My 180 gallon sps dominant build.

[dfm34]

Also started to run the electrical components I wish I was better at keeping the wires need for some reason I just have trouble keeping the wires on order.

I also plan on setting up a cryptic zone I have a choice between the 20 high and the 10 for ato reserve and cryptic zone.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Everything is coming along nicely! Thanks for the update!

 

[dfm34]

Thanks can't wait to get water in the tank hoping to do so in the next two weeks.

 

[dfm34]

Spent today hanging the lights

Also added the background it is a .125 thick piece of black pvc sheet.

I like using this because it is ease to change and and is simple to install.

Here is a full tank shot with the MH on

Hope to put water in tomorrow

 

[dfm34]

It official the tank is wet!!!!

Still have a long way to go but getting closer.

I also raised the lights to 11" above the tank and added an American DJ power strip

I like to use these for equipment I only need to "control" for routine maintenance.

 

[c_healy]

Build is looking good, look forward to seeing it up and running.

 

[dfm34]

Getting closer. I did stop the water I don't want to start to fill the overflow or sump when I am not home in case they leak.

 

[jsrnec]

Looks great so far. What type of sand are you using in it?

 

[dfm34]

I used Carib sea aragonite I have one mp40 on full 100% to see the flow as well as if the sand would blow around. So far so good.

 

[dfm34]

I ran two mp40s on 100% no sand blowing around this stuff is great. On my 75 I used sugar fine sand I will never do that again. The tank is full but still have to run water into sump. I have been working on setting up the apex. Updating firmware and setting up a fusion account. Also have set a preliminary lighting schedule. Mh on for 6 hours (12-6) and T5s 10 hours from 10-8

Feel free to comment on the light schedule I never ran mh before.

Thanks

 

[dfm34]

So after a water test on the sump I had to re-do the seals on the baffles I had some leaks. I resealed and a second water rest appears good.

I also drilled the 10 gallon tank and started to set up the T off the manifold that will feed the DSB and Cryptic Zone

All goes well I will start the cycle this weekend.

 

[Black Pearl]

great start, make sure you have preped your rocks well, no phosphate leaching, will save you much heartache later.

 

[dfm34]

great start, make sure you have preped your rocks well, no phosphate leaching, will save you much heartache later.

Thanks most of the rock was from my75 which I gave vinegar and bleach baths

 

[143MPCo]

Looks great, keep the pictures coming!

 

[revhtree]

How's it coming?

 

[dfm34]

How's it coming?

Slowly, I am still filling the sump but it seams I keep finding small leeks in each baffle section. Then I have to drain dry and re seal. Should finish the last section of the and fill tonight. Still want to try and start the cycle this weekend.

Thanks for asking. Dan

 

[dfm34]

So after persistent leaks from my sump I decided to rebuild it today. Going to by a new non reef ready 75 and drill the return. Look like the leak is coming from the pre drilled "reef ready" holes. I tried everything new bulk heads new gaskets silicone nothing worked. I am done trying. I will rebuild this week and get this tank cycling

 

[dfm34]

Finally rebuilt sump and the tank is completely running. Adding salt tonight getting temp up to 78 and seed rock and cycling this weekend. Psyched

 

[dfm34]

Let the cycle begin !!!! Finally got temp to 78 and sg to 35 ppt.

Added seed rock (5lbs) and raw shrimp

 

[dfm34]

Had my first real snafu last night. I was filling my ato reservoir started to watch tv and forgot it was on ran all night. Luckily most of the overflow went into the sump and not on the floor. My sg dropped to 30 ppt. Two lessons here one get a float switch for reservoir and two this is why you take your time and work out all the kinks before adding live stock.