Our first SW tank - 180 gal build

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Looks Great, but I do have a concern, maybe someone else can validate.



It looks like you have ABS elbows (black parts at top of photo) with PVC piping. Is this so? I do not think you can glue those 2 together successfully, as the glues for each are different. Can anyone else validate my claim, if this is the case?

You are right. ABS and PVC should generally not be used together however this is a non pressurized line and we used a cement that bonds to both plastics. It is safe in this case. We consulted a plumber friend of ours because our local plumbing supply store was sold out of the PVC fittings we needed and we didn't want to wait the extra 7-10 days to bring in the elbows.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by reefgirl189

You are right. ABS and PVC should generally not be used together however this is a non pressurized line and we used a cement that bonds to both plastics. It is safe in this case. We consulted a plumber friend of ours because our local plumbing supply store was sold out of the PVC fittings we needed and we didn't want to wait the extra 7-10 days to bring in the elbows.

Cool, good to know. What glue do you use?

[Coralgurl]

That looks fantastic! Love the sump in the basement too. Fish list?

Btw, we just got a ball python, I do not love it....

[ensquire]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Cool, good to know. What glue do you use?

Transition glue I do believe

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by ensquire

Transition glue I do believe

Something like that.. I don't know what kind ATM because we borrowed it from plumber friend - he took it when he left.

We also silliconed around the seams of the ABS-PVC just for extra insurance.

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

That looks fantastic! Love the sump in the basement too. Fish list?

Btw, we just got a ball python, I do not love it....

WHAT? How could you not love a BP? What kind is he? He'll grow on you, there are beautiful and lazy animals. Like *most* snakes the bigger they get the better they get, and the funner they are to handle (exception would be an anaconda or Burmese python).

Fish list is very open..

So far I want a pair of clowns (have one true perc)
A Cobberband Butterfly (I hope I can keep one successfully)
A Purple Tang
A Yellow Tang
A Sailfin Tang (Can I even keep all these tangs together in one 180?)
and I'd love a clam - Maxima most likely - but I'm not sure I can keep one successfully as I am slowly going LED and dose prodibio. It's my understanding that clams need nitrates and right now mine are at zero.

Also I really love mandarins but I don't think I will have a healthy pod base if I have a CBB and mandarin in the same tank.

I'd love a miniature sea turtle but apparently you can't get them.

I also really like Flame Angels but I'm not sure how that would work in a reef set up. I don't want to be limited on what corals I can choose.

[Coralgurl]

Good start to fish list. I had a flame angel, he left the corals alone but I didn't have it long! Would love another one! Sea turtle - that'd be so cool! Can't remember if it was in this forum regarding a discussion on mini dolphins, penguins etc...

I have a clam and this is the one thing that's making me nervous about the transfer....mines happy and growing, I would give your tank more time and then go for it!

[reefgirl189]

Just thought I would clear something up for those of you thinking ABS to PVC is a good idea. Although it will work fine for a drain line it's better to choose one type and stick with it. You generally do not want to match ABS to PVS because it would not pass a plumbing inspection. Also you shouldn't be mixing and matching PVC and ABS for pressurized lines under any circumstances.

For a fish tank that's not going to be sold with your house - no biggie

For DIY renos - not a great idea.

[unclesalty]

Very nice looking tank and sump you have! I like the black backgrounds myself but I have to admit that blue one of yours looks awesome! I see you have done your skimmer research also!

[reef684]

Originally Posted by reefgirl189

Weird how resiliant they are... I'm quite surprised acually. Maybe we will stick with only zoas now that I know I'll have a hard time killing them

looks great. a lot of work that pays off