90 gal pre build

D

Dakarta

New member
Hello folks! How's it going?

I'm a new member to the site but have been reading forum posts for quite a while.

Some background on my tank experience. I have a 125 gal freshwter tank with cichlids and a huge pleco, at least 16". That tank is about 3 years old. I also have an 8 gal biocube with not much at all in it. Live rock with a few bristle worms, hermits, snails, a porcelain crab, and a few little starfish. That tank is about 2 years old.

So I just recently rearranged the house and I have a "man cave" where I have my tanks but I got this nice empty wall I need to do something with.

So that's where this post comes into play. I want to do a 90 gal reef tank 48" x 18" x 21". My problem is I'm not really sure where to start. Well I mean I know where to start, I have to get the tank. I'm not sure whether to go glass or acrylic though. Not to mention that I don't have a LFS, so my purchases are limited to the internet.

As far as what I would like to do with the tank.... I want to have corals, some inverts, a clam, maybe some flame scallops, and at least a pair of clowns with a host anemone. I'm not sure what other type of fish I want though. I want to do a refugium behind the tank that is almost the same length as the tank. I want to have several compartments in this to grow macro, culture pods and rotifers and to grow some mangroves. A long term goal, quite a few years away, would be to have a separate refugium with seahorses in it.

I will be building the stand myself and incorporating all the plumbing into it as well. I'm pretty handy and do quite well designing things. I like DIY projects. I even thought of building the whole tank myself out of acrylic, but I can't find anywhere to buy the right kind of acrylic sheet. As far as lighting....I'm kinda stuck here too. I know really this will be based on the type of coral I put in the tank, my biggest decision there I think is whether or not to go with full LEDs.

I know perhaps this sounds a bit like I'm not sure what to do. I've done quite a bit of research, but I've gotten a bit overwhelmed. It has been a lot to take in and a lot of it has helped. Some of it was confusing. Overal I have a good idea of the direction I need to go. I just need some guidance, kind of like a mentor(s). Especialy since I don't know anyone near by with Saltwater tanks I can talk to.

So I guess that's a basic of what I want to do. This isn't something I want to get done tomorrow but I would like to have the tank established by this time next year. I would appreciate any help at all that anyone could provide. Tank info and retailers, pumps, lighting, suggestions for fish, corals, and other livestock, or whatever in general.

Thanks!!
 
[welcome] read the stickies they have alot of good info take it slow no good come form rushing this hobby good luck and have fun. p.s forget the flame scallop they are not long lived in are systems
 
Well, I am going to chime in here and see if I can help or confuse you further. I started with a 46 g bow front 6 months ago and quickly learned that my addition was complete. It wasn't a big enough system to do what I wanted. I am in a condo so a 300 g isn't an option. After much discussion my wife and I settled on a 125 with a 55 g sump. This gave us a big enough DT to house almost everything we wanted (well almost). The issue here was that almost everything we purchased for the 46 g couldn't be used on the new tank. That turned out ok as we now have a great QT system. Now we have everything up and running and it is looking fabulous and doing quite well. Oops hang on.....we put a bunch of hard coral in. We crossed a line just now that we didn't notice. I now have to dose Alk and Cal just about daily. Ok no problem next is a reactor. Yes we looked at other option but decided on this. Well now what do we buy. Hmmm I think I want a controller to monitor everything. ok well the one I like can do a great job and the manufacturer also makes great LED light that can be controlled with the same said controller. Hey it also will control circ pumps too. I suppose I will now make my point and offer my thoughts. We didn't know how much we would love the hobby. Although we did lots of research about equipment and set up and fish and coral what we didn't really understand was that thinking long and hard about where you will take the hobby could save you some cash. I purchased beautiful led lights. 2 x 20" Razor lights. Now that I am looking at this new controller set up i kind of wish I had done a little more homework. There is nothing wrong mind you with my decisions. Its like buying a car. Neat new cool stuff always comes out on the next model.
 
Hey thanks for the insight Cozwey. I didn't get confused and I understand what you are saying. I got my 8 gal and i've had it for a while, but well now I want something I can get a better display out of. I though about going bigger than a 90 but I'm not sure about it. I think 90 will be fine. I am trying to plan everything out so that hopefully I won't run into the "ooh i want that new awesome light. pump, etc." I want to set up a good system that will provide what I need and I don't intend to replace anything unless it ends up breaking down the line. Although the best intentions sometimes go awry.

Again thanks for the advice.
 
Sethjamto....hey thanks....I realized after I posted this that I put the wrong dimensions up. I'm checking now to see if I can edit that. Stupid mistake on my part.
 
