Reelss's 180 Gallon Build (DIY heavy, Basement Sump)

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

The build started unexpectedly when I was able to get a 180 gallon tank locally being sold by another reefer. I have been building it slowly. Here's the progress so far, but there's a lot of work that still remains.

Current Tanks:
80 gallon Deep Blue
50 gallon Low Boy

The plan is to set up both the 180 and the 80 with a basement sump.

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

*** Post Reserved for To Do List and Recent Updates

Equipment and Build Details:

180 Gallon Rimless Tank
DIY Stand
8020 Custom Light Mount
75 Gallon DIY Sump (Exotic Marine Systems Baffle Kit)
1. Sump to be placed in the basement.
Four AI Hyrdra 26HDs
Jebao DCP 20000 Return Pump
Planning to get Jebao SCP-150 Wavemakers
Neptune Stuff
1. Apex
2. ATK
3. DOS and DDR
Seaside Aquatics CS2 Skimmer (will need upgrade later)
A bunch of heaters

Immediate To Do List:

Complete Sump Build
Build Stand for Sump
Start Aquascape
Start Plumbing

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

After making the deal locally and a quick leak test, the tank was moved. Had to hire movers.

After some nervous moments, the tank was home.

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

Started building the stand.

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

Stand moved and leveled. Tank placed on top.
Also made a diy 8020 light mount.

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

Started building a DIY sump out of a 75 gallon tank.

JoshH · Dec 1, 2019

LOVING the new build and that tank is awesome! ! One thing I might be concerned with is blocking the air return with the stand, I'd make sure there is atleast one vent to pull air from the room through the stand...

Fla04gbf · Dec 1, 2019

reelss said:
Stand moved and leveled. Tank placed on top.
Also made a diy 8020 light mount.

View attachment 1309530 View attachment 1309532

Love your DIY skill! I wouldn’t be confident enough to build the stand for a 180g myself . Will be following this building

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

JoshH said:
LOVING the new build and that tank is awesome! ! One thing I might be concerned with is blocking the air return with the stand, I'd make sure there is atleast one vent to pull air from the room through the stand...

Thanks @JoshH. Good eye! There is another return vent in the room not too far away. There is also clearance behind the tank. I also plan to build clearance in the stand so that the vent isn't completely blocked.

JoshH · Dec 1, 2019

reelss said:
Thanks @JoshH. Good eye! There is another return vent in the room not too far away. There is also clearance behind the tank. I also plan to build clearance in the stand so that the vent isn't completely blocked.

Awesome, something a lot of people overlook but they are really important for proper airflow and heating/cooling your home and if you go around blocking them it can seriously effect the efficiency of your system. Glad you have factored that in already!!

CasaReefer · Dec 1, 2019

Exciting Build SS Great Job on the stand... Nice looking home your a lucky man cause we all know your wife is responsible for that. I know I will enjoy this journey.. Thanks for bring us along.

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

CasaReefer said:
Exciting Build SS Great Job on the stand... Nice looking home your a lucky man cause we all know your wife is responsible for that. I know I will enjoy this journey.. Thanks for bring us along.

Indeed. I am doing most of the build indoors since its cold in Chicago. The stand took up the entrance for a couple of weeks. Have shipping boxes and the sump build going on in another room. She has coped with it all. I sure don't want to drag this along too much, but it has been quite a project so far.

CasaReefer · Dec 1, 2019

She is a Keeper... No Really Keep her..

reelss · Dec 1, 2019

Had some time today, started with the aquascape. No plan in mind yet, just seeing what I end up with.

reelss · Dec 6, 2019

Been busy over the last few days. I did want to start plumbing. Bought some supplies. Attached bulkheads and water tested the seals. Waterbox tanks use metric bulkheads and so this is my solution to convert to standard.

reelss · Dec 18, 2019

Over the last few days, I took advantage of much needed time off. Plumbing to the basement was not easy. I had to maneuver around some duct work.

The sump was moved. Rodi unit is working overtime. Did some rock work, but the plan is to love the majority of the rock from the other tank once the water goes in. It’s coming together. Hopefully start getting the water in tomorrow and put the plumbing to test.