90 gallon set-up

winningyouback3 · 08/04/2006, 07:57 PM

I am switching my 90 gallon fish tank for a 90 gallon RR tank. Can anyone give me a very good set-up idea of what I will need to make a successful tank? Everything from type of lights to sump to skimmer. Thanks guys, gotta show my wife I can handle this lol. Thanks again!

George

santi · 08/04/2006, 08:10 PM

Do you know what kind of setup you want? Alot of equipments you get will depend on what kind of corals and fishes you want to keep. Make sure you have plenty of lr, anywhere from 90-150lbs. will do for your tank size. And a sump is great thing to have, more water and places to hide some equipments.

chip721 · 08/05/2006, 04:48 PM

To Reef Central ...and you didn't mention if your current 90 tank if fresh or salt. You'll find that lights and skmmer will be 2 of the most important and expensive components of your system. Determine what you plan to keep in the future and buy your lights accrdingly. There are many different sizes, prices, and flavors of skimmers. Get good measurements of your sump and ask lots of questions before spending any money. Meanwhile, I'd start accumulating some other basic necessities along the way ...if you don't already have them. Test kits (NH4, NO2, NO3, pH, Ca, KH, Mg, PO4), refractometer, RO unit, TDS meter, some arm length gloves, and a mop

. Good luck and enjoy.

adnup · 08/05/2006, 05:59 PM

The most important piece of equipment will be your reading glasses

. The more reading and research you do now will pay back ten fold

As for the skimmer, by the BEST one you can afford or you will be spending more by upgrading later! that was my mistake

Seaclone for my first skimmer....

Oh yeah and if you dont have any, get some!
Patience that is......

adnup · 08/05/2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

by the BEST

LOL or buy......

winningyouback3 · 08/05/2006, 07:52 PM

Sorry guys, I am doing a salt water tank. My question is, if I buy a RR tank is it going to make a really loud splashing noise? This is going into a living room so it can not be too loud. For the sump someone told me I can fit a 40 breeder tank underneath the tank...is this good? As for corals I really do not want to have a limit as to what type of coral I can put in so I guess I need lighting that would sustain any type of coral. I just don't want to go the chiller route right this moment, so am i better of with 2 x 150mh? Anyway thanks for all your posts. If i wanted to spend around 300 for a skimmer, anyone have a good suggestion for me? Anything else I forget feel free to mention as I am fairly new at this and a newlywed so even the slightest mess-up and I will be in a brand new dog house made by my wife lol! Thanks again guys

George

geckofrog · 08/09/2006, 11:02 AM

George buy this book first:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/189...792036?ie=UTF8

Read it from cover to cover

then ask us questions

(you'll find you will have to ask less questions)

techreef · 08/09/2006, 11:17 AM

Hey George,

I have an AGA 90G RR tank, w/ their Megaflow overflow. I don't get any "flushing" or gurgling noises from my tank, and it's located in my living room too, so it's a priority. If you don't run a return pump that pumps more water than your overflow can drain, you'll avoid the noisy water sounds. You'll get more noise from your various pumps. There are ways to reduce that noise (vibration reduction) too, but let's worry about that after you get the basics down.

If your wife is only behind this if the tank is dead quiet, you can just about forget it.

I'm using T5 lighting, and it seems to be powerful enough to house just about anything in my tank, even melting some corals away from too much light. Note that I've got the individual reflectors on each of my T5 bulbs though, which makes a huge difference in the amount of light hitting the water. Don't think that metal halides are the only way to go.

winningyouback3 · 08/09/2006, 11:30 AM

Thanks techreef. I know it will be a little bit loud. Do you suggest I swap out my tank for a 90 gallon RR b/c the 90 gallon I have now is not rr and I have heard some horror stories about the hang on overflows. as for the t5 lighting I have the tek 5 light with 6 bulbs but I do not know what combo to use for lights.
Any ideas as to what I should use? It's hard to find a fellow reefer that has a 90 gallon. I can never get answers about my tank...people either have the 180 or bigger. Anyway thanks for all your input, it is VERY much appreciated.

George

Can you walk me through a good set-up with the pumps and the sump?

eckrynock · 08/09/2006, 11:48 AM

George, I run 2 x 250w MHs on my 90 and temp stays exactly at 80. 2 x 4.5 inch Icecap variable speed fans and you're good to go. T5s are good as well, just wanted to let you know that MH does not = chiller. My tank is not RR either. I have 2 aquacrylics.com overflows (one for the skimmer and one for the fuge). These have NEVER failed on me. I cut the power on my pumps everyday to feed and have never lost siphon. If your tank's in good condition, I might try drilling my tank or using overflows before buying a brand new tank. Just think, you can use all that saved money to buy a nice skimmer! Good luck and let us know what other questions you have. Ask GrimReefer or horkn on here about T5 lighting schemes, he'll hook you up.

eckrynock · 08/09/2006, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by winningyouback3
Can you walk me through a good set-up with the pumps and the sump?

