Hello Living Reefs

[Sdotbro]

I was recently given a 180 gallon tank and wood stand by a family friend that moved away.
I currently have a 29 gal cichlid tank and has been running for about 2 yrs which is stocked to the brim with some of the most beautiful and colorful cichlids I could find. (I'll take a few pics)

Initial idea for the 180 was a Freshwater teacup and motoro sting ray tank with a few compatible fish. Only fear is that someone will get a painful sting and there are two little curious girls in my house. Sooo...BASEMENT REEF =) Everybody loves nemo, right?

I've...
-Varnished the wood stand (Looks awesome)
-Cleaned out the tank (with vinegar and tap water)
-Cleaned & Set up HOB Bio-wheel filter and HOT Magnum ready to use
-Mixed saltwater in a 50G Rubbermaid bin i bought
-Bought a little LR (Hope it doesn't "Die" in the bin)

*Got 1 powerhead... need 3-4 more
*Got plenty of space for a refugium and skimmer at the bottom... (DIY here I come)
*Plan to seed my LR and LS with safe reef rock and ....(Home Depot Sand )? Maybe
*Just
**This will be a FOWLR tank**

So Far so good?
I'm I forgetting anything here guys?
Also the tank recieves some sunlight. Looks kinda cool actually... Good thing? Bad thing?

 

[Sdotbro]

Might not need the powerheads with the DIY Refufium with sump

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the site...glad to have you aboard.

You should ditch the bio-wheel filter, it's a nitrate trap. And the sand at home depot contains silicates, which will fuel algae, so I wouldn't use it. Natural sunlight can be an issue also, by encouraging algae growth and fluctuationing temps.

 

[Amba]

Welcome to the site mate!

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome!

+1 Smitty

To keep the LR live, just add a pinch of fish food every day to keep the waste cycle going for the bacteria.

 

[JustinsReefTank]

+1 Lil and Smitty. My neighbor tried going the cheaper route and using home depot sand had the tank up for a month or two and had to take it all down because of the sand!! Its to compact and his sand sifters, and start fished couldnt burry themselves. Just a lil info to share with ya!!

 

[fastrd400]

These guys have you covered. Welcome to the site.

 

[marcah]

howdy and welcome to the site..:D

 

[Sdotbro]

Thanks guys.
I've started cycling and am setting all equipment up this weekend.

Aquaripure filters? Has anybody used one?