Robs 180 Gal Mixed reef build

[PrettyBoy]

well things are finally starting to happen so I figured I would start my own thread to keep all my questions and info in one spot. First a little intro for those that dont know me. Im Rob 21 years old from Central NJ. Ive been keeping fresh water fish since I was 5 all diffrent size tanks, at 12yr old I got into ponds and started my own pond business. Ive been into ponds for quite some time with trips all over the place for koi, pond builds etc... Anyway I recieved a free brand new 180gallon fish tank, from a friend who didnt want it. It is a RR tank with 2 corner flow skimmers with 2 holes drilled in each skimmer bottom. Says it is rated for 750gph of flow. Ive been doing some reading and posting on here and pretty much have a direction I want to go in. Clownfish, a few tanks, few clams like blue maximas and crocea's. some anemones, etc... I am basically revolving the tank arond the clowns and tangs. I am building the tank in wall which i just finished the in wall framing and stuff last night. I will be using a 40gal breeder tank that I have lying around, unless I should step up for a 55gal. Want to use a very large protein skimmer, last one I looked at was a 3pump 10" octopus skimmer, unless people tell me to go bigger/smaller or with a better/diffrent brand. I plan on doing a CLS, have no clue how many inlets/outlets or where to place them. I would aslo like to do a FSB.
Right now the tank as you see in the pic is up, I think the next step would be to drill the returns and inlets correct? To help me out with the returns/inlets I want to have the LR aquascaped so there is minimal amounts touching the bottom. I would to have a mounds on both sides, and then like caves and such built going across the middle or smaller mounds with again very little touching the bottom. you can see in the pic how eveyrthing is setup so far. the closet on the right I would like to use to house my sump, but it is only 3' wide so I think leaving the bottom open for access would be the best, i mean its 6' of room 3' tall... I am hoping to do the returns/inlets tomorrow and do the FSB asap...

[dobejazz]

Great start !!

I can't help with plumbing suggestions though

[PrettyBoy]

well did some work today. picked up my overflow kit for the tank, the overflows in my tank are drilled for 1" bulkheads the overflow kit I got had a 1" discharge and a 3/4" return that goes into a 2way splitter. since i will be going CLS will I still be using that return or should I just get 2 more 1" bulkheads and have 4 1" overflow lines instead of 2... I also picked up a Oceanic 3 sump tank since my 40gal breeder I planned on using was not intended to hold water as it was a reptile tank. I also got a used MRC MR2 skimmer today I couldnt go wrong for the price and its rated for up to 300gals and I have heard some good reviews about it. Anyone Ive pretty much decided on going with a FSB. To help out with the design of my CLS I plan on making 2 large piles on each side and possibky one in the middle with a "bridge" connect the 3 of them. I will be making a rock lift for this...

[reefermike1]

very nice tank! im sure youll be happy with the mr2, im running the same skimmer... what kind of pump are u going to use with it?

[PrettyBoy]

i think i read a few people were running a mag 18 or maybe it was an 8 on it so probably that

[PrettyBoy]

guy at my local fish store who is experienced in CLS systems advised me not to do it. he said he would not drill more the one inlet in the back of my perfecto tank. said the glass is not thick enough and the more holes I drill the more prone to a blow out i am. personally I dont see there being that much of an issue with 2 CLS inlets and 2 possibly 3 returns, but then again as I have said Im still a noob. any input on this?

[PrettyBoy]

I guess none of my questions on here ever make sense?? lots of views and no advice perhaps maybe I am not asking questions right or not giving enough info? let me know what I need to do for you guys to be able to help me. maybe this section of the forum does not get enough traffic?

[Caball362]

Originally Posted by PrettyBoy

guy at my local fish store who is experienced in CLS systems advised me not to do it. he said he would not drill more the one inlet in the back of my perfecto tank. said the glass is not thick enough and the more holes I drill the more prone to a blow out i am. personally I dont see there being that much of an issue with 2 CLS inlets and 2 possibly 3 returns, but then again as I have said Im still a noob. any input on this?

i would not know but it seem right more holes = more stredd points (IMO)

Originally Posted by PrettyBoy

I guess none of my questions on here ever make sense?? lots of views and no advice perhaps maybe I am not asking questions right or not giving enough info? let me know what I need to do for you guys to be able to help me. maybe this section of the forum does not get enough traffic?

if this dose not pick up soon and you dont get good advied go to the General Reef Discussion hope i helped a little bit

[PrettyBoy]

Originally Posted by Caball362

i would not know but it seem right more holes = more stredd points (IMO)



if this dose not pick up soon and you dont get good advied go to the General Reef Discussion hope i helped a little bit

that is where i began posting but figured it would be better suited in the large tank forum... maybe ill bring the topc there... thanks