Equipment (For 90 gal tank)

[gypsie32]

I just ordered a 90 gal tank with a twin flo. My question is what equipment would I need to get this tank set up? I am doing a fowlr. The lfs doesn't seem to carry many brands of anything. What are the best brand names to stay with? I need a wet/dry filter , protein skimmer , power heads equipment wise what else do I need? Any info would help, also maybe someone could recommend a good lfs in the tampa bay area..Thanks

 

[dreeves]

Scrap buying your equipment from a LFS...they can never compete with the buying power of some of the mailorder companies on the net...
As for the brands...each have their plus' and minus'...most are personal preference and some are generally accepted or rejected from the hobbyist.
I do not know what your level of experience is with this, so I will not list a piece by piece list of equipment...
Post what equipment you already have or know you need to get and we will add to that.

 

[thomas712]

This might help you some as far as setup and basic knowledge.
http://www.reefcorner.com/reef%20keeping_101.htm
Keep in mind that you can dyi some things like a sump or wet/dry if you have any mechanical apptitude.
3 things not to skimp on depending on your setup plans
1 Filtration
2 Skimmer
3 Lighting
If you are going to have a reef these three are important. If like you say you will just have a fowler then perhaps you don't need the best lighting.
As to powerheads I always recommend Maxi jet powerheads as some of the best in the hobby. I suggest the MJ 900 that uses much less in amps and still gives good circulation. They make a MJ 1200 which I have but will replace them one day with the 900's.
My skimmer is a Berlin Classic with Rio 2500, the Rio is a poor pump that will also be replaced one day.
I do run a home made wet/dry.
Thomas

 

[gypsie32]

So far I have not bought any equipment, The tank will be set up with fowlr and l/s. From reading other posts I don't think I need a wet/dry filter, du to the l/r, l/s. What other equip is a must have? Thanks for taking the time to respond!

 

[gypsie32]

How many of them do I need for a 90 gal tank?

 

[dreeves]

YOu will need heaters, circulation pumps, an overflow (if the tank isn't drilled (I do not know what the twin flow is)), a sump of some sort, a protien skimmer is highly recommended, lighting dependent upon what you want to keep...soft corals, FO, and most SPS corals, either power compact or VHO's, for SPS, metal halide.
I have never been able to make a list as to what one needs...the equipment needs are constantly changing for a particular setup. You will figure out the needs as time goes on.