HybridAZN's 180 gallon build

[pelphrey]

So some pretty decent news here. I am in the process of starting to build a new sump for my 180. When @TaylorPilot of exotic marine systems contacted me about a new baffle system to be used with a 40b and wanted me to try out the prototype. It should be shipped to me tomorrow and I can start construction hopefully this week. I for one am excited to give this a go. Here are some pics of the kit after being cut

It has 3 4" filter sock holders and a adjustable skimmer section.

Very interested to see these installed!

 

[hybridazn]

Here is a quick of of the new scape with just the reefbrites on. Halides come on later so I'll take another pic then. But all in all I'm happy with it. It'll look great once I get my corals to grow back to colony size.

The right side is built up higher but has plenty of "shelf" area, while the left I did a horseshoe appearance. I like this because it gives my fish plenty of open swimming space and gives corals lots of real estate to grow.

 

[hybridazn]

Halides on. Here is a pic

 

[hybridazn]

UPS day!!

Got some goodies in today, first up was my new baffle system from exotic marine to try out. And then my new wetside and a couple socks. And my replacement Hanna alk checker reagents came in as well.

I am hoping to get the sump started this weekend sometime. Obviously stay tuned for updates.

 

[hybridazn]

Check out my super baller custom gate valves yo!

 

[hybridazn]

So my big plan for this weekend was to work on the new sump build and get it about ready to get wet. First set back was one of the 3 gate valves I need had a crack along the bottom, so in the trash it went. Then Saturday night I was competing in a sports night and our team made it to the finals (we were defending champs) and with 5 minutes left playing volleyball I heard a loud pop and down I went. I instantly knew it was my Achilles.

Long story short it hurts haha. Going to see an ortho tomorrow but it appears to only be a partial tear. But here is a cute pic of my daughter Jasmine playing doctor giving me a checkup.

I'm hoping to get rolling on the sump this week regardless lol

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Feel better, bro.

 

[hybridazn]

Feel better, bro.

Will do buddy, that's the plan haha

 

[RMAS0934]

Crazy! I can't even imagine that being a diy of my own lol...love the setup and nice job!

 

[hybridazn]

So a quick update. My mri came back on my Achilles and of course it's a complete tear and will require surgery to repair. I am scheduled to go under the knife on tuesday, so I am going to try and get my sump done before hand. After tues who knows how I'll feel and most likely won't want to work on the tank much for a bit.

Crazy! I can't even imagine that being a diy of my own lol...love the setup and nice job!

Thanks you! I am hoping to get this somewhat put together this weekend.

 

[hybridazn]

Went to the car show in Pittsburgh today, the wife is in the market for a new whip.

[HASHTAG]#carstuff[/HASHTAG]

Had a nice lunch and dinner with the family while out then came home. Decided to work on the sump a little bit.

Got the 3 1/2" bulkheads drilled and mounted and started the baffle system from exotic marine.

So before everyone asks what's with the clamps, they aren't needed for the install of this kit. But since the sock holder is all acrylic I decided to use some weldon 4 to help bond it more securely together. This kit is very nicely thought out and a pretty straight forward install. Hoping to get the adjustable skimmer baffle and bubble trap installed tomorrow. Obviously more pics to come

 

[don_chuwish]

I'm eagerly watching how that sump turns out - I've been messaging back and forth with Exotic Marine (TaylorPilot) to get one too. Looking forward to your feedback!

 

[TaylorPilot]

Looking good! I have actually thought about including a small tube of weld-on 16 so that you can squirt a little into the tabs, but after I built the first one, it went together so well, I decided it wasn't necessary. Maybe I should make it an option, especially on these larger kits.

I haven't been to a new car show in years. I always want to get one...

 

[hybridazn]

I'm eagerly watching how that sump turns out - I've been messaging back and forth with Exotic Marine (TaylorPilot) to get one too. Looking forward to your feedback!

Thanks! So far installation has been very straight forward and all the baffles have enough wiggle room to make it a breeze. Getting ready to go install the adjustable skimmer baffle here in a few.

Looking good! I have actually thought about including a small tube of weld-on 16 so that you can squirt a little into the tabs, but after I built the first one, it went together so well, I decided it wasn't necessary. Maybe I should make it an option, especially on these larger kits.

I haven't been to a new car show in years. I always want to get one...

I think it would be a nice option that ppl could add, but not totally sure it's necessary. I just did it to just add that extra structural integrity.


We go to that car show every year to see the latest and greatest. I was a geared well before a fish guy so I guess it's in my blood lol. My wife's choices for her next car were a bit surprising haha

 

[hybridazn]

Sump baffle install complete! Let me first say thank you to @TaylorPilot for allowing me to be the one to try out the prototype for the 40b kit. Installation is a breeze and this sump even without the additions I did will give the more expensive sumps a serious run for their money. So without further ado some pics

This will be the back side of the sump. I will be applying black vinyl to it to match my display.

Top view from the drain side. This side will also be blacked out.

Return side. I will be adding a 3rd gate valve (needs painted) and I will also be painting the white fittings black.

The green really glows under all blue. I like it

So far I am very happy with how this sump is turning out. Just a few more things to finish and it'll be ready for water.

I go in for surgery tomorrow afternoon, so this will be the last tank update for probably a couple weeks at least so I can rest and heal. Even after that I'll probably have to get my brother to help with a few things I want to do lol. Good thing he knows what he's doing when it comes to this stuff as well.

Wish me luck!

 

[don_chuwish]

Thanks for the pics. Looks really good. Hope your surgery goes well!

 

[TaylorPilot]

Looks good! I hope you recover quickly. Being injured in no fun at all!

 

[hybridazn]

Thanks for the pics. Looks really good. Hope your surgery goes well!

Thanks you! I'm happy with how it turned out. I keep thinking about painting the clear acrylic green as well but not sure.

Looks good! I hope you recover quickly. Being injured in no fun at all!

Thanks! Surgery went well and I am home recovering. No real pain yet because the nerve block is still doing its job. But it is def wearing off. Is it strange that while I sit here I have to keep fighting the urge to get up and mess with my tanks? Hahaha

 

[stscream4187]

Finally read through the build, everything is looking great!

Good luck with recovery.

 

[hybridazn]

Finally read through the build, everything is looking great!

Good luck with recovery.

Thanks! And welcome to the party! Haha