lockrookie's 180g (build #3)

[lockrookie]

So here it is i currently have a 90g tank my first saltwater attempt. i enjoy my 90 but having seen so many of your tanks in the city, i have always wished i could build a larger tank. when thoughts of the 50g came about we originaly wanted to build a 400g in our basement. regretfully with the daycare we could not take up precious play space.so we built the 50g



the 50g build was such a blast trying new things experimenting. in the end i was very pleased with the outcome...just not the added power due to the halides lol.may change that to leds within the year.



anywho the 50g build gave be a whole new thought process due to its success so i planned to rebuild on the same stand a 120g tank from scratch got some quotes from some glass companies and almost died. i could have bought a new tank custom made cheaper lol except shipping would kill me.



so for the past year i have been watching used regina and poof a guy was selling a 180g tank for 180 bucks due to the front pane cracked on him (this is why you use foam under your tank ppl) his house shifted one end dropped the other stayed put and snap 180g all over your foor.



but i talked the guy down to 150$ and now own a broken glass box...lol i was going to have it cut up to make my 120 but my loving wife suggests if the floor will handle the weight why not build the 180... really love my wife.. and the way the supports are in my home i will be ok. thus for the reason for this thread

my 180g upgrade.. thanks for following


my 90g in the beginning


my 90g now


future 180 as it is now lol

[steve fedyk]

you should get a price on low iron vs. regular glass when you go to replace the old cracked one.

Are you planning on using an internal or external over flow.

[lockrookie]

i will be looking into the different costs definately my father gets glass at wholesale cost sooo thats a bonus

the tank will be up against a wall so i cant do externaleven if i wanted to regretfully it willbe internal overflows but i will be hiding the overflows and possibly the wolback wall with diy rockwall structures so that i can also hide the return pumbing i dislike seeing plumbing if i can hide powerheads i will do so as well see my 50g thread to see what i mean.

[lockrookie]

so if i did euro brace im thinking i wont need bracing where the overflow is due to the overflow in itselfis some what bracing the tank.. i could be wrong in this so your ideas are welcomed

[lockrookie]

priced out glass for front panel this morning looking at 170 bucks for regular glass but

if i go starphire it will cost me 500 to replace both side panels and front pane. i have one more price to search out before i decide what route to go...i have to take in to concideration that we have twin girs to feed lol

[Nano]

Personally I would go with regular glass but thats just my opinion, I hear starfire scratches very easily

[scubadawg]

Originally Posted by lockrookie

so if i did euro brace im thinking i wont need bracing where the overflow is due to the overflow in itselfis some what bracing the tank.. i could be wrong in this so your ideas are welcomed

If your replacing the large sheet of glass, then have a look at this thread.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=66389

I am having Neil notch the glass of my tank, and putting black acrylic inside and building an outside coast to coast overflow box. I will be doing an beananimal overflow. This way you don't lose any space in the aquarium, and you have a super quiet overflow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFoSXMRgnDA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTFV7...eature=related

I'm doing my first reef tank, 187 gallon with a 75 gallon sump.

[lockrookie]

Originally Posted by scubadawg

If your replacing the large sheet of glass, then have a look at this thread.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=66389

I am having Neil notch the glass of my tank, and putting black acrylic inside and building an outside coast to coast overflow box. I will be doing an beananimal overflow. This way you don't lose any space in the aquarium, and you have a super quiet overflow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFoSXMRgnDA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTFV7...eature=related

I'm doing my first reef tank, 187 gallon with a 75 gallon sump.

i would love to have an external overflow it would make my life so much easier but in my case the tank has to sit up against the wall so all plumbing must be internal on this tank. i am going the eurobrace way. with a notch near the overflow for easier access to it if needed. as far as losing space if i do this right you wont even notice the space is lost it will just look like a planned rock sculpture

i wish i had artistic skill to put whats in my brain on paper but im not that special

good luck with your build i will be watching it. for me its the build thats exciting.. i will check out your links as well thanks for offering. if you want an interesting read check out my 50g build thread in my signature and you will see a glimps to the dirction i am taking.

[lockrookie]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Are those rectangular holes for return or closed loop nozzles?

Those are for powerheads

Sent from nowhere in particular

[gregzz4]

Cool