Brad’s 180g mixed reef Build

[Brad_95]

Hey everyone, first time doing a build thread here. I currently have a 75g lightly stocked tank with some simple and odd ball corals.

I’m upgrading to a 180g system. I got a lightly used tank from a friend of mine. I ended up resealing all of the inner seals just to give myself some peace of mind. All of the structural seals are in perfect condition.

So to kick things off, I chucked the old stand because I quite honestly couldn’t care less for it and it was made out of mdf material. I decided to make my own and I’m currently in the process of finishing out the framing.

my next step is to add a couple more cross joints on the bottom in order to support the sump and also add in a pull out shelf on the top section, to make a makeshift table top.

 

[tricky_tran]

that looks like a great start to an awesome stand! cant wait to see the competed system!

 

[Brad_95]

that looks like a great start to an awesome stand! cant wait to see the competed system!

Thanks! I have a couple ideas in mind for wrapping it, but I’m mostly leaning towards using reclaimed wood, with weathered farmhouse doors.

 

[tricky_tran]

Thanks! I have a couple ideas in mind for wrapping it, but I’m mostly leaning towards using reclaimed wood, with weathered farmhouse doors.

as long as it matches your decor I have to pass everything by the CEO of the house. she is the interior decorator and the CFO too. Happy wife, happy life...

 

[Brad_95]

as long as it matches your decor I have to pass everything by the CEO of the house. she is the interior decorator and the CFO too. Happy wife, happy life...

The CEO is the one encouraging me to make it whatever I want lol. So I’m taking full advantage of going overboard with my ideas

 

[tricky_tran]

The CEO is the one encouraging me to make it whatever I want lol. So I’m taking full advantage of going overboard with my ideas

Awesome to have such a supportive partner!

 

[Brad_95]

Awesome to have such a supportive partner!

Absolutely! The only catch is that she wants a seahorse tank, so that might be a possible addition in the future as well.

 

[Brad_95]

Slight little update, I was in between deciding between reclaimed barn wood or doing a poplar wood wrap and stain it. I ended up going with poplar as it’s more readily available and it also gives me the ability to stain it the color I want. Here’s a little progress updated.

the original tank in the background is my 75g marineland combo system with a DIY sump.

 

[mattgsa]

Nice build

 

[Brad_95]

Nice build

Thanks! Still have a lot of progress to go, but I’m jittery to get it up and running.

 

[Brad_95]

First door has been built and installed...

 

[Dj City]

Nice cabinet!
can't wait to see the rest of your build.

I see you are in my part of the world. I'm in P.G. County.

 

[Brad_95]

Nice cabinet!
can't wait to see the rest of your build.

I see you are in my part of the world. I'm in P.G. County.

Thanks! I actually have a new thread for this one that has a lot more progress, just hit my build thread contributor tab. And yea I’m in Harford Co