo-Jager Heater
Return Pump (Not sure which yet)

15 Amp #2
(1) 250w Ebo-Jager Heater
Closed Loop Dolphin Ampmaster 3600 Pump

 

[ryhoward]

I just purchased this 60g 36x18x20 tank to serve as my refugium. I had the LFS drill it for two 1.5 bulkheads.

My thoughts are to have some of the water that comes from the 1 of 2 overflows enter the fuge and then overflow into the sump to be returned to the main tank. I know absolutely nothing about refugiums and I have not found any real good posts on the subject.

I am looking for ideas on how to partition the space, baffles, and information on how to stock it.

I have read that ideally you should put the fuge above the tank so the contents don't have to travel thru the return pump. Yet, with a closed loop run by an ampmaster and two overflows I would say everything is going to get run thru the pumps allot. Your comments would be appreciated?

 

[centrek]

on the pic of the stand where the tank is going to be, and the cut out in the drywall, it doesn't look like there are any 2x4 studs behind the drywall. Wouldn't it bend a lot and possibly crack??
I think the setup looks great however. Good luck with it all!!

BTW: I REALLY wish i had money to buy your 120!!! i'm gonna keep trying to gather some funds, just in the hopes that you still have it

 

[ryhoward]

on the pic of the stand where the tank is going to be, and the cut out in the drywall, it doesn't look like there are any 2x4 studs behind the drywall. Wouldn't it bend a lot and possibly crack??
I think the setup looks great however. Good luck with it all!!

BTW: I REALLY wish i had money to buy your 120!!! i'm gonna keep trying to gather some funds, just in the hopes that you still have it

If you notice there is a 2x4 that runs along the ceiling that the drywall is secured at. The large cutout for the tank doesn't leave much drywall 'hanging in the wind'. Once the tank arrives I will add some additional support.

The 120g AGA tank is still for sale on ebay, but today is the last day...I hope.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 2087139530

 

[ryhoward]

The tank on Ebay sold. FYI

 

[DocHoliday]

Nice Tank ryhoward. Are you by chance in Michigan? I just ordered the exact same tank with three 2 3/8" bulk heads in the back of the tank. I got mine from Aquatic Discoveries in Sterling Heights.

The only thing I would change is the skimmer. the AquaC is a great model, but if I would get at least the 240 model. I have the AquaC EV400 and I don't think that is enough for my set up. 180 AGA SPS reef and 70 refugium, and 90 gallon sump. Other wise terrific planning so far!

 

[t gallo]

i used 6by 3 lumber to make my stand. in the wall 150 gallon tank 6' long and 28 high.

 

[ryhoward]

The canopy is complete.
The tank has arrived, now I have to figure out how to get it downstairs.
The basement drywall is up, sanded, and has the 1st coat of paint. I've decided to create doors to access the lighting system and front side of tank for cleaning.

 

[ryhoward]

Here are the latest pictures. I have managed to get the tank downstairs and on the stand.