90 Gallon Build

[mdimich]

Ok so I purchased a 90G Aqueon Overflow tank and stand to start up my sw, eventually reef tank.

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I also decided to build my own sump/refugium. The dimensions are 15 1/2 x 38 1/2 x 15 1/2.

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I went with a SRO 2000INT sump, and a Mag5 for return to keep flow lower to take advantage of the fuge, is having a lower flow rate better?

I also purchased some cheap lights and still have to get the plumbing done, I can't decide it I should just use Flex hose and get rock or do PVC now. I would eventually do PVC just not sure when.

I would also like to purchase a Exotech MP40's, AI Sol led lights when after Christmas.

Any suggestions please let me know!

 

[Reef264]

Do PVC, Trying to change something in the plumbing on a running system is no fun.2 Mp40's would be a great touch, & 2 AI Sols should do the trick nicely.

Good Luck with your journey!

-Ray

 

[Hazratty]

Hey

Hey

I personally would change up your direction slightly and this is only my opinion so take it how you will.

I think you should really scrap your fuge idea and house your skimmer and reactors in your center space of your sump bump up your return to something 1000+ GPH. This IMO would utilize your skimmer/reactors and just filtration through the sump slightly better.

Depending on how much space you have under your stand I would make a seperate Fuge and run a T off your PVC drain line with a valve to control the amount of flow and let that overflow into your sump. If you do have room or room to house an autotop off I would consider that as well due to your return chamber being so small you will be toping up every 2-3 days due to evaporation

Plumbing there are many many ways to do this but I would just PVC your drain into the chamber you have(what sort of overflow are you using on your Display?? herbie, durso? I was always a fan of running a flex hose from the return less of a headache if you want to swtich or replace pumps and easier to manage for vibration and movement.

Depending on your rockwork 1 MP40 should get you by just adjust your return to help with dead zones. Save yourself some money but I would start with 1 MP40 and go from there like I said that really depends on your rockwork and placement of your MP40.

As for lighting you will be fine with 2 - Ai sols be sure to purchase the controller if you don't already have a apex or something similar to adjust for aclimating your corals. If you have your Ai Sols 12'' AWL your spread will be fine and shouldn't shadow.

If you have any questions feel free to PM, or reply I can try to help you. I'm curious on a few things to better answer some of your questions. Future plans for rockwork, how many LBS are you looking at putting in your tank. Do you plan to throw some LR into your sump section or have it all in your display. If you keep the low flow through your sump and you have minimal rock in your display you might not be getting adequate filtration so you might have to increase the flow in the display. ETC.

Also curious to how your overflow box is setup? What size bulk heads I'm assuming they are 1 1/2's. Do you plan on running your return up the back or through your overflow box.

By the way, looks like you did a hell of a good job on your sump silicone looks very neat and clean. make sure you put some styro under it to reduce pressure if you dont plan on adding the plastic edging

 

[mdimich]

A couple things, I wasn't planning on any type of reactor at least atm. I don't have any more room under the tank for a separate fuge, possibly at a later date when I move into a house and out of my apartment.

I am using the Aqueon overflow, not sure if its a herbie or durso, basically a 1 inch bulk head out and 3/4 return. I am going to end up doing PVC for the plumb as suggested.

The rock work I planned for was 90-100 lbs of BRS Reef Saver Rock, with 60-80lbs of live sand from BRS. I am hoping that the live sand will speed the curing process of the rock, however I was wondering how often does sand have bad hitch hikers?

When researching It seemed as most sumps included a fuge and with the lack of space figured that would be the best route to take.

 

[Reefahholic]

Mag 5 will be perfect for slower flow through sump.

I run 9.5 and its nice. Ran a 5 for a little bit. Did the trick for me, but not enough flow in my opinion.

 

[mdimich]

Got 100lbs of Reef Saver rock and most of the plumbing in today!

 

[DopeCantWin]

I have that stand and that Skimmer, and and actually that tank. Some tips I wish somebody would have given to me before I started. Get rid of that stand. Use something taller and more soundproof. Also make sure the Skimmer is easy/possible to take out, since it's tall and that stand is short + the sump wall is high. Also that Skimmer works best at 6", so good job on that. I have 2 AI's over my tank, it doesn't work well. You'll need something else for more coverage, lot's of shade. I disagree with that guy about using that middle section for reactors, I think your sump is great. I'm using biopellets going straight into the skimmer as well.