New 180 gal setup Recommendations for all equipment

[Richard savage]

Hey all, Just bought a used 180 gal aquarium from my lfs, came with the tank, glass tops and stand. It is a 6 ft long with dual over flows, and besides that it is all gutted to the bones !!! My questions are for people with large reefs, what kind of equipment do you recommend, planning on doing a mixed reef, this is my first larger aquarium and I want to do it all right from the get go, let me know what works for you and what equipment is your favorite that you would recommend.
First i need a sump !! what suppliers have a good reasonably priced filtration system, not looking for anything fancy to show off, just to function, Then Im curious as to what skimmer is best to run on a system this large and a good return pump. Next, whats the recommended sand bed depth and live rock per pound recommendation? I know I am going to go with the newest set of radions, they are currently shipping out. My lfs also recommended the neptune system with two mp-40 wave-makers and controlers and doser, trident to come later, and whatever heater he says to run, Any feed back on this system, enough flow, likes and dislikes ?

Any feed back is greatly appreciated, ive been in the hobby for a couple years, just finally bought my own house and can set up a "big boy" tank haha thanks for taking the time to read this !

 

[cvrle1]

Congrats on the purchase! For sump, you can look into DYI for most likely cheapest option. Get a largest tank yo can arford and fit and install baffles yourself. If you are looking for pre-made sumps, you are looking at $600+ easily for size that you would need. Look into IceCap 48XL just as one example.

IceCap 48XL Reef Sump w/Passive Flow Refugium - IceCap

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

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Skimmer wise, many options out there, but for tank that size, look into Lifereef skimmers. SVS3-24 would be good.
Sand bed is all up to you. Not too many people do DSB any more in a true sense, so even 1" should be good enough. Rocks, same thing, get as many as you would need for rock scaping. Some go minimalist, some go with 1 pound per gallon. In terms of Apex controller, trident and so on, I would personally skip, as to me they are not that needed. For others they are a must have, so do your research and make a decision for yourself if you really need it. MP-40s may not be big enough, depending on what kind of flow you are looking for. Look into Maxspect gyres as well. They may be better option, or combination of 2.

 

[ZoWhat]

I've been running a 180 since 2012

DT on main floor. I used all four holes in the overflows as Drains. Return heads just branching over the back of the tank

DT bare bottom and LUV it bc all debris doesn't get trapped.

Apex system with two EB8s.... one under the tank. One down in the basement for the sump.

Sump: plumbed to a fish room in the basement. Using a 100g rubbermaid tub

Return pump: super duper important. Using a Reeflo Hammerhead Barracuda and LUV it. I wouldnt buy anything else ...Pumps like a champ and never had a single issue with it. I do keep a small box fan blowing air around it 24/7 which I think helps.

Skimmer: in sump VTech rated for a 250 gal system. My total water volume is 220. So I screwed up and bought a skimmer slightly too small. When this one bursts into flames I'll buy one rated for 500g

Socks on the two pipes coming down off the two overflows.

I'd say my must have item is my Apex. If that ever died I would just have to bite the bullet and by another one. Btw Aoex the best thing I ever bought for reefing. Cant beat total control.

Hth

 

[Richard savage]

Thanks for the feeback ! would you mind attaching picuters of your 180 set up, kinda want to see pump placement and a few more aquascape designs

 

[cvrle1]

Thanks for the feeback ! would you mind attaching picuters of your 180 set up, kinda want to see pump placement and a few more aquascape designs

Not sure if you looked at Large Aquarium section on R2R yet. If not, take a look, as there are a lot of build threads and general threads discussing 180G+ tanks. It may give you more ideas and answer some questions you didnt even know you had.

Large Aquariums 180g - 399g

A forum for people interested in keeping large aquariums. This forum is dedicated to water volumes of 180 gallons to 399 gallons. Anything more is a monster tank!

www.reef2reef.com

As far as Aquascape, same thing, check out Aquascape Discussion section. Lots of ideas there as well

Aquascape Discussion

Aquascaping is as much an art as it is a science. Here's a forum for discussing all things related to aquascapes. Got tips to share? Post them here! Need some help? We're here to help!

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Radman73]

Welcome to the club! I have a 220, so just 6" taller.

I build my own sump from a 40b. It was easy to do.

I've had really good luck with the Fluval SP6 for the return.

For power heads, I went with 2 Tunze Stream 3's and a Gyre XF-250. I like them all but have had to send in a Stream just this week that stopped working. Thankfully, they have a 5 year warranty. In it's place I'm running an MP40. It's actually doing quite well.

For lights I went with 2 Kessil AP700's. I've had good success with Kessil in the past, but it, and the price, isn't for everyone. eventually, I'll add some T5's as well.

For a skimmer I went with an AquaMaxx ConeS CO-3 skimmer. Mine has been trouble free. Only 15 fish, so it only runs half the time.

If you can swing it, I do recommend the Apex with Trident. I've only had my Trident for less than 2 weeks, but i love the thing. I struggled keeping stable parameters until now.

Feel free to browse my build thread. I've had some challenges lol!

 

[Infidel]

What type of budget are you working with?
Skimmer
Return Pump (get a Varios 8 if you plan on 10x+ turnover)

 

[Devaji]

sump:
I like the 4obr for sumps sure there not as pretty as all those custom acrylic ones but a ton cheaper. under a $100 bucks and you are off to the races. while you are at it grab another 40br for the ATO res. you are going to evap. a bit of water. the 29H in another option for ATO res.

skimmer:
I like reefocto skimmer if you have the budget concider the DC pumps. I hear good things about the new red sea skimmers too.
if on a budget the could 9 from logan from reef breeders seems to get lots of good feedback.

Coral Box Cloud C9 - ReefBreeders.com

The Coral Box Cloud C9 Protein Skimmer is ideal for aquariums from 150 to 400 gallons of total water volume.

www.reefbreeders.com

return pump:
while you are checking out the cloud 9 skimmer take a look at his DC return pumps. good bank for your buck.
sicce is always great to.

lighting:
I like the AI 26s ( might be able to find some new old stock at a good price.)
reefbreeders photon V2+ noopsyche ( they also make a led t5 hybrid)

other filtration types:
think about an algae turf scrubber either DIY or bought. OR
a good fuge light for a fuge if you have the space.

UV filter
media reactors
filter cups with floss ( one of my fav. filters ) OR
filter socks ~ you gotta change em or else...
auto water change system - doing this on my new peninsula tank and I can wait!

there are lots of methods to filter reef tanks these days I would suggest find what "style" resonates with you.

have fun with it!