Hi everyone. I posted this on RC last week, but I thought I'd make an introductory post here talking about my recent upgrade.
I upgraded from a 110 gallon tank to a 180 gallon tank last weekend. The old tank was getting a bit crowded, and my wife didn't like the tall tank configuration. The new tank also has a beautiful stand, much nicer than the homemade stand I made for the old tank.
Here's what the old tank looked like:
I sold several corals over the last few weeks to clean things out, which made the move a lot easier.
I used my old sump, and all the old equipment, ie SWC 180 skimmer, 2xMP40es powerheads, calcium reactor, etc. I did upgraded lights from a T5 setup to a Hamilton 3x150w mh fixture with 2x80w T5 atinics, and 4x1w LED moonlights.
So here's the new tank:
I used all the old live rock, about 100lbs worth, but took apart the tall rock towers to give the fish more swimming area, and give the corals more space to grow into. The halide bulbs are 14K, and I'm really happy with the look.
Here's the left side:
I kept part of one of the towers, in part because the rocks are cemented together, but also because I wanted a little variability in the rockwork.
Here's the right side of the tank:
I put a small island in the middle of the tank, and a larger, flat area of rocks on the right side. The corals and fish seem to be doing well after the transfer. I haven't noticed tissue recession in any of the corals and there hasn't been a problem with re-cycling.
Here are some looks from the ends of the tank:
The sump is a 40 gallon tank with three sections.
Here's a shot of the tank and stand. The stand is a beautiful custom piece of furniture. It has huge doors on the front and handy doors on each side, as well.
I upgraded from a 110 gallon tank to a 180 gallon tank last weekend. The old tank was getting a bit crowded, and my wife didn't like the tall tank configuration. The new tank also has a beautiful stand, much nicer than the homemade stand I made for the old tank.
Here's what the old tank looked like:
I sold several corals over the last few weeks to clean things out, which made the move a lot easier.
I used my old sump, and all the old equipment, ie SWC 180 skimmer, 2xMP40es powerheads, calcium reactor, etc. I did upgraded lights from a T5 setup to a Hamilton 3x150w mh fixture with 2x80w T5 atinics, and 4x1w LED moonlights.
So here's the new tank:
I used all the old live rock, about 100lbs worth, but took apart the tall rock towers to give the fish more swimming area, and give the corals more space to grow into. The halide bulbs are 14K, and I'm really happy with the look.
Here's the left side:
I kept part of one of the towers, in part because the rocks are cemented together, but also because I wanted a little variability in the rockwork.
Here's the right side of the tank:
I put a small island in the middle of the tank, and a larger, flat area of rocks on the right side. The corals and fish seem to be doing well after the transfer. I haven't noticed tissue recession in any of the corals and there hasn't been a problem with re-cycling.
Here are some looks from the ends of the tank:
The sump is a 40 gallon tank with three sections.
Here's a shot of the tank and stand. The stand is a beautiful custom piece of furniture. It has huge doors on the front and handy doors on each side, as well.
