180 Gallon Build
 

Hey everyone,

I have just recently joined the forum. I have read through alot of other builds and decided to try to document mine the best I can. I have had freshwater but this will be a first on the saltwater side for me. Also the largest tank I've had in the past was a 55 gallon so I am very excited to see what I can do with all the extra space.

Feel free to ask any questions and all criticism is welcome.

You guys are about a month behind so I'll get ya up to par real quick.

Thanks and hope you enjoy the build and progression of my first saltwater tank!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cc8df37334.jpg

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That's where we are now. I should be getting a few things delivered tomorrow and hope to get alot done this weekend

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Looks great! Very nice work indeed. I'm glad your carpentry skills are better than your photo posting skills lol ;)

Haha yes I'm not sure why the pics are getting uploaded like that and unfortunately I didn't notice it until I was done posting for the night and I don't see a way to edit my post. I'll have more coming this weekend and I'll try to get the photos straightened out.

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In all seriousness, I really like what you did with the stand and it's doors. I haven't seen a setup like that before... unique!!! I'm looking forward to the rest of the build!

Framing of my diy stand. I found the plans for this stand on the forums. The top is constructed with 2x8s and the rest 2x4s.

It measures 72.5x24.5x40https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b5db1c2e0a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e884a1893c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...dee6dddb14.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5b3ca83380.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...942edb610a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ed4d323b83.jpg

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With the framing done I wanted to start to see how I was going set something up inside the stand. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...91ac5c554d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...671edf7eb1.jpg

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Added a low spot for my sump to sit with shelves on both sides of it. The shelves were made with 1x2s and covered in some cheap plywood. It will be getting painted and sealed later.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...08ee46d357.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...13ccc560d5.jpg

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Finally time to cover it with some nice oak. I covered the sides with 3/4 plywood. For the front I used nice project boards. I wasn't able to find anything wide enough so I joined a 1x12 and 1x8.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bc43804543.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...14e180f6e4.jpg

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Some trim was added to the top and bottom and doing test fitment of the sliding doors.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d40f507987.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...29b0173208.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c91d612690.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...55121936d7.jpg

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The inside of the stand was covered in an outdoor semi gloss white paint.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4c00939c3e.jpg

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Added stain, really starting to look good now.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8794e03c5b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c14cd23aea.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...562f203fed.jpg

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So I ordered a used 72 inch coralife aqualight pro. When I saw the box on the porch I knew it wouldn't be pretty when I opened it. Luckily the seller refunded me some money for the bulbs and hassle. I was able to bend the framing back to an acceptable appearance. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c4026cd79c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...50d971addb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7976fbf656.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f6bf3b2aa7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8bbb65dac0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1cab684fe5.jpg

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Hardware for the sliding doors were added.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bc25944913.jpg

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Finally, It has made its way to it's new home. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...af0a7cc0c2.jpg

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Power strips and timers are installed on both sides in the back corner. I also stuck a light I had laying around inside the tank. I hate not being able to see what I'm doing!

I did not want the stand to be completely sealed so no wood on the back. But I did want to make sure there wouldn't be any splashing into the power outlet so I hung a white shower curtain on the back. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5dd513c969.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...13d27fbb42.jpg

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Nice craftsmanship on the stand

Looks great! Nice stand build. Love the white painted interior and dark stain contrast.

Looking great! Can't wait to see it filled up!

I am a fan of the doors. I always love when people do the insides of their stands in white. It must be the clean new look it has. What are your plans for the overflow plumbing and return?

Thanks I really like the sliding doors. I built this to match the tv stand I built when we bought this house.

As far as plumbing goes, I'll be doing a durso setup. I actually got everything fit last night but didn't take any pics. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3340503b05.jpg

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It looks like you're off to a great start! I can't wait to see it full. I

Didn't get to work on the tank itself this weekend but I did get the floor joist doubled up to support it. Also got my ro station mostly setup. I'm still waiting on a few bulkheads to run the plumbing on the 55 gallon drums.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...542339b42c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7d49ea9703.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b4c4047d09.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...43bfea74e4.jpg

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Worked on plumbing a little last night but finished it up today. I went with durso style overflows.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...48e2e0df5d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...124d248e57.jpg

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Looks good! Have any ideas for equipment and stock list yet?