A 40 breeder should be fine. You need to find a skimmer first and make sure the footprint will fit inside this tank. I made the mistake of not measuring first. I ended up building 2 separate acrylic tanks (24x12x12). One houses my skimmer and the other is my refugium.

Skimmers...... a LOT of choices. If you've got the money, buy a deltec. I would think the ASM G3 with the gate valve and recirc. mod would also be a good choice. You can look for one in the selling forum here. A lot of people like the Octopus line as well.

Pumps...... look for something that will get you the flow you want for the least amount of watts. To do this, first figure out RR or overflow. Then, find out how much flow these can handle per hour. Do not exceed this amount with a pump or you will hear splashing. I use a Mag 3 for my return pump but the Eheims and Oceanrunners are more efficient. I also have two of the MJ 900s with the stream mod and one MJ1200 regular for flow.

chip721 · 08/09/2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by winningyouback3
Thanks techreef. I know it will be a little bit loud. Do you suggest I swap out my tank for a 90 gallon RR b/c the 90 gallon I have now is not rr and I have heard some horror stories about the hang on overflows.

I'm a little confused (almost always) but I thought your first post indicated you were going with a RR90. If you have that option, I would recommend it. I don't think external overflows are impending disasters. As a matter of fact there are some very good one's available. IMO a pre-drilled tank simplifies things somewhat. But you can flood one of those too, if not planned well i.e., a sump container filled to capacity with not enough room to accommodate the overflow during a power outage. Or too large a sump return pump that outpaces the tank's single 600gph overflow. I'm in the process of setting up a 90g RR tank now. I bought my tank in January. It didn't get a drop of water until June. It took me that long to gather all the items I wanted. I really think some of the fun in this hobby is planning and designing a system the way you want it. You're on the right track. Keep doing your research and ask lot's of questions before you spend money. You'll be pleased and proud of the results.

techreef · 08/09/2006, 12:40 PM

Just having started out myself (first water droplet hit my tank 2.5 weeks ago!) I'm a little annoyed w/ the amount of noise that the Mag pumps generate. i have a Mag7 for my return pump. I've read really good reviews of the Eheim pumps, but the size that fit my setup wasn't in stock online, so I got the Mag instead. I guess I'd guide you to the Eheims from the start.

I agree that the RR tanks are a little simpler, but buying a whole new tank just to get RR seems a bit pricey. But I know nothing about the various external overflows. Everything is doable in this hobby. It's up to you and your creativity. Oh, and your wallet!

Grimreefer is an awesome lighting wonk here on RC. Check out the lighting boards for T5 setups. It's a bit of personal preference as to the mix of various bulbs you run. I've got 3 Aquablue+, 2 actinics and a GE Daylight running on my tank. Looks great to me, and I think I get pretty good spectral coverage for growing most things. Also, the IceCap reflectors are MUCH nicer than the Tek reflectors. Just a future upgrade suggestion for you...

techreef · 08/09/2006, 12:44 PM

here are some pics of my setup as I built it. they might help you when building your sump, plumbing, etc.

geckofrog · 08/09/2006, 01:22 PM

Techreef, I like your setup. Its nice n clean!

chip721 · 08/09/2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by techreef
Oh, and your wallet!

Techreef you sure hit the nail on the head! I agree and I'm certainly not advocating to go buy a complete new tank just for the sake of overflow's. BTW Techreef, that is an awsome setup you have. The stand alone even makes the sump look rich. Good job.

techreef · 08/09/2006, 01:32 PM

wow, thanks for the compliments guys! all that and I haven't even posted a full-length shot! LOL.

I'm working on Part I of my TBS rock order right now, hunting gorillas and mantis and whelks. Will take some pics of the whole shebang shortly.

winningyouback3 · 08/10/2006, 07:57 AM

Awsome setup!! It's refreshing to know that it is possible to make my tank look like that! The only reason I was going to go RR was b/c everyone told me I will eventually flood my floors b/c they all flood.....guess thats not true. Anyway, the LFS wants $75/hr to help set-up my tank, is that a fair price or am I just being a baby and probably should try it myself....Do you have a refugium set-up or do you plan on it b/c everyone says its the new thing to do....just curious...I'm printing the pictures of the sump you made to try and emulate it so if you have any more pictures I would really appreciate it as you get time. Thanks for all the help!

George

flameangel88 · 08/10/2006, 09:08 AM

Great setup and can't wait to see the full tank shot with the TBS rocks.

Quote:

Originally posted by techreef
wow, thanks for the compliments guys! all that and I haven't even posted a full-length shot! LOL.

