NewbieVal's 1st tank going up NOW!

Gluestick · 04/16/2006, 07:07 PM

I am sooo excited! After a year and a half of research and planning, setting up my first saltwater aquarium in in the works! Here's what I've got:
90 gallon All Glass MegaFlow
AGA Model 3 sump
Finnex 300W Titanium heater (for in tank)
Finnex 500W Titanium heater (for in sump) - We keep our house very cold, lots of heat will be required.
ASM G-1X skimmer
Mag Drive 500gph return pump
3 Maxi-jet 1200s
Typhoon III RO/DI
Beautiful AGA Mission-style cherry stand!

My quarantine setup is ready to go, just add (salt)water!
Still need to order the lights, 2 X 250 HQI Metal Halide 2 X 110 VHO
Also, still need LR. If anyone has some they are selling, please let me know!
I've been buying things here and there since December, and my hubby finally bought my the stand for my birthday, which was the 10th of April! I set everything up and I've been having sweet dreams of the gorgeous corals and fish I've been DYING TO KEEP!
PS, a quick question, I am in love with the naso tang. Will I be able to keep one comfortably in a 90 gal, with stony corals and clams?

brad23 · 04/16/2006, 07:27 PM

Skimmer seems a little small.

Gluestick · 04/16/2006, 07:34 PM

That skimmer is rated for 150 gallon aquariums.

schmoeger6 · 04/16/2006, 08:11 PM

When you're ready let me know, I'm not that far away (Dwight), and could probably get you a frag or two to get you going. Might want to think about a bigger return pump as well. I've got a Mag 9.5 on my 90, and need to go bigger.

brad23 · 04/16/2006, 08:28 PM

All of ASM skimmers are over rated.

saltyseaman · 04/16/2006, 08:36 PM

Your skimmer should be fine. Keep few fish and keep it tweaked you'll be good.

I, personally, would have gone for a larger return pump.

Also, if you are planning on keeping SPS you will want more flow than just 3 MJ 1200's and the return from a Mag 5. You may want to consider the Modification for the MJ 1200's and a larger return pump to get more flow, or even getting SEIO's or Tunze Streams.

An Adult Naso tang in a 90 gallon is definately pretty cramped. A young one would be fine for a little while, but I wouldn't keep an adult in a 90 gallon.

If you are planning on getting the halides and VHO's as a package deal and saving $ then that's cool, but if you are going to be paying the same for them now or later then I would suggest waiting on the VHOs. With 2x 250W DE lamps you don't *NEED* VHO's, and if you later decide you do then you can save some $ now and invest later.

As for the Live Rock, I HIGHLY recomend goign to Premium Aquatics in Indianapolis and hand picking your stuff. They have the best live rock I have ever seen. Other than that I would pay attention to the Chicagoland Forum and watch for people selling their aquariums and offering their Live Rock at unbeatable prices. I've seen a few of those threads lately.

Everything looks good

. It's good to see you have done so much research before you plunge into it. Now the hard part is going to be having patience when it comes time to stock it

. Keep us updated and feel free to call on us if you ever need any questions answered.

Horace · 04/16/2006, 08:45 PM

Definatly want to get a larger return pump. I would wager up to a mag12 would be good. I run a 9.5 on my 75 and its definatly on the small side. The skimmer is a bit small too...like was said above, they are way way over rated. Your lighting idea sounds good, but I would perhaps suggest you get T5s instead of VHO. T5s are now becoming much much better than VHO. The new T5 actinic that is due out in the next weeks is supposed to be just as good as the VHO actinic.

Gluestick · 04/17/2006, 08:25 PM

I hope that my LFS dealer with let me exchange the mag 5. It hasn't even been used yet, he should. I still can't believe the skimmer is too small! I thought I went big by getting the G1X instead of the G1. :-\ Well, I'll have to see if Premium Aquatics will exchange it. Do you think they will?

hounddog01 · 04/17/2006, 08:39 PM

If your LFS will not let you upgrade then do not buy from them again. Premium will let you exchange the skimmer if you have not used it. I think they charge 10% restocking fee. Probably worth it rather than need a larger one later and need to buy the whole thing. I would say that the skimmer is a little on the small side but if you have already hooked it up then dont worry about it. Some like to have a little over kill on the skimming. I would light the sump and add Cheato. That will help more than a larger skimmer.

hounddog01 · 04/17/2006, 08:41 PM

btw, good luck on your new adventure.

brad23 · 04/17/2006, 08:43 PM

+1 for PA LR best I've ever seen, I was looking through it last weekend. They have big huge rocks right now that look really good.