I understand that. they always come out with new cool stuff

Wish I coudl see your pics halfhilloa. All i see is x's. Not sure if it is the forum or my computer here at work. I'll try my home computer if I wake up in time tomorrow.
 
Thoughts for stocking

Thoughts for stocking

So I did some research and since a tank is usually built for it's inhabitants.... I came up with a list of things I would like in my tank. Trust me this list is not all inclusive and I don't want it everything listed.

I would like to hear some suggestions on what may go well together and complement each other. Anything definitely not to get. I welcome any suggestions anyone may have. Once I narrow down my livestock I can move on with getting set up for the tank build.

Livestock to consider for the 90 Gal Reef tank
Inverts:
Urchin: Purple short spine, Pencil, Pincushion, long spine, or tuxedo
Sponge
Shrimp: Peppermint, Fire, or Scarlet skunk
Feather dusters and coco worms
Porcelain crab
Trapezia crab (need sps coral)
Anemone(s) (to host clowns)
Clam: Derasa, crocea, Maxima, Squamosa
Snails for CUC various types. suggestions would be welcome
Hermits for CUC various types
Cucumber ? one of the places I have been looking at for livestock has a CUC with a mini cucumber in it

Fish:
Clown: Pair of Black Ocellaris, Ocellaris, or Percula
Cardinal: three of one type Bangai, Spotted, or Yellow Striped
Damsel: one of Blue Sapphire or Yellow Tail
Basslet: one of Black cap or Royal Gramma
Tang: one Bristle tooth Tomini
Dartfish: one firefish
Blenny: one of Yellow eye comb tooth, Harp tail, or Black comb tooth
Anthias: one of Bartlett's, Sunset, Princess, Pictilis, or Central Pacific
Wrasse: one of Orange back Fairy, Whip fin fairy, or Carpenter's Flasher
Chromis: three or four of Black Bar, Black and White, Vanderbuilt, or Blue/green
Gobies: One or two of Green clown, Catalina, Yellow Stripe cling fish, Neon Blue, Engineer, Green banded, Hector's, Orange Stripe Prawn, or Sleeper Gold head

Plants:
Halimeda
Shaving Brush
Maiden's Hair
Kelp
Macros in refugium
Corals
This is where I really need some help and suggestions of what would work well, and what would not. Not really sure here. Would like a nice rounded selection of coral to cover whole spectrum. Hear SPS and LPS are more difficult and think I would like to start with softies but eventually do want to have SPS and LPS too maybe.
 
Going bigger

Going bigger

So after much consideration and the fact that I want a place for my fish to actually swim....I have decided to go a bit bigger on this build. Not sure the exact volume of the tank I was kinda tired when I was looking at them the other day, but the dimensions will be 48" x 24" x 24".
 
Welcome Dakarta. It sounds like you are starting off well with a plan and research. It's easy to get overwhelmed. I think you're going to find there's pros and cons to most every decision you make in this hobby. Some people swear by acrylic, others say it scratches too easy. Some people like the energy savings and lower heat output LEDs provide and others say they're no good.

It looks like there are several groups in Indiana in the Club Forums and I know there are at least a couple of online coral shops I've browsed that are in Indiana. Actually to the point I keep wondering what's going on over there!

If you're handy you might also check out the DIY forums.

As for personal experience: I still feel I'm relatively new to this hobby. My tanks been up for over a year and I feel I'm in one battle or another weekly. But I LOVE my tank.

Things I would suggest:
Make sure you get an RO/DI system. I didn't see you mention one.
A controller hooked up to a ATO (automatic top off) system is your best friend
Hermit crabs are not your snails best friend and I regret buying more than a couple (this is another one of those debated topics)
A quarantine tank is like practicing safe sex. Keep your display tank disease free!

Lastly it's my understanding that Anthias are best kept in a species specific tank. There's also something you can't keep with clams but it's not coming to me right now. I think they have pretty strong light requirements but they would be down the road for you anyway.

Good luck!
 
Boogly, thanks for the welcome and the sage advice. I always try to plan things out as much as I can. I find things usually go better. I guess as far as making decisions, I know I have to do it myself, but I value the advice of others at least so I can get an idea of how others think.
I will check ou the Club forums and see if there is anything in my area. I did find a nice group of local people on Facebook that have been helping a bit. Inland Aquatics is pretty close and I may go up this weekend to check out their shop. Not buying anything yet though.
I am a DIY. I love working on small projects especially if it works, looks neat, and can save a little bit.

