Unclesalty's 180 Gallon Tank Build Thread
 

Coming soon will be Unclesaltys 180 gallon tank build. Just waiting for a few more items to arrive and deciding on an overflow system but I am almost positive its going to be the bean animal as its super quiet which is going to be a priority for this tank with quiet high end equipment.

So far my equipment list is going to consist of:
4 Ecotech Radions
Bubble King Supermarine 200
ATB Flowstar 1800
2 mp40's and possibly adding a 3rd down the road.
Controller -I haven't decided on yet

For controller I was originally going to go with a Profilux but have been reading about a new controller and by the sounds of it the Profilux will be moved down in the pecking order after its release. I am definately going to wait and see the details!

are you thinking about the vertex?

If you are thinking vertex...it was awesome to play with at MACNA. Now if they price it within reason.

I will have to find article again and reread it. It never mentioned the name "Vertex" but maybe it was just Vertex's model name?

I love me some build threads with high end equipments :-D

:pop2:

How was the Vertex in comparison to the Profilux? Never owned any type of controller yet myself here. Everyone seems to say controllers are "must haves"

If they are must haves, I would have one. Many people think smart phones are must haves. Controllers are pretty nifty though - especially if you take advantage of all the equipment that work in conjunction. Controllers that work in conjunction with smart phones are nifty x2. ;)

I have to say I love my controller. Makes life a lot easier ( for me at least ) Every piece of equipment I have is tied into mine.

My next project is to tie in a 12v remote trigger from my home theater. Press BluRay and my lights shut down, 2 of my three pumps shut down, wavebox shuts down. It will all come back up on it's own once I shut the amp down again..

Pretty neat toys if you take full advantage of them.

The thought of checking water parimeters and also doing a water change via the press of a button on my iphone definately sounds too cool not to check out!

That would definitely be nifty.

Awesome and thanks for the link as I will definately take my time and check out all available options

TANK BUILD UPDATE
Plumbing fittings arrived from my FlexPvc order with JHammer a few weeks ago.
Par Meter arrived today -Not impressed with my Halide par readings at all!
Glass drill bits should be here anyday
Glass for overflow is being ordered tomorrow.
Ecotech Radions (4) I found out were shipping out today from the US so it won't be long!

What halide setup were you testing? Age of bulbs?

Tested the Coralife Aqualight Pro 2x150w that I am currently selling. Bulb age is unknown but are now almost a year old for sure. Thats the first thing that came to my mind was how old are these bulbs actually??? Tomorrow I will test my Aqua Illumination Sol Blue

Ah, yeah...you gotta test something more impressive to be impressed. A low watt entry level fixture with old bulbs isn't going to blow the doors off. Which PAR meter did you buy? I have always wanted to buy one, but have yet to make the splurge.

You are probably rights its a combo of old and only 150watt bulbs. I ended up buying an Apogee mq200 which seems to be the most popular unit. I am really interested in comparing the Aqua Illuminations and the Ecotech Radions.

Picked up my glass for the overflow a few days ago but can't get the silicone I want right now so might have to order it. Internal overflow is 48"x4"x6" and taped together just for the pic.

Alright buddy, let the game begin. Can't wait to see some pics. Let me know when it's all set up, I'll mail you some frags to get things rolling.

Sounds good but from what I seen of your other tank and your new tank I think its game over for unclesalty before it even begins! lol Thanks for the frags offer too and I will take you up on them this time when I'm ready to go!

Since I didnt have the silicone that I need to put together the overflow I decided to drill the tank tonight instead. Decided to try using a guide hole so bit doesn't bounce around on startup and it worked excellent. Still need to order another bulkhead.



http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2880.jpg.

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2881.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2883.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2884.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2885.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2893.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2898.jpg

Nice i like it clean drilling :mrgreen:

It could of been a bit cleaner as I did get some chipping on one of the 1 holes edges. Probably lousiest hole I've ever drilled! :redface:

Internal overflow construction started today. The GE1200 does seem more like an "adhesive" rather than a sealant like I have used before. Very little ordor also is a huge bonus.

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2900.jpg


http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2902.jpg

I did screw up in the previous pics by putting both ends on first but it all worked out. Deciding now whether to cover overflow with a thin black acrylic or just wait and let it eventually cover up with coraline algae.

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2903.jpg

Love me some pics! Lookin good!

looking good, my 230 still isnt going yet hopefully soon, when do you plan on having yours going.

Thanks Brightwhite and JHammer! Tank should of been going months ago but..... it shouldn't be long now. Only thing I am not looking forward to is the actual changeover as the 180 is going exactly where my 120 is sitting right now.

Overflox box is done and now ready to be attached to the tank. Hard part is getting it perfectly level and at the right height. I have decided its going to be lowered a bit from whats seen in the pic


http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2907.jpg

your up late lol cut two boards identical at the height needed to set in place. once the silicone is set on edges you can continue with the rest.

Ya up late racking my brains on tank ideas! lol Thanks for the tip as I think I might try that and I also was thinking of using a spacer between glass center brace and top lip of overflow

yeah me too brain is going overtime since i am not able to start building till it warms up .. im jealous lol.. yuor better off leveling from the bottom the bottom willbe more true than the top plastic edge that may not be seated 100 percent flush. the bottom of the tank sits flat and your stand will be level. it will be themost accurate imo. but either way may work.

I actually have a week or so to get it figured and levelled as now I have decided to go through rather than over for the returns so waiting on drill bit and bulkheads that I ordered today.

thats cool i have no drill bits yet still undecided on size of hole i wish to drill and how many lol

looking good thus far bud

Thanks Jeff!
I do have a used dull 40mm so its time to buy a sharper 38mm saw which will fit a 3/4 bulkhead a bit better

sharp is best lol u used a dremelbit and ground the holes bigger slowly onthe 50.. took awhile i think illtry thr holesaw way this time tosave time drilling 4 holes total hopeits not too many in a 2 foot span

I just buy the cheap disposable holesaws. Drill a few holes then throw it away. lol The actual real good quality glass holesaws are very pricey to buy.

where are you getting them from if you dont mind my asking.