dmopars 180 build thread

[dmopar74]

im finally starting on my second SW tank, converting my 180 to salt.
im bored so im going to post some pics along the way, here we go!
this is my 180 on my diy stand, still gotta finish my canopy one day

heres my 40g sump i just finished, and yes i use ceramic tiles in my sumps for baffles as they are very cheap, strong, and easy to work with.

my closet(wife gets the walk in closet) that will hold my sump and mixing station will be on the shelf above. the closet is in my bedroom and the tank is on the other side of the wall.

glass holes 1500 overflow.

80lbs of oolitic sand.

couple of future inhabitants!

i will update as i progress, hope to get the fw fish out whithin the next couple days and then drill the tank for the overflow...

 

[nonstophoops]

Let us know how the drilling goes, I am very interested in how that will work. Do you have experience drilling thick glass like this?

My other question is whether that middle baffle is off the bottom, it looks like water can't flow under it? You will want an inch or more for how much water is going to have to flow through a 40 gallon for a 180 gallon tank.

 

[dmopar74]

ive drilled a couple tanks no problem, im not worried.

center baffle is 1" up, should be no problems.

 

[dgk9723]

I like the look of the stand you got going, show quality. Never thought of ceramic tiles good idea. i was using pre cut glass ate home depot that fit perfectly, it was 8x12 and that would fit your 40 long cause i also have a 40long that i made into a sump.
Great choice on the eels gonna look sick.
what equipment you got lined up for this?

 

[nonstophoops]

ive drilled a couple tanks no problem, im not worried.

center baffle is 1" up, should be no problems.

Good to hear. I wish I had the knowledge and balls to drill my tanks.

 

[dmopar74]

I have an asm g2 with a sedra 5000 pump, and I extended the neck on it 3".
Quiet one 4000 pump for sump, two if needed.
Xp4 can full of ceramic and glass media until I acquire enough live rock.
Also various powerheads and a large seio internal pump.
I want to get a couple mh lights for a great shimmer effect.

Although this isn't optimal equipment it's what I have laying around and should work well enough for now.

 

[Heathd]

Good to hear. I wish I had the knowledge and balls to drill my tanks.

I promise you, its not that hard. A drill with a clutch put to the lowest setting so it will slip when it catches, and a press attachment to keep the diamond bit normal to the glass surface.

But it is nerve wrecking as hell the first time you do it.

 

[dmopar74]

well today i got all the FW fish and equipment moved out to my shop and running. then came the fun part...

got the 180 ready for the drill...

my ugly mug doin work...

not too shabby, two 2" holes...

overflow done...

next to come, plumbing through the wall.

 

[JK47]

Nice job J! You don't see people drilling glass tanks upright very often that's awesome! I have TONS of arganite sand I can't use, let me know if you need any. (like 200 lbs)

 

[dmopar74]

ive done two tanks upright, not by choice but when the damn things are already setup its just easier to do. first tank i ever drilled i drained it halfway and went to town, a little sketchy but havent broke a tank yet.

thats alot of sand! i'll keep that in mind thanks.