90 gallon reef setup (NOOB)

[Parrothead5150]

I recently bought a used 90 gallon setup. First off let me say I've always ran tanks with everything HOB. I also tend to be OCD/All in with things, with that being said I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Ive been reading these forums for quite a while and finally decided to join. I knew I wanted a big tank and 90 was about as large as i could accommodate. Currently its setup and running with just a sand bed. Im running a sump with a refugium and a protein skimmer.
Heres where the questions start for me..

1. Do I need some sort of controller for the lights?
2. What should I keep in the refugium?
3. Do I have a sufficient return pump?
4. Do I really need 100 lbs of rock?
5. Do I need to run filter socks on the drain line?
6. How many powerbeads do i need? What kind?

As you can see Im kind of stressed and I know the answers are all there, but i get so overwhelmed.

The main thing is I just don't want to buy something I don't need or worse not buy something I really do need.

Thanks in advance

[G_Sanab922]

Originally Posted by parrothead5150

i recently bought a used 90 gallon setup. First off let me say i've always ran tanks with everything hob. I also tend to be ocd/all in with things, with that being said i'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Ive been reading these forums for quite a while and finally decided to join. I knew i wanted a big tank and 90 was about as large as i could accommodate. Currently its setup and running with just a sand bed. Im running a sump with a refugium and a protein skimmer.
Heres where the questions start for me..

1. Do i need some sort of controller for the lights? no. Just make sure to have a timer or be disciplined and turn it on and off on a schedule.
2. What should i keep in the refugium? live rock/sand , chaeto, mangroves
3. Do i have a sufficient return pump?
4. Do i really need 100 lbs of rock? no, it's pretty much personal preference but the more the better. Natural filtration
5. Do i need to run filter socks on the drain line? no, but it helps
6. How many powerbeads do i need? What kind? depends on how much you want to spend lol.
http://ecotechmarine.com/products/vortech/vortech-mp40/
can't go wrong with these ^

as you can see im kind of stressed and i know the answers are all there, but i get so overwhelmed.
don't stress yourself out. This will take time and patience. There is never one specific way/answer to something. This is a hobby that you can always learn in. Especially with new technology.

the main thing is i just don't want to buy something i don't need or worse not buy something i really do need.
You would want to definitely invest in a ATO and RO/DI unit ( unless you have a LFS that has water and you are willing to haul buckets of water for top off and water changes.)
Thanks in advance

welcome!

Post pics when you can! Doesn't matter if it's empty or anything.

[Pife]

Your starting with a nice large tank. This will help you keep things stable. I would invest in an automated top off unit to help you keep your tank stable.

[m0nkie]

Originally Posted by Parrothead5150

1. Do I need some sort of controller for the lights?
2. What should I keep in the refugium?
3. Do I have a sufficient return pump?
4. Do I really need 100 lbs of rock?
5. Do I need to run filter socks on the drain line?
6. How many powerbeads do i need? What kind?

As you can see Im kind of stressed and I know the answers are all there, but i get so overwhelmed.

The main thing is I just don't want to buy something I don't need or worse not buy something I really do need.

Thanks in advance

you are wise to join the forum so early.. I lost over $1000 on useless junk purchased at LFS..


1. you can use your hands, you can buy a cheap timer, you can use a controller supplied by the light manufacturer (not all lights have them), or you can spend $$$ and buy a controller like APEX. Control everything.
2. Grow Light + Live Rock / pebbles + macro algae
3. What pump do you have currently? I have a 100 gallon + 40 gallon sump. Use the Sicce Syncra 4 Silent pump. Works GREAT! very quiet! however, I would suggest a Sicce Syncra 5. I have the Bean Animal drains and the pump can barely keep up after having a few T's in the return line.
4. No.. the 1lb/1gallon rule is old. Some people prefer less rocks. but you will need better skimmers and other equipment to make up for the loss of rock filtration
5. it is preferred. Catches a lot of crap! you will be surprised on how dirty it gets in a couple of days
6. I would suggest 2. One on each end. Price varies. Vortech is great! Tunze is great! both expensive. Jebao is a Chinese knock off, but MUCH cheaper. Either one will work. I have 2 Jebao WP40s for my 100gallon. crazy waves.. got to use it on lowest setting. Probably should have gotten two WP25s

like G_Sanab922 said, an ATO and RODI will be VERY useful. then look into test kits like Salifert, Refractometers, TDS meters. Also look into salt water mix stations and fresh RODI water reservoirs. It may save you a lot of time/effort on water changes.

my biggest suggestion is: anything you are not 100% sure, post it on the forum. I found that everything i researched, I've been happy with. Everything I bought without research, I'm trying to sell right now -.-

[G_Sanab922]

Originally Posted by m0nkie

you are wise to join the forum so early.. I lost over $1000 on useless junk purchased at LFS..


like G_Sanab922 said, an ATO and RODI will be VERY useful. then look into test kits like Salifert, Refractometers, TDS meters. Also look into salt water mix stations and fresh RODI water reservoirs. It may save you a lot of time/effort on water changes.

my biggest suggestion is: anything you are not 100% sure, post it on the forum. I found that everything i researched, I've been happy with. Everything I bought without research, I'm trying to sell right now -.-

+1 shop on everything you do. LFS normally charge a lot. Depending on area and product of course...
I find amazon to be a useful source for purchasing aquarium equipment, especially if you have prime.
And look on your local club forum, you will find cheap equipment and livestock there.

[Parrothead5150]

Thanks guys

[G_Sanab922]

Originally Posted by Parrothead5150

Thanks guys

Post some pics. Easiest way is through tapatalk. It's an app for your phone