KrazyKuch's & Michika's 180Gal Tank Build

[michika]

We have a cycle!

Ammonia ~0.5
Nitrite ~0.15
SG 1.025

The tank is about 90% cleared up at this point, I think we may try to aquascape tonight with the rock that is in the display right now. No more skimmate, although there is foam!

[justinl]

are you running the skimmer right now to just break it in? I usually dont cycle and skim simultaneously. I figure the skimmer would remove a bunch of the proteins that would break down and contribute to the cycle.

[michika]

The rock was already mostly cycled elsewhere in a bin, I think we are seeing the tail end of the cycle, I need another day or two of data to determine it though. We were trying to run it normally, I've always run it while doing a cycle, but since its not really skimming, I guess we're just breaking it in.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

I have a quick question. Did you see many air bubbles in the silicone when you built the tank? The reason I ask, is that I guess I did not do a great job siliconing my cross brace in and there are small air bubbles. I have noticed that since filling the tank, they seem to have gotten a little bigger, which worries me a little. Im sure it will be fine but I guess the water is putting pressure on the brace (as it should) and when the silicone is being pulled, the air bubbles are getting a bit bigger. Just wondering if you saw any of this with your tank? I ask my step father about it because he used to build tanks and he said it should be fine for a cross brace but it would be really bad if it were the actual corners because each bubble makes the silicone significantly weaker. I think Im just worrying too much though

EDIT: Sorry that turned out not to be very quick!

[michika]

We don't really have a lot of bubbles to look at, but judging from the few are around they have stayed the same since before adding water to the system. I'm really thankful there were no leaks or any problems with the tank.

I liked your question, it was well thought out and worded, easy to comprehend and answer!

Chemistry update:
Ammonia >0.25ppm
Nitrite 0.25ppm
Nitrate 16ppm
pH 8.2

Skimmer is still running, but there doesn't seem to be anything to pull out. I'm glad we started cycling all that rock ahead of time, I think our cycle should finish soon. It will be nice since suddenly my peaceful damsel of 4 years is starting to become a real brat. I guess it can see the new tank and is getting a little cabin fever.

[michika]

Some updates for this evening;

First the tank has cleared, it needs some aquascaping.


Then we added on our two luminarc reflectors


Over the last week we've noticed a 20-30% increase in the humidity reading. However we can't be sure that those numbers are correct because the tank is right around the corner from the thermostat. We do have some options we can explore, should the humidity need to be addressed.


We also need to figure out our lighting details. Somehow we have screwed up our measurements, and the space we counting on having between the reflectors is no longer available. As shown in the picture there is only 1 3/4" of space between the reflectors, which does not leave the space required for the 3 T5 bulbs we originally planned for.

[michika]

A little more progress on the tank.

Started on the power center










Aquascaping, which I'm not super happy with, but its getting there.


With a single 175w MH in the center. We think we will go with 2x250w MH and supplement with T5s. Taking that 3rd MH off will save us electricity, heat, and some operating costs.


We ended up taking the 28g nano down yesterday evening. It wasn't expected, but had to be done. The tank started leaking! So glad that it is down now, its such a relief.

[Jason McK]

Looks Great Mickika. Really makes me want to clean up my wiring

J

[michika]

I loath mess, so this little power box just helps keep it out of sight and out of mind. I can't wait for it to be in place, I think it will look nice once its all set up.

[michika]

A close up of the front of the control panel. We'll be adding in pH, nitrate, and ORP monitors below the timers.