Neep help on setting up a 90 gallon aquarium.

SINNERMF · 02/10/2008, 09:12 PM

I'm trying to make plans and get ideas on a 90 gallon in wall aquarium. I currently have a 55 gallon. What I want is advice on return pump size, powerhead size, and placement of powerheads. Recomended pounds of LR.... Basically anything that may be helpful. If you have and input please let me know.

I currently have a duel 175 watt M.H. and an IceCap 660 puyshing 2 bulbs. Will I need stronger lights? I also have a 1/2 inch Sea Swirl, will this be ok or will I need to go bigger?
Thanks,
Mike

xenon · 02/10/2008, 09:20 PM

Enjoy!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1039600

kmf507 · 02/10/2008, 09:20 PM

I think your lights will be fine, assuming it is a standard size AGA style 90 g tank (4' long). I've got 150 MHs on mine and it works well. For the sump return I've got a Mag9.5. Two Koralia 4's and two MJ1200s with hydor rotators (some people have complained about rotators before, but I think they are the one thing in this hobby that's a bargain).

I could get rid of the MJs, since I have alot of flow, but I like the rotators simply for varying the water movement.

Probably 100 lbs or so of LR would be perfect.

demonsp · 02/10/2008, 09:21 PM

Its best to come in prepared with a well researched list. You will understans more and be able to make a more educated guess.
I would get a book for quick refferance.Like 'The New Marine Aquarium".
Then be sure your current tank is is great shape already or you may just carry over the troubles and increasing.

Return pump just needs to keep up with fuge or sump and not for main tank flow. Many here like koralia pumps and there fine but you would need 4 #4's and they give such little control. I use 1 RIO 1450 for great dirrection control , flow control , and easy maintance with the fact they come in handy for watere changes.

The 175 MH would be a little low but not if mostly higher placed softies.I would add one more myself.

kmf507 · 02/10/2008, 09:25 PM

No way do you need 4 Koralia 4s. It would work but is definitely not a requirement. Also, I've got wonderfully colored SPS under 150's, so if you've got 175s already, upgrading is really just spending money.

xenon · 02/10/2008, 09:59 PM

150w MH is good if you keep SPS at the top but not if you keep them down low.

4 Koralia 4s = 4800gph (53X turnover) Perfect for SPS tank.

demonsp · 02/10/2008, 10:01 PM

LOL , you have 2 150 MH listed. They would his setup would be fine just consider placement of coral as the deeper you go the less light benifit they get. And SPS perfer better flow then higher lighting for best growth.

Quote:

Originally posted by kmf507
No way do you need 4 Koralia 4s. It would work but is definitely not a requirement. Also, I've got wonderfully colored SPS under 150's, so if you've got 175s already, upgrading is really just spending money.

SINNERMF · 02/11/2008, 02:54 PM

What about the drains? I was thinking about getting a reef ready tank. I've had problems with bulkheads and overflows w/ "j" or "u" tubes.

02/10/2008, 09:12 PM	#1
SINNERMF Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 415	Neep help on setting up a 90 gallon aquarium. I'm trying to make plans and get ideas on a 90 gallon in wall aquarium. I currently have a 55 gallon. What I want is advice on return pump size, powerhead size, and placement of powerheads. Recomended pounds of LR.... Basically anything that may be helpful. If you have and input please let me know. I currently have a duel 175 watt M.H. and an IceCap 660 puyshing 2 bulbs. Will I need stronger lights? I also have a 1/2 inch Sea Swirl, will this be ok or will I need to go bigger? Thanks, Mike

02/10/2008, 09:20 PM	#2
xenon Owner of Canada Corals Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mississauga, Canada Posts: 3,148	Enjoy! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1039600

02/10/2008, 09:20 PM	#3
kmf507 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 669	I think your lights will be fine, assuming it is a standard size AGA style 90 g tank (4' long). I've got 150 MHs on mine and it works well. For the sump return I've got a Mag9.5. Two Koralia 4's and two MJ1200s with hydor rotators (some people have complained about rotators before, but I think they are the one thing in this hobby that's a bargain). I could get rid of the MJs, since I have alot of flow, but I like the rotators simply for varying the water movement. Probably 100 lbs or so of LR would be perfect.

02/10/2008, 09:21 PM	#4
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Its best to come in prepared with a well researched list. You will understans more and be able to make a more educated guess. I would get a book for quick refferance.Like 'The New Marine Aquarium". Then be sure your current tank is is great shape already or you may just carry over the troubles and increasing. Return pump just needs to keep up with fuge or sump and not for main tank flow. Many here like koralia pumps and there fine but you would need 4 #4's and they give such little control. I use 1 RIO 1450 for great dirrection control , flow control , and easy maintance with the fact they come in handy for watere changes. The 175 MH would be a little low but not if mostly higher placed softies.I would add one more myself.

02/10/2008, 09:25 PM	#5
kmf507 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 669	No way do you need 4 Koralia 4s. It would work but is definitely not a requirement. Also, I've got wonderfully colored SPS under 150's, so if you've got 175s already, upgrading is really just spending money.

02/10/2008, 09:59 PM	#6
xenon Owner of Canada Corals Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mississauga, Canada Posts: 3,148	150w MH is good if you keep SPS at the top but not if you keep them down low. 4 Koralia 4s = 4800gph (53X turnover) Perfect for SPS tank.

02/11/2008, 02:54 PM	#8
SINNERMF Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 415	What about the drains? I was thinking about getting a reef ready tank. I've had problems with bulkheads and overflows w/ "j" or "u" tubes.