I do have a RO/DI
have looked into ATO but haven't decided what I'm going to set up yet
I hadn't thought about hermit's eating the snails to get their shells, but is on my mind now. What if I got larger hermits and smaller snails or probably just no more than 3 hermits....gonna have to think about this one.
Already have a 20 gal quarantine tank standing by

I'm going to have to look into anthias more if I can't put them with other fish. I may have misunderstood but I thought they couldl be with other fish but you didn't want more than one anthia in the same tank. The clams are definitely for further down the road, but I am setting up my lighting in preparation for that in the future.

Thanks again for the advice and I hope to see you around.
 
Here are some my comments from your list above:

Inverts -

Urchins will rearrange your rockwork and plow thru any corals. Can cause rockslides.

Anemone - clownfish don't need them to survive. There are reports of clowns hosting frogspawn, torch, hammer corals, duncans, mushrooms to name a few. Anemone will move until they find a spot they're comfortable in.

Snails - hermit crabs will hunt them for their shells. You're better off with hermit crabs as your CUC IMO.

Cucumber - will starve once food source is scarce. Will release toxins upon death I believe. Skip on them.


Fish -

Clownfish - get tank bred - they're more hardier than wild caught ones. Only a single pair per tank.

Cardinalfish - get 1 male and 1 female; tank bred is best.

Basslets - Black cap can be territorial.

Anthias - need multiple feedings throughout the day

Chromis - will dwindle down to a single fish

Gobies - Catalina goby require cooler water temps (60 - 70 degree water temps)

Wouldn't hurt to pass this along to snorvich for more expert advice under this thread:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2068112
 
hey man - its matt from the local facebook forum-

ftdelta is very right about a most of your fish ideas

i wouldnt wory about a exact stock list as of right now - just be aware of what you might want in a tank- if you go with a 48" tank you wont be able to house many types of tangs for instance-

i started my current tank thinking i would want a damsel/chromis type of tank - that changed pretty quickly as they all picked each other off and ended up with a 3/4 stripe damsel taking everyone out - he now lives in the sump downstairs

i told ya earlier today figure out what type of coral you want to keep and a budget for the whole project

i didn't have a crazy budget so i went with a cheaper tank and budget items that i have upgraded over the years-

definitely get a controller- i have a apex lite and i wouldn't be able to go to work everyday without it- its like having someone babysit your tank for you all day
 
Dakarta said:
Hello folks! How's it going?

I'm a new member to the site but have been reading forum posts for quite a while.

Some background on my tank experience. I have a 125 gal freshwter tank with cichlids and a huge pleco, at least 16". That tank is about 3 years old. I also have an 8 gal biocube with not much at all in it. Live rock with a few bristle worms, hermits, snails, a porcelain crab, and a few little starfish. That tank is about 2 years old.

So I just recently rearranged the house and I have a "man cave" where I have my tanks but I got this nice empty wall I need to do something with.

So that's where this post comes into play. I want to do a 90 gal reef tank 48" x 18" x 21". My problem is I'm not really sure where to start. Well I mean I know where to start, I have to get the tank. I'm not sure whether to go glass or acrylic though. Not to mention that I don't have a LFS, so my purchases are limited to the internet.

As far as what I would like to do with the tank.... I want to have corals, some inverts, a clam, maybe some flame scallops, and at least a pair of clowns with a host anemone. I'm not sure what other type of fish I want though. I want to do a refugium behind the tank that is almost the same length as the tank. I want to have several compartments in this to grow macro, culture pods and rotifers and to grow some mangroves. A long term goal, quite a few years away, would be to have a separate refugium with seahorses in it.

I will be building the stand myself and incorporating all the plumbing into it as well. I'm pretty handy and do quite well designing things. I like DIY projects. I even thought of building the whole tank myself out of acrylic, but I can't find anywhere to buy the right kind of acrylic sheet. As far as lighting....I'm kinda stuck here too. I know really this will be based on the type of coral I put in the tank, my biggest decision there I think is whether or not to go with full LEDs.

I know perhaps this sounds a bit like I'm not sure what to do. I've done quite a bit of research, but I've gotten a bit overwhelmed. It has been a lot to take in and a lot of it has helped. Some of it was confusing. Overal I have a good idea of the direction I need to go. I just need some guidance, kind of like a mentor(s). Especialy since I don't know anyone near by with Saltwater tanks I can talk to.

So I guess that's a basic of what I want to do. This isn't something I want to get done tomorrow but I would like to have the tank established by this time next year. I would appreciate any help at all that anyone could provide. Tank info and retailers, pumps, lighting, suggestions for fish, corals, and other livestock, or whatever in general.

Thanks!!
Click to expand...


