Upgrade from 75 to 90

[nate213]

Im thinking of upgrading my current 75 to a 90 with a built in overflow. My 75 is not currently running an overflow or sump. My nitrates are slightly high and I want to run a fuge. I was thinking it would be easier to purchase a 90 with built in overflow than to modify the existing tank. (Also I will be moving in 2-weeks, so I will have to tear apart the tank anyway.)
Anyone have suggestions for a tank and fuge combination? The 90g AGA with Megaflow looks decent. I cant seem to find a suitable size fuge that I like.

 

[mr_x]

i'd stick with a 75 with a built in overflow. all you are gaining with a 90 is a few inches of water between your lighting, and your corals. if it's the increase in water volume that excites you, get a larger sump.
as far as sumps go (i think that's what you are referring to), i like to make my own out of the largest tank i can fit in my stand. then you can customize the size of the refugium, and the size of the return area/intake areas...

 

[nate213]

Thanks. I didnt think about the lighting issue. I guess I will be looking at a 75. I already have a brand new 75, but it does not have an overflow. How hard is it to drill holes for an overflow?

 

[privatejoker]

I just got a new 75 gallon rr, I was thinking about a 90 but like X said your only gaining height which makes for a harder time getting things in the back/bottom of the tank. If I were you I'd by a 75 rr and sell the the other 75. I'm glad I did and I glad I didn't drill my old tank.

 

[jonp]

Why not just get one of the clear HOB overflow setups? That way you don't lose money on a new tank.

 

[nate213]

I got a quote from the LFS for a 75 gallon rr (AGA with megaflow). Their price is $355 + tax. Is this a decent deal? Seems a little high to me.
From what Ive read I dont trust the HOB overflows. I dont want to flood my basement when I lose power.

 

[ajroc31]

Not to jinx myself, but my HOB overflow is fine. I do not need to restart it, even when water dips way below the levels during water changes. If you have room in your stand for a 55 gal wet/dry/fuge, make one yourself, it will cost you a little over a 100 and you will ahve a super filter for that tank, with a nice fuge. Even a 30 gal would be sufficient for your tank, that should give you an area of about 240 sq. inches of fuge space, and plany if room for bio balls, and whatever else you desire. Spending 200+ for a plaxi glass box is a waste of money. If you are afraid of over flowing your sump, you could put it in a large plastic bin. In addition in your return pipe, or whatever its called, you could drill 1/2 inch hole to make sure that no water goes down it when the pump fails.