Matt's (mpwolken) 180 Reef build (1 Viewer)

[mpwolken]

Okay, so I've really not done a good job of posting my build. It was too slow to really post as I've been bargain hunting to put this thing together.

A large selection of the equipment in this system has been purchased second hand or at deep discounts from MARSH members and sponsors. Thanks to them!

Brett (a.k.a bag151): 180 Gallon Tank
Mike (a.k.a. 2dawghouse): Almost all the live rock
Fish Gallery: Skimmer and Iwaki 40RT from Fire Sale
City Pets: 3x 400W IceCap Ballasts (used), SCWD (50% discount)
ADG: Iwaki 55RLT

Some of the cool stuff that's not currently installed but in my possession (or are installed on my other system)are, and no, I didn't get discounts on this stuff:
Xantrex Freedom 1000 HF & 2 of the largest Marine Batteries Bass Pro Shops sells to keep a secondary lighting/aeration system going for up to a week at a time
Spectrapure Litermeter III w/ 1 extra pump for 2 part dosing
Tunze Osmolator for top off
1/3 HP Teco Seachill

Some of the cool features of the system are the 40" powdercoated stand and the closed loop going through an SCWD . I might switch to an OM 2-way if this becomes a problem. I added a take off from the closed loop so that I can use it for water changes. I think that was a stroke of genius. Of course, my 3 year old will probably turn the valve and flood the house. Maybe I should add some more safety to that valve!

Obviously, I haven't got my final lighting system installed. I haven't purchased reflectors or bulbs for the 400W ballasts. I'll be using a combination of an Aquatinics TX5 and a 250W Hamilton Reefstar for a couple of months. Also, I haven't skinned the stand. I found some cool methods. It's likely I'll use magnets to secure the cabinetry and a really cool organic fire retardant sound proofing material. If you look up sound proofing materials, many of them are very likely to make any small electrical spark into a large fire. Be careful out there.

I make my own water here; have a Spectrapure 90Gallon RO/DI +Chloramine removal in the garage.

 

[jamesw]

Thanks for the build thread and best of luck w/ your tank Matt.

Can I hear some more about the battery backup? It sounds a lot cheaper than a Generac Guardian

Cheers
James

 

[mpwolken]

It's just an inverter/charger like you would use in an RV or boat. It's limited to 1000W, but it's able to maintain as large of set 12v batteries you can wire up in parallel. That gives it a great amount of capacity.

And yes, it's far less expensive then a generac guardian. I don't see the need. If you need a guardian for hurricanes, that means you're probably willing to stay through hurricanes and have 0 access to hospitals or emergency services. I'll evacuate; all I need power for is my aquarium (just enough for some small fans, a little light, and a little aeration). I do have an 8kW Generator for the time when I come back from a hurricane evacuation and want to run the skimmer/main lights and hook my fridge back up.

 

[RR-MAN]

That is a clean set up...great job.

Regarding the SCWD, it does need frequent cleaning. I used to run one on my 24" cube years back.

Where is the top-off/adding fresh water manually?

 

[mpwolken]

That is a clean set up...great job.

Regarding the SCWD, it does need frequent cleaning. I used to run one on my 24" cube years back.

Where is the top-off/adding fresh water manually?

I haven't set up the battery back up, top off(osmolator), chiller, dosing pumps or lighting yet. I've got the equipment, but haven't got it all set up yet.

 

[flipside]

I really love that stand, man! Sweet setup!

 

[paraletho]

Did you purchase the stand already built, have it manufactured, or DIY. I'm doing an inwall and want a powder coated metal stand. They are much more open for access. Also the drip pan fiberglass custom made or what? My house is 8ft. in the air so I thought just plumb the drip pan drain through the floor. Unless I have catastrophic failure I should be OK

 

[mpwolken]

I made the drip pan with some plywood & 2x4s with silicon and oil based paint. I could have done a better job, but I can replace it with about 2 hours work if it ever has any problems.

The stand was built as a favor by a friend that owns a machine shop and makes oil field equipment.