1) Go Glass. Its cheaper and doesnt scratch as easily
2) Being a DIY type person is a huge asset. I almost advised you going against a longer tank as their are many more plug and play MH/T5 units for 48inch tanks for a good price. You have a man cave and can hang what ever you want over it so your good to go. Let us know when you pic a size. I like the 400mh/LED combo fixtures, the Kessil LEDS and i hear good things about the GHL mittras (there are some on sale inthe for sale forum right now).
3)An over sized sump = smart. something i wish i had done but then gain, i have to have SOME dry space under my tank so im kinda screwed either way.
3) Its fun to talk about livestock but we have all sorts of conversations about lights, skimmers, reactors, auto top offs, water changes, dosing units, pumps and wave makers to figure out along with the liverstock issues. Believe it or not, it kinda helps to figure out your equipment and livestock at the same time.

Not every type of coral likes super bright lights and super fast moving ultra clean water, not everything likes slightly dimmer light, slower moving water and slightly less clean water either. (you get the idea). A mixed reef is possible but sooner or later your going to have to decide what the DOMINATE type of coral will be and taylor your design for that area, or you are going to end up wth a very confused tank. Once you figure out what the dominate type of corals will be, then that will go along way towards also deciding on what types of lights, flow, stocking and filter capacity you want.

3) You might be a little ambitious about all the types of macroalgae and refugium inhabitants your pursuing (or you could very well just be "the man" (and be able to put that togeter).

Oh and welcome.

Edit: Some things that are absolutely essential are a controller, quality heaters, a quality skimmere, quality lights, a quality RO/DI and ATO unit (and kalk dosing in that), quality wave makers, a GFO reactor, possibly a way to run carbon and a planned maintanance schedule (i have a daily schedule, a weekly schedule, a q 6 month schedule and a yearly schedule).

Once you figure all that above out and cator it to the type of corals that will be dominate, then you are good to go.

As a beginner i highly recommend an LPS dominate with mix of soft corals and just a few SPS up top. I wouldnt recommend going full on SPS dominate with this being your first time out, nor do i think you need to be limited to soft corals given your DIY skills and enthusiasm.
 
FTDelta thanks for all the info. This is exactly the type of feedback and advice I am looking for.

I will look more into the urchins. I knew they moved around but I don't want then to cause problems. Are there like any dwarf species?

I know the anemones move and I have heard some horror stories about getting sucked into powerheads and such not. I have heard of clowns hosting other stuff, so I think I'll have to play that one by ear.

So stick with just hermits as a CUC. I could do that I suppose. I am definitely not opposed to it. Any thoughts on shrimp?

Cucumber is off the list I don't want a nifty little critter to die because her ran out of food or toxify my tank.

As far as the fish are concerned I will do my best to get only tank bred. That has been my plan from the start.

clowns...you said just a single pair per tank. I have seen a tank at a local restaurant with two pair in it. I'm not contradicting what you said just curious how someone else was able to do it.

Cardinalfish. How can you tell male and female when you get them. I assume that where I buy them would know, but how might I check for myself to know I'm not getting duped?

Black cap out. I'm trying to keep away from territorial fish. I want to try to keep the tank peaceful maybe semi aggressive at most.

Anthias first I have heard of their feeding needs, might have to skip. I know my wife won't feed them. she likes to look at the fish but says they are mine to take care of. Maybe if I set up an auto feeder for them.

Chromis....I take it theses guys get aggressive toward each other. I always see them in small groups in a tank. Thought it would be a good idea, but if they are going to end up down to just one....I don't see the point.

Gobies....so many to choose from not really sure where to go with these guys. I have heard they can be kinda territorial toward each other. Can you have more than one per tank?

I will check the thread you linked as well. Again, thanks for the info. It has helped quite a bit.
 
hey matt, thanks.

I'm not gratly worried about the stock list. I just came up with some critters I was interested in having and might go well together. I wanted to get some advice to see if I was heading down the right path.

About the tangs. I was interested in a few of them but the one I chose seemed to be a smaller tang and didn't get very large. I thought that would be a good choice. Do they need a tank larger than say 125 gal and 4 feet long?

Yeah I am definitely working on figuring out what corals I want. I am going to Inland Aquatics this weekend and hopefully can look at some stuff and get some decent advice. The goal right now is to find out where to buy the size tank I want and what corals I want in there so I can decide on lighting and plan a budget out. It may take me a whole year to get everything I want but I don't want to just jump into this and then realize, crap the lights I have aren't enough or the pump I bought is too small. It took me six months before I actually had everyhting I wanted and set up my nano. After that everything will be working toward making the tank a suitable place for all the critters.

I have to look into controllers because....well I know what they do but I am not sure what I am going to need


On a good note I love the advice I am receiving here and it is really helping me to get my plans hashed out, organized, and set in stone so I can move forward.
 
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