180 wide rimless starphire

[R6REEFER]

Hello all,

I'm going to be placing an order for a 180 gallon rimless starphire within the next couple months due to the fact I'm finally getting out of this apartment! This will be my first tank that's not HOB and quite a step up from my 55 and 29 tanks. I'm going to be gathering equipment piece by piece after the tank, stand, and sump put a nice dent in my wallet. So far I have planned as follows:
-2 vortech mp40s with battery backup
-2 radion gen3 pro fixtures
-Neptune Apex gold

The tank so far is planned to be SPS dominant with tons of designer zoas. Like I said this is my first real tank so I'm really looking for guidance as far as equipment and plumbing. I'll be ordering from glass cages unless my lfs can get the tank cheaper. Thanks in advance for the tips and constructive criticism!

 

[Jimbo662]

WOW...this is going to be a great build!

 

[-Logzor]

I feel like for a 180 you're going to need 1-2 more Vortechs/Radions. Especially for SPS dominated. What are the dimensions?

 

[cheezybuda]

I've been shopping around for that exact tank! I will be curious about where you will buy it.

 

[R6REEFER]

I feel like for a 180 you're going to need 1-2 more Vortechs/Radions. Especially for SPS dominated. What are the dimensions?

That's no lie, I meant 3 but your right, I may need to think about a fourth. Good thing they're so cheap! Smh.

 

[R6REEFER]

I've been shopping around for that exact tank! I will be curious about where you will buy it.

I emailed glasscages about an hour ago for a quote on tank (starphire and acrylic in case they want to bend me over for the starphire), stand, and sump shipped to south Texas. I'll post they're reply she they get back with me.

 

[R6REEFER]

Yall don't think 2 mp60's will do the trick though? I know its an extremely long tank (72x25 1/2x24) but that's a heck of a power head from what I've heard.

 

[-Logzor]

Yall don't think 2 mp60's will do the trick though? I know its an extremely long tank (72x25 1/2x24) but that's a heck of a power head from what I've heard.

Two MP60's would work nicely, in your original post you had mentioned two MP40's.

I run an MP60 on my 150g reef (48x30x24) and I have to supplement with a Tunze 6095. I'm planning on adding a Tunze 6105 because there are still dead spots. Although I have large SPS colonies. In an open-water reef with fewer large corals initially, I think the two MP60's will be plenty.

 

[Usctom]

Probably not going to get a response from Glasscages. They had a fire burn there facality down. If your in Texas I'd check out DSA.

 

[R6REEFER]

Two MP60's would work nicely, in your original post you had mentioned two MP40's.

I run an MP60 on my 150g reef (48x30x24) and I have to supplement with a Tunze 6095. I'm planning on adding a Tunze 6105 because there are still dead spots. Although I have large SPS colonies. In an open-water reef with fewer large corals initially, I think the two MP60's will be plenty.

Yeah I need to edit the post, I'm still waking up -_- Now the only thing that had me hesitant on the vortechs is that they can't oscillate. Do they have a broad enough flow to where that wouldn't be a concern? My koralias in the 55 have quite a narrow flow.

 

[R6REEFER]

Probably not going to get a response from Glasscages. They had a fire burn there facality down. If your in Texas I'd check out DSA.

Dang, that's no good. I was trying to find something reputable around here last night with no luck, I will look into them. Thanks

 

[-Logzor]

Yeah I need to edit the post, I'm still waking up -_- Now the only thing that had me hesitant on the vortechs is that they can't oscillate. Do they have a broad enough flow to where that wouldn't be a concern? My koralias in the 55 have quite a narrow flow.

The flow on the MP60 is pretty wide, should be perfect for a 25" wide tank. So long as you keep them up high enough and don't allow rockwork to obstruct the flow too much you should be OK.

 

[cheezybuda]

I emailed glasscages about an hour ago for a quote on tank (starphire and acrylic in case they want to bend me over for the starphire), stand, and sump shipped to south Texas. I'll post they're reply she they get back with me.

I got a quote from C2C. Tanks look good and the price was a little high but not horrible. I would have pulled the trigger, but the stands and shipping to MN was rough

 

[R6REEFER]

I got a quote from C2C. Tanks look good and the price was a little high but not horrible. I would have pulled the trigger, but the stands and shipping to MN was rough

How much were they asking? Glass cages only wanted 500 for a stand those dimensions

 

[MODZISTER]

I would agree 2 MP60 would be better. Always good to have be able to adjust more flow if needed than not enough.

 

[R6REEFER]

GLASSCAGES QUOTE:

72 X 25 1/2 x 24 1/2 tall rimless glass aquarium $ 1208.00


2 overflows on back wall with 2 holes per overflow costs $ 150.00


2 acrylic overflow covers $ 70.00


4 sch 80 bulkheads $ 60.00


Starphire front and ends $ 500.00 ( If you want front only the cost is $ 300.00 )


30" tall oak stand $ 500.00


65 acrylic sump $ 395.00


Shipping to a freight terminal $ 400.00


Total $ 3283.00

 

[R6REEFER]

At the bank asking for loan, keep your fingers crossed for me!

 

[cheezybuda]

How much were they asking? Glass cages only wanted 500 for a stand those dimensions

For a powder coated steel $1780


For a nice looking "contemporary" stand $2410. This is likely a lot nicer than the oak one from GC, so it's not fair to compare that one

 

[FLipp]

should be a nice build! gotta love 180's.

 

[Rollman]

Def watching as I am in the process of a 180 build. I choose a aqueon 180.