First tank 180 Reef

[Raddock]

Well, I decided to jump in with both feet. I'm building a 180 gallon tank with a IceCap 36 sump. Here is the initial setup with Apex Controller, UV Sterilizer, Vortec M return pump, Tunz ATO. I just filled it with RO/DI water Yesterday- had a few leaks to plug, but it stayed dry overnight, so I added salt today (Red Sea Black label). I have a Seneye monitor that I plan to use for NH3 monitoring during the initial cycle and to help check PAR values as I set up the lights and position coral. I have a Reef Octopus skimmer which will go in the sump as well.

 

[dbl]

Both feet is right. Looks like it's going to be a great build, so I'll follow along the journey.

 

[Shep]

Looking good!!!!

 

[melypr1985]

Looks like a great start!

 

[Diesel]

Looking good.
What I do question is the Vectra M1 with all the 90's it has to push through, not to mention the manifolds you build, if it would have enough return.
Reason is that I had a M1 on my frag system with almost the same amount of 90's and my return was on a 150 gallon set up only about 900 gallons.
I changed to the L1 which i have on the 202 gallon DT too and it's perfect.
The M1 I installed on my Lifereef skimmer as I had one already a M1 running on my DT lifereef and it works awesome, more water through the skimmer more bubbles thus more skim.

 

[KJ]

Nice

 

[Raddock]

"Looking good.
What I do question is the Vectra M1 with all the 90's it has to push through, not to mention the manifolds you build, if it would have enough return.
Reason is that I had a M1 on my frag system with almost the same amount of 90's and my return was on a 150 gallon set up only about 900 gallons.
I changed to the L1 which i have on the 202 gallon DT too and it's perfect.
The M1 I installed on my Lifereef skimmer as I had one already a M1 running on my DT lifereef and it works awesome, more water through the skimmer more bubbles thus more skim."

Thanks, Diesel. My LFS had similar concerns though he recommended the M1 initially. I'm not sure how to judge the return volume because it's split into four jets. I certainly may have to move to an L1........oh well, I'll have a really nice pump for my frag tank when I get there

 

[ndz98]

Nice build! Welcome to r2r!

 

[120reefkeeper]

Very nice start indeed!

 

[Raddock]

Update: I've added salt, sand and decided to change out the M1 for an L1 Vortech pump. Since my previous post, I've worked out some kinks with microbubbles from the skimmer causing my ATO to malfunction and added my DOS pump and a water leak detection module to the Apex.

I'm also adding a Seneye Monitor at least for the cycle to monitor the NH3 levels - double check temp and pH from Apex and will give me a basic PAR meter when I get ready to set up the lights and position coral.

 

[Scottsquatch]

Welcome to R2R! You certainly are stepping in with a lot of nice toys. Making me drool over here. Good luck!

 

[Raddock]

Today I added the first half of the rock

 

[glb]

Wow! What a great first effort! I'll be following and welcome!

 

[Raddock]

After Mother's day weekend off, I was able to build the Light suspension frame today. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Just one of three lights on it today- I just got one to make sure I got the spacing right. I'll add two more tomorrow. LFS expecting another shipment of rocks tomorrow, so I'll get the other half and try to finalize the rockscape.

 

[ScottMyers123]

Tank looks great. Looks like your off to a great start.

 

[Raddock]

Today I finalized the rockwork----mostly. Put a Gyre in and set it up....here is the result:

 

[TaylorPilot]

First timer with a first class build. I look forward to following along! I love that 80/20 T-slot aluminum. I use it all the time at work for building production prototypes for automated inspection.