Old timer needs advise on new 90gal FO setup

gobigguy

gobigguy

New Member
Hello All,

It's my first time posting here so please forgive me if I ask some dumb questions.

My brother runs an aquarium biz and is giving me a 90 gal Seaclear System 2 tank. Now I haven't had a saltwater tank since I was a teenager and have been reading up and a lot of things have changed in the past 25 years :)

Now my brother is old school and wants to setup the tank with crushed coral for the substrate and use base rock for the decorations then cycle the tank with some blue damsels.

I was thinking to reduce the stress on the fish use some of Dr Tim's One and Only and use some green chromis instead of the blue damsels, (they get to aggressive for my taste)

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Jeff
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Hi,

Welcome to the site!

Please don't cycle the tank with any live fish...a chunk of raw shrimp is fast and easy, let the ammonia spike to 1, then remove the shrimp, and let it ride and finish the cycle.

Crushed coral is hard to keep up, the CUC can't do a decent job on it, and many SW critters that like to burrow have a hard time with it. Live sand is much better, and the CUC (clean up crew) of snails, serpent or brittle stars, crabs and shrimp will keep the substrate beautiful.

Live rock is a natural filter, you can use base rock and just a few pieces of live rock...but live rock is IMO needed. it goes in first and the sand around it...you can't build on shifting sand, a rock slide can kill critters or break the tank.

I personally like to use fake décor and a live rock combo...my 56g has Roman columns and branch live rock, and my 90g has a wooden ships wheel and anchor, sealed in clear resin attached to live rock by black pond foam. Others on this site have opted for using PVC and drilling the rock, to attach it, and create all kinds of awesome columns and cool shapes.
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
Agreed live rock just makes keeping sw easier. There is just so much it helps with. You dnt need alot. Maybe 5-10lbs and add your base rock. Also go w sand over crushed its much easier to work w.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
I am at least as old school as your brother, but I have been converted! Do not go with crushed coral - it will just make for more work and it will limit the types of organisms you can house.
 
beaslbob

beaslbob

Well-Known Member
Quote:Originally Posted by GoBigGuy http:///t/397013/old-timer-needs-advise-on-new-90gal-fo-setup#post_3537591
Hello All,
It's my first time posting here so please forgive me if I ask some dumb questions.
My brother runs an aquarium biz and is giving me a 90 gal Seaclear System 2 tank. Now I haven't had a saltwater tank since I was a teenager and have been reading up and a lot of things have changed in the past 25 years :)
Now my brother is old school and wants to setup the tank with crushed coral for the substrate and use base rock for the decorations then cycle the tank with some blue damsels.
I was thinking to reduce the stress on the fish use some of Dr Tim's One and Only and use some green chromis instead of the blue damsels, (they get to aggressive for my taste)
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Jeff
I would start the tank with macro algaes right from the start. They will balance out and stabilize operation making it much more healthy for the fish
I also use common FW male mollies to cycle the tank. Much better to lose a $2 molly than a much more expensive marine only fish.
My .02
 
beaslbob

beaslbob

Well-Known Member
Quote:Originally Posted by jay0705 http:///t/397013/old-timer-needs-advise-on-new-90gal-fo-setup#post_3537641
What type of alage to u recommend? I was looking to add some myself

caulerpa profilera is a good one which looks kinda like a plant and requires lower levels of light.
chatomorphia works very well in a container and just fills whatever the shape of the container is.
halimedias are hard algaes which require almost reef like conditions specifically calcium and higher lights.
You can even setup up an algae turf scrubber. That is a seperate container with screens to grow common ugly algaes on.
my .02
 
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