Gluestick · 04/20/2006, 06:52 PM

Well, I will exchange my return pump, but I don't know about exchanging the skimmer. The sump is really crowded as it is, and the next size up is even bigger! Do you all really thing I need to go bigger than an ASM G1X for a 90 gal? I intend to put stony corals in it and just a few small peaceful fish, nothing big. Hopefully some clams someday. I mean, if I seriously need a bigger skimmer, tell me and I will reconsider. But Do I need to be skimming EVERYTHING out of my tank?

Gluestick · 04/20/2006, 06:53 PM

You guys have more experience than me, so I do value all of your opinions! Just be honest though!

hounddog01 · 04/20/2006, 07:30 PM

After looking at the G1X and the G2 I would get the G2 if you have room. The other one will probably do the trick but if you can fit the other one it would be better.

saltyseaman · 04/20/2006, 08:12 PM

As long as you don't overfeed and you keep few small fish (no tangs

), that skimmer should be fine. After some researching, though, it is a little on the small side for a tank with a descent bioload. IF Premium will exchange it, I would upgrade so you don't feel too confined when you see that one extra fish you gotta have. The G2 is a better choice, and only $17 more.

llewoh05 · 04/20/2006, 08:18 PM

if the store won't let you return the mag 5. i would be interested in taking it. been looking for something to build a closed loop?

04/16/2006, 07:07 PM	#1
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	NewbieVal's 1st tank going up NOW! I am sooo excited! After a year and a half of research and planning, setting up my first saltwater aquarium in in the works! Here's what I've got: 90 gallon All Glass MegaFlow AGA Model 3 sump Finnex 300W Titanium heater (for in tank) Finnex 500W Titanium heater (for in sump) - We keep our house very cold, lots of heat will be required. ASM G-1X skimmer Mag Drive 500gph return pump 3 Maxi-jet 1200s Typhoon III RO/DI Beautiful AGA Mission-style cherry stand! My quarantine setup is ready to go, just add (salt)water! Still need to order the lights, 2 X 250 HQI Metal Halide 2 X 110 VHO Also, still need LR. If anyone has some they are selling, please let me know! I've been buying things here and there since December, and my hubby finally bought my the stand for my birthday, which was the 10th of April! I set everything up and I've been having sweet dreams of the gorgeous corals and fish I've been DYING TO KEEP! PS, a quick question, I am in love with the naso tang. Will I be able to keep one comfortably in a 90 gal, with stony corals and clams? __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

04/16/2006, 07:27 PM	#2
brad23 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bloomington IL Posts: 2,959	Skimmer seems a little small. __________________ Ye old English Current Tank Info: 75g reef

04/16/2006, 07:34 PM	#3
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	That skimmer is rated for 150 gallon aquariums. __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

04/16/2006, 08:28 PM	#5
brad23 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bloomington IL Posts: 2,959	All of ASM skimmers are over rated. __________________ Ye old English Current Tank Info: 75g reef

04/16/2006, 08:45 PM	#7
Horace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 5,009	Definatly want to get a larger return pump. I would wager up to a mag12 would be good. I run a 9.5 on my 75 and its definatly on the small side. The skimmer is a bit small too...like was said above, they are way way over rated. Your lighting idea sounds good, but I would perhaps suggest you get T5s instead of VHO. T5s are now becoming much much better than VHO. The new T5 actinic that is due out in the next weeks is supposed to be just as good as the VHO actinic. __________________ -Horace Pinker Current Tank Info: New 180g Mixed SPS Build in progress

04/16/2006, 08:11 PM	#4
schmoeger6 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dwight, IL Posts: 266	When you're ready let me know, I'm not that far away (Dwight), and could probably get you a frag or two to get you going. Might want to think about a bigger return pump as well. I've got a Mag 9.5 on my 90, and need to go bigger.

