My 90 gallon reef Build---starting from the beginning!

brun67

brun67

Member
ok so like the title states im getting a 90 gallon tank. im starting this thread to help me build it as it comes along. the tank specs...

  • 90 gal. long 48x18x25 tall

  • Reef Ready- 1 glass wall overflow-fitted with 2 holes for the overflow

  • Hinged Glass top (back is acrylic so i can cut holes for wires and things)
    Acrylic cover for the overflow box (appeal purposes)
    Bulkheads for the overflow-custom fitted
    29 gallon acrylic sump tank-custom fit
Thats the tank. the sump will go down under in the stand. I'm really bad with "lighting" and really dont have any idea on what to do with the equipment that goes in a sump. since this will be my first "BIG" tank and first sump. Currently the only tank i have is a nano reef with a few fish and corals, which is nice, but i cant keep all that much in it.
So what im getting at, is what would you guys think are the "necessities" as far as types of equipment and lighting go?
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by brun67 http:///t/391741/my-90-gallon-reef-build-starting-from-the-beginning#post_3475816
ok so like the title states im getting a 90 gallon tank. im starting this thread to help me build it as it comes along. the tank specs...

  • 90 gal. long 48x18x25 tall

  • Reef Ready- 1 glass wall overflow-fitted with 2 holes for the overflow

  • Hinged Glass top (back is acrylic so i can cut holes for wires and things)

  • Acrylic cover for the overflow box (appeal purposes)

  • Bulkheads for the overflow-custom fitted

  • 29 gallon acrylic sump tank-custom fit
    Thats the tank. the sump will go down under in the stand. I'm really bad with "lighting" and really dont have any idea on what to do with the equipment that goes in a sump. since this will be my first "BIG" tank and first sump. Currently the only tank i have is a nano reef with a few fish and corals, which is nice, but i cant keep all that much in it.
    So what im getting at, is what would you guys think are the "necessities" as far as types of equipment and lighting go?
    You may want to ditch the glass top and go with a mesh top, especially for a reef. You want proper oxygen exchange. Also, salt creep can inhibit the light penetration.
    Equipment (I'm going to try and go in order from what I think is most important to things you can wait):
    Pumps for sump and stuff (I'm clueless with these)
    Power heads. I recommend either the korallia or vortech's or tunze. The Tunze and Vortech are more expensive, but they are worth the money, IMO.
    Heaters
    Lights. I would recommend going with either t-5's, halides or an LED fixture. Personally, I am on the LED bandwagon and highly recommend them. If you are handy with DIY projects, I say go this route. However if you are not or want a cheaper up front alternative, t-5's would work. Just get a 6 bulb fixture with good reflectors. Tek is a good manufacturer
    Skimmer. Don't skimp on this. Reef octopus makes some good ones. Skimz is supposed to be decent as well.
 
brun67

brun67

Member
thanks Gemmy! i Look forward to it as well haha

but on a more serious note!
The glass top- i totally get where your coming from with that. it was just what the tank came with. i was worried about how well the light would work with that kind of top. i guess i will replace it.
Heaters- ive got a 300 watt submersible heater that can have the temp adjusted and so forth.
powerheads- thanks for the suggestions. i will look into them....
lights- again i am beyond clueless with these kind of things. so i will take your word on them, but i know that i will want some LED's. i feel those are just easier.
skimmer-another topic i am not to fond of is the sump, but i do not plan on taking shortcuts with it and dont want to skimp out on anything. i was looking at some of the Octopus skimmers and i like those a lot.
Thanks for all the Suggestions!
It really helps!
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
I wish I did not not make some of the mistakes I did when it came to equipment selection. If you want to know what I mean, read my thread "Tank Reincarnation". I recently did an overhaul of the tank. I upgraded to a Deltec MCE 600 skimmer, Maxspect Mazarra LED lights, and some other minor changes. If I had done better research, I would have saved myself some serious headaches and cash. You can always let us know what you plan on purchasing and we can help you determine if it is a good idea to get that piece of equipment.
 
brun67

brun67

Member
ok thanks again for everything.
right now im looking over some of the equipment i can get and i think ive got a few ideas.

  • Protein skimmer -- Reef Octopus Diablo 6 Inch 160 XS Space Saver (160 Gallon) In Sump Protein Skimmer w/ Gate Valve
    as for the powerheads i really like the Vortech MP40, but it is beyond my price range. by a lot.
    so i think im going with..

    • Hydor Koralia 6 – Magnum Powerhead
      the heater is a

    • 300 watt submersible heater.
    Things i still need are...
    lights - i am beyond clueless
    pumps for the sump
another quick question is will i need a heater in the sump as well? or will the one work fine?
Thanks again!
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
You really only need 1 heater which you could keep either in the DT or the sump.....Preferably in the sump is the best place IMO.....
 
brun67

brun67

Member
ok thanks for the help. ill probly keep it in the sump since it will look better not having all these wires in the DT.....
as far as lighting goes does anybody have any good recommendations on some LED setups for a 48" width??
i know i shouldnt skimp but i sort of want them to be cheap-ish....
thanks!
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
Do you have a budget??
Personally, I would wait until September/October. I have a feeling prices will be dropping on some popular fixtures.
 
brun67

brun67

Member
i certainly do have some sort of budget, i just dont know what it is yet

but if i dont have find a lighting fixture that i like than i might wait until then and give myself an early christmas present :p
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickross23 http:///t/391741/my-90-gallon-reef-build-starting-from-the-beginning#post_3476097
Get the ecotech marine radions. You will need 2. You will not be disappointed.
Slow down there! Let the OP get a good feel for the lighting options first before blasting him with brand names! There are several options... t5's, halides, or even LED fixtures are all great choices and offer different benefits. Let the OP decide what will fit his system. A lighting system is an investment... well worth researching.
 
brun67

brun67

Member
haha thanks guys im kind of leaning towards the LED's because i feel like those will be a better investment, but like i said i really have no idea about lighting....
im really looking for something that will be able to fit a 90 gallon (48") and work well enough to house a few corals. nothing fancy. but i will look at the ecotech one that you suggested.
thanks!
 
brun67

brun67

Member
yeah, i really like the ecotech lights, but i'm pretty sure there out of my price range, especially if i need 2 of them......
 
brun67

brun67

Member
i was just looking at those! they seem pretty nice as well, but would i have to put together a DIY with them?
another type i was looking at were the Marineland Reef Capable LED lighting system the 36 -- 48" ,but if i go with those i would probly end up getting 2 of them to cover the length of the tank.
 
rickross23

rickross23

Active Member
The Marineland are crappy, cheaply made fixtures. Don't but them. Save up for a high end LED fixture like the radions if you are going LEDs. You can't go wrong with halides frankly.
 
brun67

brun67

Member
thanks for pointing that out about the marinelands. but i just thought the LED's were easier to maintain and all that. but im really just looking for a good light fixture that will pretty much work with most corals......
 
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