180 Gallon Build

as far as filling it goes, with a tank that big you are most definitely going to need a rodi system. Think how many times you will be going to the LFS just for top off water and water changes.

I would also use PVC and maybe even consider putting the sump along the wall rather then under the stand, it will be easier to maintain imo and get your skimmer in and out.

Do not forget to add GFI outlets .

You can save a lot of money by using dry rock, and I mean a lot not to mention a nice pest free beginning to your project. Coral and fish will come with time, just take your time and good things will happen.

 

Im going to chime in here mike and say absolutely do not use gfci outlets. That is the number one way to come home to a tank full of dead fish. I would recommend pvc as well. As well as you have to get a rodi machine. You have to. Wayyyyyy too much water to be making trips elsewhere for. You can get a 6 stage 150 gpd on ebay for around 140 bucks.

 

Huh? GFI's are for your safety.

 

I was less concerned about the fish as I was his life, I wouldnt have a reef tank without one personally.

 

Sorry I'd rather come home to a tank full of stew than a lot full of ashes

 

will be looking forward to seeing this build. i also have a 180 it is just sitting empty right now. i would get an RODI unit or you will end up spending just as much on fuel to get water to fill it up. first thing i would do is get your rock set up in there how you want it before adding water, it's a lot easier that way. i would use PVC and if you need it flexible get some spa tubing. I also agree with mike on the sump, your stand looks like it would be hard to access the sump to maintain it. And lastly i would use a GFCI outlet, i have 2 on my system and each one has a heater and pump on it so if one trips the other is still there as backup.

 

About the GFCI, I too will say that you DO want one. A lot more can be lost (and has been by people in the hobby) without one than with one. If there is concern about extended times with no water flow, a simply battery backup can save you here. Most will only last a couple of hours, but unless you are gone for days at a time without anyone checking on the tank, I view it as a non-issue.
As far as vinyl vs PVC plumbing, I would go PVC. And it is just about the easiest DIY you can do. I have seen builds that were intricate (read: a tape was clearly used) and I have seen those that were clearly eyeballed, but were functionally still fine. It REALLY doesn't take a craftsman to put together and glue a couple drains and returns. With PVC you can also plumb it in such away that you can take it apart (blanking on the name of this specific fitting right now). This will save you time and headache with cleaning, as with vinyl you will be dealing with clamps, at the very least. Just about the only place I would recommend vinyl is where it would be really tricky to use pvc (ie require multiple elbows each of which act to reduce your flow), but in that case, the placement of your pump(s) probably isn't ideal to begin with.
I don't remember where you are from, but I thought you were pretty local. If you are ever in Ames, I have a couple lengths of ~8ft PVC in the garage. I am thinking they are 1.5" and 2.0", but I don't quite remember. We are moving here soon, so they will likely end up in the dumpster if not taken before the move. As cheap as these are, they probably aren't worth a specific trip out here, but like I said, if you are in the area, you are welcome to them.
Also, I will have a VERY LIGHTLY used 75GPD RO Membrane available here in the next 1.5-2 months too. It won't make the trip as it can't be allowed to dry out, so it could be a start for our RO system, assuming you found a used one cheap. If you didn't, when you buy them new they come with them (or should anyway). When I say "very lightly used", I replaced it right around february, and these filters are good for 2-3 years.
OR, if you bring buckets, I'd be happy to make water up for you before we move. The landlord pays our water bill, so I wouldn't be at a loss. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/laugh.gif
BTW, the above offers stand for anyone, really.

 

C

 

Congrats on the upgrade....more room for fun stuff!

 

I just bough the hurricane model from Air water and ice It has a permeate filter to boost pressure to my refrigerator . It does 75 gallons per day plus it has a faucet for the sink. I talked with Marisa and she helped me out a lot. I got gigs discount plus another set of filter for a buck. My readings went from 850 and higher to 0. The water is great and I am very happy with my purchase.

As to the GFCI defiantly use one. I had a power strip once that started to short and got wet and it was an expensive one that was supposed to kick off,.. it did not. If I had not been in the room it would have caught fire. IT just kept sparking and smoking and not kicking off. SO I think the GFCI is the safest way to go.

 

Yeah I wasnt thinking behind the stand I was thinking along the side wall. Either way its going to be awesome to build.

 

Hung has bulkheads too.

 

Hung has bulkheads too.

 

Hung has bulkheads too.

 

most of your PVC will be the same. I suggest putting unions in as much as possible, i put them right after my bulkheads and about a foot up from my return pump incase i need to change my plumbing. Also to help fill your tank with the initial setup see if you can get your hands on a plastic 55g drum, a lot of machine shops have extras from the Destilled water they use on their machines (these drums wont have any chemicals). For the RO unit i agree on putting a Y in with the washing machine, you can just buy extra 1/4in RO line to reach to where you want to put the RO unit (just dont forget that it has a drain line for the rejected water).