Rebirth of the 180

[SetayIV]

So, haven't done a build thread before but, it looks like a really good sanity check. I just hope I don't start adding up all the costs. A little bit about my tank history. I started with a small setup (90 gallon) in 2014 and quickly fell in love with the hobby and a year later I told my wife it was upgrade time. I did forget to mention the new tank would be double the size of the first but, hey, you can't remember everything.

So, this will be in quite a few parts as I figure out what to post and how to organize it all. I'll add videos and pictures along way. The first itteration of the tank was just phenomenal but, a small layoff didn't help the situation at all. Hence, the Rebirth of the 180.

The Equipment: Doing this from memory so bare with me.
1. Marineland 180, dual corner overflows.
2. Custom steel powder coated stand.
3 2 Ecotech Marine Radions (gen 1). They were the hottest thing in 2015.
4. 2 Ecotech Marine MP40 and 1 Ecotech Marine MP10 for a dead spot. Have rebuilt once or twice.
5. Ecotech Marin Battery backup (birthday gift from the Mrs.).

Life Support:
1. Life Reef LF1-300S / Blue Line 40 HDH return pump / standard manifold.
2. Life Reef VS2-24 in sump Skimmer (love this thing!) / Mag Drive 9.
3. Life Reef 16 gallon Refugium.
4. 3 Life Reef Media Reactors / manifold / Mag Drive 7. *Used as needed*
5. Lief Reef LCR2 Calcium Reactor *Added 7/28/20. Running with Co2 to get the air out.
6. BRS GFO Reactor. *Used as needed*
7. BRS Co2 Scrubber/Reactor *this is new and wanted to try it out. There are 3 people and four dogs in my house and lately......most of the time.
8. 2 BRS 1.1 ml Dosers. *Will reallocate to dose trace elements or liquid foods.
9. Recirculating Bio Pellet Reactor. *Cannot remember the make. It's in the garage as it clogs and is a PITA. I think it will make a come back with a small mod. Will update.
10. Kamoer FX-STP WIFI
11. Aquarium Plants Carbon Doser WiFi. *No idea about the WiFi part. Can't find anything on it.
12. 2 300 Watt Cobalt Accu Therm Heater. * I test these a few time a year as my tank never gets cold enough for them to kick on themselves.

Testing & Monitoring:
1. Mostly Hanna Checkers
2. Recent addition of the Neptune Systems Trident. *Not trying to be lazy but, actually pull more date. I don't test 4 times a day, every day, in the same way. Just sayin.
3. Full Neptune Systems Apex, added a PM1 module, extra pH probe, second EB8.

I'm sure I missed something. Here, a mixed of photos from the tank. I think this a a great start.

 

[revhtree]

Looks great!

 

[SetayIV]

Not sure if I’m adding to this thread correctly but, I’ll work it out. Wanted to show you what we call Nem Rock. 8 in total on the rock but, there is another.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

So, haven't done a build thread before but, it looks like a really good sanity check. I just hope I don't start adding up all the costs. A little bit about my tank history. I started with a small setup (90 gallon) in 2014 and quickly fell in love with the hobby and a year later I told my wife it was upgrade time. I did forget to mention the new tank would be double the size of the first but, hey, you can't remember everything.

So, this will be in quite a few parts as I figure out what to post and how to organize it all. I'll add videos and pictures along way. The first itteration of the tank was just phenomenal but, a small layoff didn't help the situation at all. Hence, the Rebirth of the 180.

The Equipment: Doing this from memory so bare with me.
1. Marineland 180, dual corner overflows.
2. Custom steel powder coated stand.
3 2 Ecotech Marine Radions (gen 1). They were the hottest thing in 2015.
4. 2 Ecotech Marine MP40 and 1 Ecotech Marine MP10 for a dead spot. Have rebuilt once or twice.
5. Ecotech Marin Battery backup (birthday gift from the Mrs.).

Life Support:
1. Life Reef LF1-300S / Blue Line 40 HDH return pump / standard manifold.
2. Life Reef VS2-24 in sump Skimmer (love this thing!) / Mag Drive 9.
3. Life Reef 16 gallon Refugium.
4. 3 Life Reef Media Reactors / manifold / Mag Drive 7. *Used as needed*
5. Lief Reef LCR2 Calcium Reactor *Added 7/28/20. Running with Co2 to get the air out.
6. BRS GFO Reactor. *Used as needed*
7. BRS Co2 Scrubber/Reactor *this is new and wanted to try it out. There are 3 people and four dogs in my house and lately......most of the time.
8. 2 BRS 1.1 ml Dosers. *Will reallocate to dose trace elements or liquid foods.
9. Recirculating Bio Pellet Reactor. *Cannot remember the make. It's in the garage as it clogs and is a PITA. I think it will make a come back with a small mod. Will update.
10. Kamoer FX-STP WIFI
11. Aquarium Plants Carbon Doser WiFi. *No idea about the WiFi part. Can't find anything on it.
12. 2 300 Watt Cobalt Accu Therm Heater. * I test these a few time a year as my tank never gets cold enough for them to kick on themselves.

Testing & Monitoring:
1. Mostly Hanna Checkers
2. Recent addition of the Neptune Systems Trident. *Not trying to be lazy but, actually pull more date. I don't test 4 times a day, every day, in the same way. Just sayin.
3. Full Neptune Systems Apex, added a PM1 module, extra pH probe, second EB8.

I'm sure I missed something. Here, a mixed of photos from the tank. I think this a a great start.

Nice!

 

[SetayIV]

So the CaRx is up and running. Have read up on these things so much but, it still seems that there is more to learn.

 

[SetayIV]

So, not much movement in the actual tank. I have been watching and trying to tweak the Calcium Reactor. I read up on everything I thought but, when trying to put things into practice, it still get confusing. I think things are getting quite stable for the Apex graphs.

 

[SetayIV]

The other part of the has been added some much needed LED lights under the stand to actually see. Man, what a difference. Now I can see the mess salt creep can have and out of control my wires have gotten. So, this spawn the new side project. A new control cabinet for gear and much needed wire management. I have a pretty good plan (added Mike Tyson quote here). I'll be working on this for the next week or two...whenever I gather all the parts needed. Pictures will be posted.

 

[mattgsa]

Very nice tank.

 

[SetayIV]

So, finally have 99% of order items and 90% will to do it. It’s a good start to the new gear cabinet. The wiring was looking like a rat’s nest. I have a plan for that. Will post that part when done but, this pretty part is here.....

 

[SetayIV]

So, finally have 99% of order items and 90% will to do it. It’s a good start to the new gear cabinet. The wiring was looking like a rat’s nest. I have a plan for that. Will post that part when done but, this pretty part is here.....

Very nice tank.

thanks