Tank Upgrade!!

Doyle73 · Apr 30, 2010

I have an opportunity to get a pretty good deal on a 180 gal tank. I think we are going to get it and upgrade our two tanks into one.

what Skimmer would you recommend?

What Kind of lighting? Was thinking about a retro fit 3 250 watt MH and mabye supplement t5's.
Just an Idea. I have not had a tank this big so all will be new infomation, I want to get an Idea of what I need and get it before I set this massive tank up.
Any info would be good!
Thanks
Dennis

litenyaup · Apr 30, 2010

i would recomend the hurricone skimmer with the askull pump and custom velute!

Striike · Apr 30, 2010

180 is big! Make sure your stand and floor can support it, lol.

Doyle73 · Apr 30, 2010

Yeah That is the main concern I will have but I guess all the strength and material classes at school should help.

scouncil · Apr 30, 2010

and it's amazing how the larger tanks are so much more stable. I'm still amazed at how good some of my corals are doing (and Bryan and Brandon will be the first to tell you that I'm totally clueless with what I'm doing with the tank- I have help....). glad you are moving up!!! I agree with the weight issue. Make sure it will work! Metal Halide and hard corals are in your future!!!
Susan

ironman · Apr 30, 2010

just take your time, research what you are using for equipment. 3 250 halides is a good light setup. If you arnt in a rush come to the meeting at my house this month and we can all sit and talk about options, you will get alot of opinions and it always easier to talk in person

Doyle73 · May 1, 2010

yeah that is a good idea. I will be there for sure. I want this to be well planned out before I even put water in the tank. We are going to pick up the tank tomorrow.

fullmonti · May 2, 2010

what lights & skimmer would depend on what you want to keep in there. You know how many fish, what kind of corals. I have a 180 sps tank your welcome to come by & check it out if you'd like.

scouncil · May 2, 2010

Jim's tank IS fabulous!!! And his set up is to die for. If only I could be so handy with PVC and wood!!! Alas, I am a chick and Dad (who wasn't good at that stuff anyway) didn't teach me and now, gosh, I'm TOO OLD to learn!!!

Doyle73 · May 3, 2010

Yes I will have to do that Jim, after loading and unloading that tank into our house i need to check out how the stand is made and the skimmer because this tank is huge. But awesome.

fullmonti · May 4, 2010

Just give me a shout when ready

Doyle73 · May 4, 2010

Thank you for the invite. Let me talk to my brother and see when he can come with because he and I are setting this big monster up. Would this weekend be available for you?

fullmonti · May 5, 2010

Most weekends would be OK, but this one is all ready full up sorry to say. May be next week or one evening?

Doyle73 · May 6, 2010

ok sounds good to me I am not in a hurry in this build. I first need to sell all my current setups to make room and funds for this one.

Doyle73 · May 14, 2010

I have found a couple of skimmers,
First is a Aqua C EV 240
Second is MR2
Would any of the be sufficient for my tank or should I stay away form these.
I know I will have a lot of live rock and ling with a good amount of fish. I have not really thought about keeping any sps at this time, mainly LPS and softies maybe a few sps
Any input would help
Thanks

ironman · May 15, 2010

Both skimmers would be decent sized, I wouldnt say either are super skimmers, but both would do the job. The MR2 would skim better, but require more cleaning and constant tweaking, the aquac would be a good set it and forget it skimmer but wouldnt skim as well as the MR2. IN my opinion

Doyle73 · May 16, 2010

Thanks the aqua is sold and I don't think I want to get the mr2, I will keep looking.

Doyle73 · May 19, 2010

What are some thoughts on this light for our 180 gal. Current USA Outer Orbit HQI - Aquatic Connection. its the 6 foot 3 250 watt and 8 t5.

ironman · May 19, 2010

My personal opinion I wouldnt buy a Current product unless I didnt care how long it lasted. Maybe they are doing better with there quality, but from what ive seen they werent made to last. Again this is just my opinion so people with the current products dont get affended.