Going on buying spree

[vader88]

I'm ready to get my system going, had to put it on hold since I was moving. This is the original list I put together so prices may be slightly outdated from December.

The one thing I considering changing is the lighting. I'm thinking of going with MH 150 watt x 2 and 54 T5 x 2.


Would this be good for a standard 90 gallon tank ? I like softies, LPS and the occasional SPS. Wouldn't mind having a clam either.


AquaMedic Biotherm Heater
AquaMedic Heater Controller
Tunze Turbelle 6101
Tunze Controller 7091
EuroReef RS-135 Protein Skimmer
Mag Drive 9.5
IceCap 6 Bulb T5 Retrofit
Ocean Reef RO/DI

I already have the MagDrive and 30 gallon sump/fuge.

Open to any suggestions but would like to keep the lighting within reasonable ranges

[demonsp]

1 or 2 powerheads on a controller in a 90 gallon isnt going to work in the long run. If you never had a reef tank then i would hold of on controllers and get some good water movement in there then research the controller better as this with constant flow together work real well.

[drparker]

I have 2 150 MH and two 130 actinic PCs over my 75. Wish I'd have gone with 250 MH. The SPS I have would have better color with the 250s

[cbusreefer]

i agree with demonsp...

[rbursek]

I am glad to see someone with a heater controller, I have the AM and never had more consistant temps, plus the peace of mind a heater will not stick on.

[lark]

Originally posted by demonsp
1 or 2 powerheads on a controller in a 90 gallon isnt going to work in the long run. If you never had a reef tank then i would hold of on controllers and get some good water movement in there then research the controller better as this with constant flow together work real well.

Well, allow me to dissent. I think that many, if not most, people with 90g tanks have less water flow than the original poster is thinking. A Tunze 6101 moves up to 3200 gph of water, and with the controller it will move it in highly beneficial nonlaminer flow. That's pretty good for a 90. I presume that's in addition to the return pump. Plenty of 90g set ups do just fine with a tuzne stream. It's not your ordinary "powerhead" -- it's a $320 controllable pump that pushes massive amounts of water.

To the OP -- I also have a 90g and was considering a 6101 on a single controller. I ultimately decided instead to go with two controllable 6055s and use a multicontroller. More options with the multicontroller, but more cash too, of course.

Sounds like some pretty serious equipment you're considering. There are other skimmer contenders that compete with that euroreef -- go spend some time over on the Lighting Filtration forum. Lots of great data to help compare skimmers so you can make the perfect choice.

[vader88]

Thanks for the replies everyone, gives me something else to chew on

[vader88]

ReefKeeper2
Tunze NanoStream 6055
Tunze Controller 7091
MSX 160 or 200 Skimmer
Mag Drive 9.5
2 x 150 HQI, 4 54 watt T5 and moonlights
Ocean Reef RO/DI

This is my new revised list ... the reason I'm going with this lighting is to avoid ( well better chance at ) heating the water. I have no problem locating SPS's towards the top.

Decided against the Aquamedic controller after reading some so not good reviews. Going to go for the RK2 and let it do the controlling for lights and heater.

Can someone recommend a good heater ?

Tomorrow I'll be purchasing ... Lights, RK2, Tunze pump & controller, whatever heater is recommended and skimmer

Geez..gonna be alot of money...

[Tswifty]

I use the titanium via aqua's... they have a built in controller:


http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...m~vendor~.html

Oh and here's my 90g build thread if you wanna take a look.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1310919

[frank2926]

the controllers on the heaters are the ones that tend to get stuck .
Get a Ranco controller. They are used in industrial applications.
You will never fry your tank with one. I have 2 of those heaters now that both of the controllers are stuck in the on position. I was lucky and they only fried my kids nano tanks. I learned my lesson and got one of these.

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...9a39047e3972de

[drparker]

your RK2 will control the heater just fine. I use the stealth http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+12060&pcatid=12060

for my tanks and making salt water. They seem pretty durable.

[Tswifty]

Really? How long did you have them before they got stuck on?

[frank2926]

not long like 6-9 months

and yes an RK2 will control the heaters as well, sorry my post was for tswifty.

[Tswifty]

Thanks for the tip. I plan on getting a controller like the RK2 in the future... this may just expedite it.