Henders New Reef 180G - Pics 3/jun

So after finally off-loading my parents old 180 they have decided to get a new one. The deal being, as long as I look after it, do all the research and not suggest hideously expensive equipment or livestock then they'll foot the bill.
A neat deal if you ask me, they get to look at a pretty tank and I get to spend time researching a hobby I like and spending money that isn't mine

The new 180 will be a standard 6*2*2 tank with the overflow based in the center back. It'll flow down to a basic 4 foot sump which will have a DSB fuge section on the right, return pump center and skimmer section on the left.

As of yet, I still haven't decided on what skimmer to install, but it'll probably depends on how much i spend on other equipment.

I'm also undecided on what lighting. I'm unsure whether to go with the newer style LED or t5's or even a combination of both.

For flow I'm planning two tunze 6085 (?)
For my return pump I was going to use a Ehim 1060 - is this enough ? or will I need more ?

Stocking list Debate: http://www.3reef.com/forums/tropical-fish/advice-stocking-list-92456.html

 

The tank is ordered and should arrive within two weeks yay!
I then get to fry some brain cells from painting and staining the cabinet/hood.
I suppose its better than doing it by drinking... :|

The to do list is still pretty long.
+ Gotta clean both a ton of sand and rocks from the old 180.
+ Check that the return pump i'm planning on using still works.
+ Get enough plumbing supplies to plumb the new tank.
+ Purchase some hideously expensive equipment :S.
+ Decide on both what lighting fixtures and skimmer to use.
The only plus about this is that the skmmer can be added later on...
+I'm sure i'm forgetting some things, but i'll add them on as i remember.

 

Least you have your ducks in a row! Congrats on the new tank. Hopefully it arrives all well and you get a good start on it! It was exciting when I got my 120g, (Birthday Gift from the parents)...

 

Yea, I'm hoping it goes all right. my parents have had a few tanks in the past, but generally they fell apart as they got busy with life. Its something they have always wanted, and I've convinced them that its worth giving it another shot. Especially since I said I'd do most of the work. I'm lucky in that I won't end up paying much for it, but it isn't really my tank. Its a family tank that I'll end up working on.

 

Sounds good and like you have a plan. I agree the lighting and skimmer decisions can wait until the cycle is almost done. Research woohoo!!!

 

mmm planning = saves $$ and its normally free...
i must admit, research is giving me the sh1ts atm lol

 

Let me just say a couple things not really right or wrong just ideas and options that you may or may not have considered. I don't know if you are planning a controller or not but for about the price of the two tunzes you could pick up a couple Korailla Evo 1450s and put them on a wavemaker setting of a entry controller and you get the added benefits of all the other options the controller offers. I know you said that MH was a no no because of heat issues, but I havent noticed a change in temp since I installed my new lights in Jan. We do keep the house at 72 and there are four clip fans mounted but its also a canopy. With that being said I know it a good feeling to know insufficient lighting isnt the reason you clam just croaked. To compare with 3 250w MH on a six foot tank you need either a 6ft or two 3ft fixures, thats 6 or 12 bulbs compared to 3. I chose the option to keep a 4ft 2 bulb T5 fixture, I run T5 11hrs and the MH for 8hrs. One more thing you are undecided is your skimmer. I wish I had researched this farther I have a Coralife 220 which works fine but since I think I yould have rather had one form SWC. I cant speak from experience never owned one but I do know alot of people on here have and Ive read alot of good things, plus they arent ridiculously expensive so if you havent yet at least take a look at the SWC skimmers (they are also actually a sponsor here) sorry I got to blabbing hope at least some of that is useful

 

I think its worth pointing out I'm from Aus, more specifically Melbourne. Unfortunatly we don't have the luxury of the great range and prices of elsewhere in the world...
That is a valid point about the Koralla's I'll make a note to ask at the LFS and what not. I'm not 100% set on any equipment, so any 'better' suggestions I'm open.

Regarding the temp changes; for four months of the year, We'd be dreaming if we could keep the house at 72fh (22C - save the rest of you googling it like me ). MH's really aren't going to work. Especially since we have decided on a closed 'hood' style lid.

Thanks for the suggestions tho, most welcome. I wonder how long I can keep the thread going w/o pics

 

Oh haha didnt even notice you were in AUS sorry. You should prob still be able to look into the controller/Korallia option, I just know this is one of the things I wish I had originally done and now, like my skimmer, am stuck with what I have.

 

It's cool I'm content with sitting down at the bottom of the world watching everything go by No, I do appreciate the suggestion/points your making. After watching my parents have several 'half' attempts I'm at the stage were I've convinced them to do it right the first time... "A stich in time saves nine" lol