I'm working on Part I of my TBS rock order right now, hunting gorillas and mantis and whelks. Will take some pics of the whole shebang shortly.

techreef · 08/10/2006, 09:50 AM

$75/hour doesn't sound expensive, as long as you trust that they'll do good work. it's a 50/50 proposition. On one hand, i love that I did all of the construction, wiring, etc. for my tank. It feels good to look at it knowing I built it all. If you're not the handy type and you think you'll have leaks, non-straight cuts, etc. (stuff that will annoy you when looking at your setup later) I would pay professionals to do it.

I can also say that there are days that I felt "why did I start this hobby? this is just a second job that I come home to at night. i hate this." $75/hour to avoid that feeling and only have good emotions about your tank seems fair. But anything worth having is worth working for.... (talk about your flip-flopping!)

flameangel88 · 08/10/2006, 10:15 AM

I'm not a handyman and the very reason I've been holding back on adding a fuge/sump to put in one of those big skimmers in. Would be very nervous coming home to a massive flood. Definately will get someone to install the sump when I move next year and upgrade to a bigger tank.

08/04/2006, 07:57 PM	#1
winningyouback3 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 21	90 gallon set-up I am switching my 90 gallon fish tank for a 90 gallon RR tank. Can anyone give me a very good set-up idea of what I will need to make a successful tank? Everything from type of lights to sump to skimmer. Thanks guys, gotta show my wife I can handle this lol. Thanks again! George

08/04/2006, 08:10 PM	#2
santi Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arkansas Posts: 169	Do you know what kind of setup you want? Alot of equipments you get will depend on what kind of corals and fishes you want to keep. Make sure you have plenty of lr, anywhere from 90-150lbs. will do for your tank size. And a sump is great thing to have, more water and places to hide some equipments. __________________ If you want God to laugh, make a plan.

08/05/2006, 05:59 PM	#4
adnup Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 2,025	The most important piece of equipment will be your reading glasses . The more reading and research you do now will pay back ten fold As for the skimmer, by the BEST one you can afford or you will be spending more by upgrading later! that was my mistake Seaclone for my first skimmer.... Oh yeah and if you dont have any, get some! Patience that is...... __________________ A HOUSE isn't a HOME without saltwater on the floor! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire, I-Tech 200 Skimmer, Snapper, Tunze

08/05/2006, 07:52 PM	#6
winningyouback3 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 21	90 gallon reef Sorry guys, I am doing a salt water tank. My question is, if I buy a RR tank is it going to make a really loud splashing noise? This is going into a living room so it can not be too loud. For the sump someone told me I can fit a 40 breeder tank underneath the tank...is this good? As for corals I really do not want to have a limit as to what type of coral I can put in so I guess I need lighting that would sustain any type of coral. I just don't want to go the chiller route right this moment, so am i better of with 2 x 150mh? Anyway thanks for all your posts. If i wanted to spend around 300 for a skimmer, anyone have a good suggestion for me? Anything else I forget feel free to mention as I am fairly new at this and a newlywed so even the slightest mess-up and I will be in a brand new dog house made by my wife lol! Thanks again guys George

08/09/2006, 11:02 AM	#7
geckofrog Registered Member. Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 505	George buy this book first: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/189...792036?ie=UTF8 Read it from cover to cover then ask us questions (you'll find you will have to ask less questions) __________________ Ryan Current Tank Info: 75G,

08/05/2006, 04:48 PM	#3
chip721 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 1,260	*To Reef Central* ...and you didn't mention if your current 90 tank if fresh or salt. You'll find that lights and skmmer will be 2 of the most important and expensive components of your system. Determine what you plan to keep in the future and buy your lights accrdingly. There are many different sizes, prices, and flavors of skimmers. Get good measurements of your sump and ask lots of questions before spending any money. Meanwhile, I'd start accumulating some other basic necessities along the way ...if you don't already have them. Test kits (NH4, NO2, NO3, pH, Ca, KH, Mg, PO4), refractometer, RO unit, TDS meter, some arm length gloves, and a mop . Good luck and enjoy.

08/09/2006, 11:17 AM	#8
techreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montclair, NJ Posts: 1,046	Hey George, I have an AGA 90G RR tank, w/ their Megaflow overflow. I don't get any "flushing" or gurgling noises from my tank, and it's located in my living room too, so it's a priority. If you don't run a return pump that pumps more water than your overflow can drain, you'll avoid the noisy water sounds. You'll get more noise from your various pumps. There are ways to reduce that noise (vibration reduction) too, but let's worry about that after you get the basics down. If your wife is only behind this if the tank is dead quiet, you can just about forget it. I'm using T5 lighting, and it seems to be powerful enough to house just about anything in my tank, even melting some corals away from too much light. Note that I've got the individual reflectors on each of my T5 bulbs though, which makes a huge difference in the amount of light hitting the water. Don't think that metal halides are the only way to go.

