Paul's new 180+ gallon system - advise needed

[pdt7361]

Hello everyone,
I currently have a 90g reef that has been running steady for a while - it is the largest system that I've had to date and I've had great success with it. My wife and I plan on buying a house soon - so of course I need a bigger tank to go with that new house
My thought is something along the line of a 6ft x 2ft x 2ft 180G tank with the ghost style overflow although I may try for an 8ft version. I will have a mixed reef (LPS, softies, NPS, and some SPS). I'm not sure yet if I will have all equipment under the stand like I currently do or if I'll be able to plumb everything into the basement or a fish room. My current tank uses an internal overflow with a durso standpipe, but I want this build to use the bean animal style - any advice on plumbing it?

Below is my current equipment list (minus the tank and stand). Is there anything that I am missing or that you'd do differently? If I have the room, I might plumb in a separate large refug as well.

2* Kessil AP700
2* Kessil A Series Mounts
2* EcoTech VorTech MP40WQD (will add 2 more when colonies fill out)
2* EchoTech VorTech Battery Backup
1* EcoTech Vectra L1
1* Neptune Systems Apex (new model)
1* Neptune EB832
1* Neptune WXM Module
1* Neptune DOS & DDR Combo
1* Neptune Breakout Box
1* Neptune Advanced Lead Detection Module
1* Neptune Advanced Lead Detection Probe
1* Neptune Advanced Lead Detection Probe Low Profile
1* Neptune Auto Feeding System
1* Neptune 24v DC Multipurpose Utility Pump PMUP-T
Multiple Float Switches of some kind as needed
1* Tunze 3155 ATO
1* Synergy Reef CL44 Sump (44x18x18)
1* Reef Octopus Regal 200INT Skimmer
2* MarinePure Blocks
1* Finnex TH500 no controller
1* Finnex HMA-S 300 w/ analog contoller
2* BRS Deluxe Reactor
3* Reef Crystals 200G salt
1* APC UPS BR1500G & BR24BPG
Black & Red Sch 40 PVC, fittings, and valves

 

[pdt7361]

I also can't decide what to do with the lights. I like the idea of 2* Kessil AP700's, but I also really like the look of LEDs and T5 together. So what about doing the below lights instead?
1* AI Hydra 52 HD LED (in the middle)
2* AI Hydra 26 HD LED (on each side)
2* T5 RetroFit Kit (2x80w) - 2 bulbs in front and 2 bulbs in back of the LEDs
4* ATI 80w Bulbs (2* Blue Plus, 1* Coral Plus, 1* Purple Plus)

 

[tvu]

I just set up a 180g with ghost overflow myself. I have Marine pure in the sump and similar setup aside from the lights.

2 MP40 isn't enough flow for me. I may add a gyre in the back center.

Also put the heaters on the Apex controller. I have 2 Finnex and their accuracy is a little off.

I like a tall stand for access purposes.

Good luck with the build. It should be fun. Keep us updated.

 

[pdt7361]

I plan on having both heaters controlled by the Apex - did one with a controller built in and one with out - will use the one with more as a backup.

 

[pdt7361]

Assuming I have all equipment under the tank, I'll want a tall stand and will probably want it oversized as well - 6 inches longer than the tank and a couple of inches wider. That way I can have a ledge all around the tank and a bit more room inside the stand.

 

[pdt7361]

Any other input?

 

[mta_morrow]

I just set up a 180g with ghost overflow myself. I have Marine pure in the sump and similar setup aside from the lights.

2 MP40 isn't enough flow for me. I may add a gyre in the back center.

Also put the heaters on the Apex controller. I have 2 Finnex and their accuracy is a little off.

I like a tall stand for access purposes.

Good luck with the build. It should be fun. Keep us updated.

Could you please tell me the brand of tank this is?

 

[tvu]

It's from Planet Aquarium but I would not recommend them based on the issues I've seen on my new tank. Poorly done seams and a eurobrace that looks like crap. If I were taller and could see the top I'd be depressed every single day by the shoddiness for what I paid for.

 

[mta_morrow]

It's from Planet Aquarium but I would not recommend them based on the issues I've seen on my new tank. Poorly done seams and a eurobrace that looks like crap. If I were taller and could see the top I'd be depressed every single day by the shoddiness for what I paid for.

Thanks for the heads up! I appreciate it!

 

[tvu]

I have a smaller SCA tank and heard others with larger ones very happy with their tanks.

 

[mta_morrow]

I have a smaller SCA tank and heard others with larger ones very happy with their tanks.

Thanks. They are on my list as well!

 

[pdt7361]

I haven't decided where to get my tank from yet. Will check locally first and then order if I have to.

 

[lilchris_357]

I also can't decide what to do with the lights. I like the idea of 2* Kessil AP700's, but I also really like the look of LEDs and T5 together. So what about doing the below lights instead?
1* AI Hydra 52 HD LED (in the middle)
2* AI Hydra 26 HD LED (on each side)
2* T5 RetroFit Kit (2x80w) - 2 bulbs in front and 2 bulbs in back of the LEDs
4* ATI 80w Bulbs (2* Blue Plus, 1* Coral Plus, 1* Purple Plus)

You can't go wrong with your equipment, top shelf stuff. I can't afford Ecotech equipment. You didn't go w/radions? I will be watching your thread.

 

[pdt7361]

I've read a lot of mixed things about Radions. I've seen lots of success from people with AI's lights, I like the features that their new ones have, and I used to own a couple of AI Sol Blues. Plus for the extra money on the Radions, I just don't see the benefit.