My 180g Aquasystem tank build

I was trying to get up to 3-4" for a DSB type of setup, hence the very fine oolite sand. Looks like I'm in the algae bloom stage now with green covering everything. Funny, I did my weekly refill and wipedown of the glass this morning, go out for the day, come back 8 hours later, and viola more green algae again! Also, having a large tank makes it take forever for water changes (30+ gallons!)...yikes! Corals look happy as well as livestock so far. I'm hoping for some coralline to build up on the rocks soon.

 

Long, long overdue update on my tank. it's been an interesting 1.5 years since i started it, so I'll go by each topic below and attach pictures accordingly.

Equipment:

- TruVu 180 gallon Aquasystem tank: works as advertised, albeit i deviated from their sump setup by having the back area full of bio balls and filter socks. The top is bent ever so slightly when i used the original Marineland HQI+T5 setup, but still is very robust and no other signs of wear on the tank.

- Marineland 72" HQI + T5: For a simple FOWLR tank as mine, it was way, way overkill. Having that much lighting power is nice, but the heat and power from the HQI was too much. I loved the internal timer system though and often just used it with just the T5s. However in 1 years time that i had it, i went through like 8 bulbs or so, but it was very bright and nice looking. However, the weight of the thing at like 80lbs was a bit unbearable for maintenance. I later sold it and got 2 Marineland reef capable LED lights instead. While the light output capacity isn't close to the T5s before, the lower power usage, combined with the light maintenance and no bulb replacement is a winner in my book.

- Marineland Skimmers: These work great, but ultra sensitive to water levels. Fortunately, i was able to construct a platform for them in the back of the tank where water level is consistent. Wish the cup was easier to dump, and sometimes repowering the skimmers cause the blades to lockup, but otherwise no issues. I may entertain adding an additional sump below the tank with a much larger skimmer to supplement the two on top, but that's for another project.

- Marineland Maxijet 1200 w/ "eco mods": They work great....when they work that is. With the eco mods that change the Maxijet 1200 from a powerhead to a wavemaker, it pushes a lot of flow throughout the tank. However, they tend to lockup from time to time and on top of that, the fan covers would occasionally pop off. But the most annoying thing i hate is the stupid suction cup holders. I can't remember how many times they have fallen off to blow all my sand around and stuff. I ljust ditched them altogether and waiting for my Koralias with magnetic holders instead. I know Marineland changed their design in the past year, but still have those stupid suction cups. It's too bad, because it is a great reliable powerhead otherwise.

- Marineland Stealth 300W heaters: I know there are recalls against this and my power LEDs on this fluctuate on and off, but they've worked and haven't given me any trouble (knock on wood). I intend to replace them soon though, but haven't seen any that stands out.

 

Livestock:

Wow, where to beging. Let's go with the old veterans in the tank.

- 4.5" Blue Hippo Tang (Dory): One of my all time fav fish. Love her to death! She's been with my for at least 3 years, and at least 3 tanks! She was only like 2" when i first got her and has grown to around 4.5". Very, very hardy, very, very active, and very, very beautiful! Eats any and everything i throw in the tank and is friendly with everyone, yet won't hesitate to put bullies in their place.



- 4.5" Harlequin Tusk (Darth Maul): My all time favorite fish. Unfortunately, I've gone through 2 of them before settling on my present one (the first one jumped out of my QT tank in my garage, while the second one (an Australian variety) jumped from the main DT. Fortunately, this one doesn't like to go air diving at all. I've had him for about 8 months and he's easily the big bad bully of the tank (hence his name Darth Maul); he'll constantly chase and nip on the Coral Beauty and the 6 line wrasse, otherwise leaves everyone else alone strangely enough. He eats everything, and i mean everything. He tried to swallow one of the small hermit crabs whole one time (shell and all) and almost choked to death. Since then, i think he's learned his lesson on that, but if i throw an algae sheet for the tangs and angel, he'll rip half of it up and swallow it whole in one gulp and constantly regurgitates on it. Crazy fish, but oh strikingly beautiful! Wouldn't change a thing on him, even his temperament and all.



- 4.5" Maroon Clown (Meno): Contrary to his name and his genre, Meno (Mean-oh) is a big softie. He may be big, but he doesn't care much for all the bullying around. Probably because a while back, either my trigger or the Tusk took a big bite out of his fin in retaliation. Since then, he just hangs around his cave and watches other fish go by without a fuss.



- 4.5" Blue Throat Trigger (Frank Sinatra aka Ol' Blue Eyes): When I had him, he was always a model citizen. Never went after any other fish, unless they were trying to intimidate him (hello Tusk!). Was even able to pet him on occasion when i was either cleaning or feeding. Very curious fish and entertaining as well. I eventually let him go not because of anything he did, rather I just wanted a trigger with more color that's all. Sorta of regretting it already.

 

Gorgeous fish you got there.

 

how long did it take the triggrt to start eating?

 

Thanks Siddique! I'll post the rest of my livestock shortly as well

Jmblec2 - took about a few days. Took him a bit to get acclimated if i remember correctly.

 

That is true. The first one I ever had took about two weeks before it ever came out and ate. Then it hung out with my Naso or my Magnificent all the time. Sorry to see you have to let him go. Ever thought about maybe a clown trigger. If so he definitely has to be the last one to be placed in the tank.

 

Awesome tank. So awesome to see tanks develop over time.

 

You are right, Darth Maul is a nice looking fish!!

Great tank. My little 12g AIO pails in comparison to this AIO.

 

that is a gorgeous tank especially have an attraction for the Harlequin. Sorry to hear that you have bad attempts hopefully you will better success with this one.