08/09/2006, 11:30 AM	#9
winningyouback3 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 21	Thanks techreef. I know it will be a little bit loud. Do you suggest I swap out my tank for a 90 gallon RR b/c the 90 gallon I have now is not rr and I have heard some horror stories about the hang on overflows. as for the t5 lighting I have the tek 5 light with 6 bulbs but I do not know what combo to use for lights. Any ideas as to what I should use? It's hard to find a fellow reefer that has a 90 gallon. I can never get answers about my tank...people either have the 180 or bigger. Anyway thanks for all your input, it is VERY much appreciated. George Can you walk me through a good set-up with the pumps and the sump?

08/09/2006, 11:48 AM	#10
eckrynock Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 733	George, I run 2 x 250w MHs on my 90 and temp stays exactly at 80. 2 x 4.5 inch Icecap variable speed fans and you're good to go. T5s are good as well, just wanted to let you know that MH does not = chiller. My tank is not RR either. I have 2 aquacrylics.com overflows (one for the skimmer and one for the fuge). These have NEVER failed on me. I cut the power on my pumps everyday to feed and have never lost siphon. If your tank's in good condition, I might try drilling my tank or using overflows before buying a brand new tank. Just think, you can use all that saved money to buy a nice skimmer! Good luck and let us know what other questions you have. Ask GrimReefer or horkn on here about T5 lighting schemes, he'll hook you up. __________________ Ed Genesis 1:21 Current Tank Info: 90 gal

08/09/2006, 12:40 PM	#13
techreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montclair, NJ Posts: 1,046	Just having started out myself (first water droplet hit my tank 2.5 weeks ago!) I'm a little annoyed w/ the amount of noise that the Mag pumps generate. i have a Mag7 for my return pump. I've read really good reviews of the Eheim pumps, but the size that fit my setup wasn't in stock online, so I got the Mag instead. I guess I'd guide you to the Eheims from the start. I agree that the RR tanks are a little simpler, but buying a whole new tank just to get RR seems a bit pricey. But I know nothing about the various external overflows. Everything is doable in this hobby. It's up to you and your creativity. Oh, and your wallet! Grimreefer is an awesome lighting wonk here on RC. Check out the lighting boards for T5 setups. It's a bit of personal preference as to the mix of various bulbs you run. I've got 3 Aquablue+, 2 actinics and a GE Daylight running on my tank. Looks great to me, and I think I get pretty good spectral coverage for growing most things. Also, the IceCap reflectors are MUCH nicer than the Tek reflectors. Just a future upgrade suggestion for you...

08/09/2006, 12:44 PM	#14
techreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montclair, NJ Posts: 1,046	here are some pics of my setup as I built it. they might help you when building your sump, plumbing, etc.

08/09/2006, 01:22 PM	#15
geckofrog Registered Member. Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 505	Techreef, I like your setup. Its nice n clean! __________________ Ryan Current Tank Info: 75G,

08/09/2006, 01:32 PM	#17
techreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montclair, NJ Posts: 1,046	wow, thanks for the compliments guys! all that and I haven't even posted a full-length shot! LOL. I'm working on Part I of my TBS rock order right now, hunting gorillas and mantis and whelks. Will take some pics of the whole shebang shortly.

08/10/2006, 07:57 AM	#18
winningyouback3 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 21	Awsome setup!! It's refreshing to know that it is possible to make my tank look like that! The only reason I was going to go RR was b/c everyone told me I will eventually flood my floors b/c they all flood.....guess thats not true. Anyway, the LFS wants $75/hr to help set-up my tank, is that a fair price or am I just being a baby and probably should try it myself....Do you have a refugium set-up or do you plan on it b/c everyone says its the new thing to do....just curious...I'm printing the pictures of the sump you made to try and emulate it so if you have any more pictures I would really appreciate it as you get time. Thanks for all the help! George

08/10/2006, 09:50 AM	#20
techreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montclair, NJ Posts: 1,046	$75/hour doesn't sound expensive, as long as you trust that they'll do good work. it's a 50/50 proposition. On one hand, i love that I did all of the construction, wiring, etc. for my tank. It feels good to look at it knowing I built it all. If you're not the handy type and you think you'll have leaks, non-straight cuts, etc. (stuff that will annoy you when looking at your setup later) I would pay professionals to do it. I can also say that there are days that I felt "why did I start this hobby? this is just a second job that I come home to at night. i hate this." $75/hour to avoid that feeling and only have good emotions about your tank seems fair. But anything worth having is worth working for.... (talk about your flip-flopping!)

08/10/2006, 10:15 AM	#21
flameangel88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 3,998	I'm not a handyman and the very reason I've been holding back on adding a fuge/sump to put in one of those big skimmers in. Would be very nervous coming home to a massive flood. Definately will get someone to install the sump when I move next year and upgrade to a bigger tank.