04/16/2006, 08:36 PM	#6
saltyseaman Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Naperville Posts: 2,397	Your skimmer should be fine. Keep few fish and keep it tweaked you'll be good. I, personally, would have gone for a larger return pump. Also, if you are planning on keeping SPS you will want more flow than just 3 MJ 1200's and the return from a Mag 5. You may want to consider the Modification for the MJ 1200's and a larger return pump to get more flow, or even getting SEIO's or Tunze Streams. An Adult Naso tang in a 90 gallon is definately pretty cramped. A young one would be fine for a little while, but I wouldn't keep an adult in a 90 gallon. If you are planning on getting the halides and VHO's as a package deal and saving $ then that's cool, but if you are going to be paying the same for them now or later then I would suggest waiting on the VHOs. With 2x 250W DE lamps you don't NEED VHO's, and if you later decide you do then you can save some $ now and invest later. As for the Live Rock, I HIGHLY recomend goign to Premium Aquatics in Indianapolis and hand picking your stuff. They have the best live rock I have ever seen. Other than that I would pay attention to the Chicagoland Forum and watch for people selling their aquariums and offering their Live Rock at unbeatable prices. I've seen a few of those threads lately. Everything looks good . It's good to see you have done so much research before you plunge into it. Now the hard part is going to be having patience when it comes time to stock it . Keep us updated and feel free to call on us if you ever need any questions answered.

04/17/2006, 08:25 PM	#8
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	I hope that my LFS dealer with let me exchange the mag 5. It hasn't even been used yet, he should. I still can't believe the skimmer is too small! I thought I went big by getting the G1X instead of the G1. :-\ Well, I'll have to see if Premium Aquatics will exchange it. Do you think they will? __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

04/17/2006, 08:39 PM	#9
hounddog01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 1,045	If your LFS will not let you upgrade then do not buy from them again. Premium will let you exchange the skimmer if you have not used it. I think they charge 10% restocking fee. Probably worth it rather than need a larger one later and need to buy the whole thing. I would say that the skimmer is a little on the small side but if you have already hooked it up then dont worry about it. Some like to have a little over kill on the skimming. I would light the sump and add Cheato. That will help more than a larger skimmer. __________________ Brad "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates Current Tank Info: 180 gallon Acrylic, 65 gallon custom sump, Octopus Extreme 250, 150 LBS Marco Rock, 2-250 W Phoenix with 4 110 VHO supplement

04/17/2006, 08:41 PM	#10
hounddog01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 1,045	btw, good luck on your new adventure. __________________ Brad "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates Current Tank Info: 180 gallon Acrylic, 65 gallon custom sump, Octopus Extreme 250, 150 LBS Marco Rock, 2-250 W Phoenix with 4 110 VHO supplement

04/17/2006, 08:43 PM	#11
brad23 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bloomington IL Posts: 2,959	+1 for PA LR best I've ever seen, I was looking through it last weekend. They have big huge rocks right now that look really good. __________________ Ye old English Current Tank Info: 75g reef

04/20/2006, 06:52 PM	#12
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	Well, I will exchange my return pump, but I don't know about exchanging the skimmer. The sump is really crowded as it is, and the next size up is even bigger! Do you all really thing I need to go bigger than an ASM G1X for a 90 gal? I intend to put stony corals in it and just a few small peaceful fish, nothing big. Hopefully some clams someday. I mean, if I seriously need a bigger skimmer, tell me and I will reconsider. But Do I need to be skimming EVERYTHING out of my tank? __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

04/20/2006, 06:53 PM	#13
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	You guys have more experience than me, so I do value all of your opinions! Just be honest though! __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

04/20/2006, 07:30 PM	#14
hounddog01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 1,045	After looking at the G1X and the G2 I would get the G2 if you have room. The other one will probably do the trick but if you can fit the other one it would be better. __________________ Brad "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates Current Tank Info: 180 gallon Acrylic, 65 gallon custom sump, Octopus Extreme 250, 150 LBS Marco Rock, 2-250 W Phoenix with 4 110 VHO supplement

04/20/2006, 08:12 PM	#15
saltyseaman Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Naperville Posts: 2,397	As long as you don't overfeed and you keep few small fish (no tangs ), that skimmer should be fine. After some researching, though, it is a little on the small side for a tank with a descent bioload. IF Premium will exchange it, I would upgrade so you don't feel too confined when you see that one extra fish you gotta have. The G2 is a better choice, and only $17 more.

04/20/2006, 08:18 PM	#16
llewoh05 Daddy Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fisher Posts: 744	if the store won't let you return the mag 5. i would be interested in taking it. been looking for something to build a closed loop? __________________ need something new. got any ideas? Current Tank Info: 1x40br w/ 20gal sump & 10gal refug and 1x incomplete custom 65