I would step back from the 500g+ tank idea for awhile, and get your 180 to where it is more stress free. of course you cannot control bad salt mixes, but maybe try to improve some little things.
for instance why not use an algae clip instead of the PVC pipe thing?
Also if you had a few less clams, maybe wouldn't have a big of a problem with dKH? (realizing this is like asking the sun not to shine, but JMO)
Too much ambition in this hobby can be a bad thing.
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