Cliff’s 180 gallon reef

**Cliff** · 07-29-2012, 02:54 PM

I took the advice (and help, AKA free labor) of a few friends yesterday and mounted the TV to the bulkhead above were the tank will sit. I was getting concerned about the extra weight of the TV and equipment on top of the tank. Mounting that TV on a bulkhead was not easy. We had to reinforce the bulkhead and then make a frame from 2X4s to attach to the bulkhead so we could attach the TV mount to something that will be able to take the weight (and then some). We even went one extra step and placed two shelves (one in each corner) for the equipment.

I will have an extra 5” of space from the bottom of the TV to the top of the planned canopy

I still have to tie-up the cables/wires. The electrical outlet for the TV & equipment along with the equipment for the tank will all be on a GFI circuit for safety

Before

After

**sheamurai** · 07-29-2012, 03:25 PM

LOL you're going to need a whole separate breaker panel just for that wall!

I think thats going to be a great set up - tip back in the lounger to watch tv, watch the tank during commercials...

**Cliff** · 07-29-2012, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by sheamurai

LOL you're going to need a whole separate breaker panel just for that wall!

I think thats going to be a great set up - tip back in the lounger to watch tv, watch the tank during commercials...

LMAO, how did you know !!!!

I have a electrician installing a separate circut for the tank in a few weeks (when he gets a hour between real paying jobs). As the breaker panel is in the same closet as the sump, it was pretty darn cheap to do so I figured I might as well. That way I will never have to worry about breakers being tripped while I'm away for work

**Cliff** · 08-02-2012, 02:30 PM

Just got a E-mail yesterday from the LFS to tell me the tank will be here next weekend. Oh my, I am not ready for it yet!!!!. As I got a lot of vaction days to use up this year, I took today and tomorrow off so I can get a few things done.

I'm really getting excited now

**MandyK** · 08-02-2012, 03:54 PM

I can't wait to see this! A master at work. :)

**hockeyhead019** · 08-03-2012, 12:21 PM

Niiiccceeeee! Definitely a good idea putting the tank on it's own breaker haha not something you want to go tripping off while you aren't home... trust me

**Crispy** · 08-03-2012, 12:50 PM

**Cliff** · 08-03-2012, 01:35 PM

LOL Crispy

I got most of the fittings that I need for the plumbing (and algae scrubber)and I switched out the 55 gallon sump that I had on the 90 gallon DT with the spare 30 gallon sump and return pump that I had in the closet.

Now when the tank gets here, I can run all the plumbing lines between the tank and sump and let it run for a day or two with FW just to make sure there are no leaks while still having the 90 gallon DT not effected in any way.

Hopefully I can get the electrical work done today and finish the panels for the sump.

**Crispy** · 08-03-2012, 01:47 PM

knowing you Cliff, I give it 6 months and you might be upgrading the sump.

don't install it too hardcore. make it easy to take apart FWIT.

**Cliff** · 08-03-2012, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Crispy

knowing you Cliff, I give it 6 months and you might be upgrading the sump.

don't install it too hardcore. make it easy to take apart FWIT.

LMAO, am I that predictable

But now that you mention it, I was thinking about picking up a used 125 (6" tank) or a 75 gallon if I can find a old beat-up one for cheap so I could get a larger refugium compartment in the sump. The LEDs that I ordered for the sump can handle / support a lot more than I'll be putting in that very small 55 gallon sump. Just only thoughts right now.

Good point on the plumbing. I rig it up so I can put any sized sump that I could get.