180 g Acrylic set up

[clm08k]

Hey all. Recently purchased a used 180g acrylic tank w/ wet-dry and full canopy. I've never had a tank bigger than a 55g or kept sumps; however, I'm very excited to learn more. In addition, I've never kept an acrylic tank before, so I'm not sure if sanitizing/cleaning is different than what I'm used to. Despite doing some research, I ask you, the pros, on how to set this tank up in the best way possible.

Goal: Set up a 180 gal planted tank for my 5 upper jaws polypterus and dither friends. Make the sump relatively quiet.

Things I've done so far:
1. Rinsed and scrubbed the inside and outside of the acrylic tank.
(Just used water, acrylic safe scrubber and acrylic safe algae cleaner. ) I also used some microfiber towels.

Okay, so that's it so far. lol.
2. Ordering Novus 1,2,3 to clean/polish the acrylic with microfiber towels.

3. Sanitize the sump and other things. What is the best way to do this? Do I need to replace or toss any of this stuff?

 

[DN328]

I would not toss anything away just yet. You will want to consider how you will want to connect the tank to sump based on the options that you have. Post some pictures of the tank and sump - that will help get some ideas.

You'll do all your polishing and cleaning as you have planned, but good to do some research on the drain methods.

 

[D.harper603]

i just picked up a 180g glass tank as well and im in the same boat with the sump. my largest tank is a 90 before i got the 180

 

[OldOne14]

Same boat for me as well. 180 tank. Plan to set up a planted tank. Have several marine full reef tanks. Wrapping my mind around freshwater is taking me a minute. Deciding between a sump or canister filter.

 

[epond83]

If you want the sump to run quite I highly recommend setting up a bean animal style over flow I run my sump at 1000gph and its silent.

 

[clm08k]

Keep or toss? Also any tips on sanitizing would be appreciated. In addition, tips on replacing or building a silent sump, welcome as well

 

[clm08k]

If you want the sump to run quite I highly recommend setting up a bean animal style over flow I run my sump at 1000gph and its silent.

I will look into this. Do you have any recommendations on videos or webpages to view?

 

[aotechs]

I'd reuse as much as possible since you already have it. Vinegar and water will clean it up after soaking.

No reason to throw it away even if you want to go a different route. Sell or give away what you don't want to run on your build.

 

[clm08k]

Thank you everyone for all the answers.

I'd reuse as much as possible since you already have it. Vinegar and water will clean it up after soaking.

No reason to throw it away even if you want to go a different route. Sell or give away what you don't want to run on your build.

I absolutely agree. I don't like to waste, and this sounds good. What ratio of water/vinegar should I use? (I'm used to soaking things with bleach in 5 gallon buckets, which is a little different).
Also maybe this is a dumb question, but what directions should I use for the vinegar for soaking and for scrubbing?

 

[twentyleagues]

I go vinegar heavy. But any mix will work I like about half a gallon in a 5g bucket. Let it soak overnight and scrub with a soft bristle brush. As for the bulk heads id get new. I never reuse them......well I just made a pvc light saber out of one of the old ones lol. Made a pretty cool looking hilt. Anyway I find the seals can leak once they have been used. Safer to get new. The rest can be reused or repurposed.
Test the heater for operation before relying on it to do anything with fish involved. Run it in a bucket of water or a tote just make sure its not touching the sides.
I know you posted some pics on fb but if you can post some close ups of the overflows thatd be helpful. I dont remember how its set up.