180 Up and Running

I've been bargain hunting to put this thing together. A large selection of the equipment in this system has been purchased second hand or at deep discounts from MARSH (Marine Aquarium and Reef Society of Houston) members and sponsors. Thanks to them!

• Brett (a.k.a bag151): 180 Gallon
• Tank Mike (a.k.a. 2dawghouse): Almost all the live rock
• Fish Gallery: Skimmer and Iwaki 40RT from Fire Sale
• City Pets: 3x 400W IceCap Ballasts (used), SCWD (50% discount)
• ADG: Iwaki 55RLT

There's some cool high-end stuff that's not currently installed but in my possession (or are installed on my other system).  And no, I didn't get discounts on this stuff:

• Xantrex Freedom 1000 HF &
• 2 of the largest Marine Batteries Bass Pro Shops sells to keep a secondary lighting/aeration system going for up to a week at a time
• Spectrapure Litermeter III w/ 1 extra pump for 2 part dosing Tunze Osmolator for top off
• 1/3 HP Teco Seachill

Some of the cool features of the system are the 40" powdercoated stand and the closed loop going through an SCWD . I might switch to an OM 2-way if this becomes a problem. I added a take off from the closed loop so that I can use it for water changes. I think that was a stroke of genius. Of course, my 3 year old will probably turn the valve and flood the house. Maybe I should add some more safety to that valve!

Obviously, I haven't got my final lighting system installed. I haven't purchased reflectors or bulbs for the 400W ballasts. I'll be using a combination of an Aquatinics TX5 and a 250W Hamilton Reefstar for a couple of months. Also, I haven't skinned the stand. I found some cool methods. It's likely I'll use magnets to secure the cabinetry and a really cool organic fire retardant sound proofing material. If you look up sound proofing materials, many of them are very likely to make any small electrical spark into a large fire. Be careful out there. I make my own water here; have a Spectrapure 90Gallon RO/DI +Chloramine removal in the garage.