Help on my 90 gallon build

jcmccue · 03/02/2009, 05:37 PM

Hello all

I am looking for some help on my 90 gallon build. So far I have bought a 90 RR AGA, 30 gal breeder sump and a 6 lamp retrofit T-5 lamp system. I am building the stand and canopy myself (I think that I can park my truck on the stand (pictures to follow)

I am thinking about how to control the lights (3 ballasts) and power heads. One option is lots of timers, the other is to buy a controller (maybe a Neptune AquaController or similar). What type of controller???

If I use the controller to run the powerheads what type do I buy? Or, do I buy something like Hydor Koralia Controllable Pumps & Wavemaker (2 powerheads)

More questions to come later but your answers here will really help

Thanks in advance for any advice

seapug · 03/02/2009, 05:55 PM

The general tank controllers are nice but you really only utilize their true benefit when you are monitoring pH and setting up triggers to turn on/off calcium reactors/kalkstirrers/ozone, etc.

For what you want to do, simple utility timers from the hardware store will work fine for the lights. Powerheads are a different matter, if you are just using regular unmodded mexijets, the simple 2 way and 4 way on/off timers work fine. If you are want to use Koralia or Tunze powerheads, you will need to purchase their controller units and powerhead models that work with them. They can be a bit more expensive but are generally a good investement. I personally use the two way Koralia controller with the 12V K4 powerheads in my 90 and I'm very pleased with it.

chris4869 · 03/02/2009, 06:03 PM

How about a RO/DI water filter first? Is this a fish only tank or reef tank?

If you're on a budget the Aqua Jr controller with the DC8 is the way to go. It'll give you options that the cheap individual timers don't such as turning off your light when the temp exceed X degrees or instant temp & pH reading.

The Hydor Koralia are great pumps, but their wavemaker is a little pricey and limited. I prefer to skip it and run the powerheads at full speed.

Can't wait to see your photos.

03/02/2009, 05:37 PM	#1
jcmccue Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Covington, VA Posts: 49	Help on my 90 gallon build Hello all I am looking for some help on my 90 gallon build. So far I have bought a 90 RR AGA, 30 gal breeder sump and a 6 lamp retrofit T-5 lamp system. I am building the stand and canopy myself (I think that I can park my truck on the stand (pictures to follow) I am thinking about how to control the lights (3 ballasts) and power heads. One option is lots of timers, the other is to buy a controller (maybe a Neptune AquaController or similar). What type of controller??? If I use the controller to run the powerheads what type do I buy? Or, do I buy something like Hydor Koralia Controllable Pumps & Wavemaker (2 powerheads) More questions to come later but your answers here will really help Thanks in advance for any advice __________________ 90 gallon TBS with 30 gal sump pygmy angel, yellow tail damsel, 3x blue green chromis, 6 line wrasse, sharknose goby Current Tank Info: 90 gallon TBS

03/02/2009, 05:55 PM	#2
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	The general tank controllers are nice but you really only utilize their true benefit when you are monitoring pH and setting up triggers to turn on/off calcium reactors/kalkstirrers/ozone, etc. For what you want to do, simple utility timers from the hardware store will work fine for the lights. Powerheads are a different matter, if you are just using regular unmodded mexijets, the simple 2 way and 4 way on/off timers work fine. If you are want to use Koralia or Tunze powerheads, you will need to purchase their controller units and powerhead models that work with them. They can be a bit more expensive but are generally a good investement. I personally use the two way Koralia controller with the 12V K4 powerheads in my 90 and I'm very pleased with it. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

03/02/2009, 06:03 PM	#3
chris4869 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,006	How about a RO/DI water filter first? Is this a fish only tank or reef tank? If you're on a budget the Aqua Jr controller with the DC8 is the way to go. It'll give you options that the cheap individual timers don't such as turning off your light when the temp exceed X degrees or instant temp & pH reading. The Hydor Koralia are great pumps, but their wavemaker is a little pricey and limited. I prefer to skip it and run the powerheads at full speed. Can't wait to see your photos.