Planning for another tank, going BIG

[zparticle]

I'm ready for another tank (I have six now, 1 5g, 1 20g, 1 29g, 1 55g, 2 75g), thinking about a 180 gallon or maybe even a bigger custom tank. I could do the 180g in the family room easily, would have to get an engineer in to check out the floor supports if I put it in the in the living room. Family room is the most likely spot

I figure if I do a 180g or larger I will need four API NEXX canisters (two main each with an extension system). I'll go with NEXX unless someone has a reason not to, I already have 6 of them, in pairs, and I trust them. I also think I would need at least two power heads to keep the water moving. Not sure what I would need heater wise.

Obviously a boat load of plants, DW and decorations. Possibly hand built coves/caves.

I'm thinking I would like a full setup with LED moon lights, programmable controller to control everything. Would I need an sump? I'm only interested in doing a large FW setup. SW is not in my future. This tank would take some of the larger (2'-3' fish) at the LFS.

All feedback/help/stories welcome.

 

[zparticle]

Title should have been "Planning" oops.

 

[mfdrookie516]

fixed that for ya

 

[zparticle]

Went looking at tanks today, I think 180g is going to be my choice.

 

[New]

can't wait to see how it goes

 

[steez]

Sounds awesome, I'll be watching.

I use the Nexx filter too, haven't had any problems with it.

 

[zparticle]

Have to do a lot of planning before I start to buy parts. Although I may go ahead and get the tank fairly quickly just to give me motivation.

 

[librarygirl]

Holy smokes!! I find my 20 gal overwhelming, I can't imagine six tanks plus a huge one. lol. Following.....

 

[New]

man, i wish i could have a tank that big, i'm so jealous....maybe some day.....

 

[zparticle]

Well poop, the new tank is on hold for a little while. I need to buy a new bed first, this one isn't working out.

 

[zparticle]

Looked at a few tanks from craig's list. One wasn't a 180g even thought the add said it was. The custom sump system was crazy cool, but I passed on it because it wasn't the size I want. Looked at another but the guy had sold the tank by the time I got to it and he only wanted to sell the stand and other equipment and wanted too much. Have to keep looking.

 

[New]

good luck!

 

[zparticle]

Okay, I finally bought my first truly large tank, 180 gallons! I'm doing the first fill of it right now.

For those of you that remember my big tank cabinet build that is where it is sitting. I moved all of the fish from the 20g to one of the 75g tanks, they seem happier with new places to swim and friends to swim with. Then I moved all of the fish out of the 55g cichlid tank into the 29g backup tank. That cleared up the cabinet for the new 180g tank.

I've got two sponge filters and four API NEXX canister filters (two filter motors running two canister sets for a total of 8 canisters) for the 180g. About 80 lbs of pebbles and 40 lbs of crushed coral. Two 250 watt heaters and two air pumps, one with four hoses and one with two hoses.

Going to have to go find some MUCH larger decorations, this thing is huge. It took me and two of my neighbors to lift it onto the stand. I'm praying the stand holds up and the tanks doesn't burst.

 

[Snowinak]

Pics?? Sounds like an awsome setup so far

 

[zparticle]

I'll post some pics up in just a few minutes. I'm trying to keep an eye on it while it fills up.

 

[zparticle]

180 gallon tank - YouTube

 

[Bobby56]

180 gallon tank - YouTube

Nice man! Love that tank and stand

 

[College Kid]

180 gallon tank - YouTube

That thing is a beast! Can't wait to see it with everything in!

 

[almcloud]

180 gallon tank - YouTube

Nice, good luck !
Will follow.

 

[Mr. Moe]

That looks fantastic!
Hope it all goes well and the fish love it.