Back after 11 years!

[Arcar]

Man o man,

I'm coming back after being gone for 11 years lol. I'm 31 now and was 21 when I sold my saltwater tank. I have more time on my hands and more money lol so I want to get back into it.

I visited my local pet store as I want to support them as much as I can. I'm now shopping around for a whole new setup. I want a 90g tank 24"high 48"long with stand. Looking for a sump.reg and protein skimmer.

Crazy to see the changes in lighting. I remember MH being it! Love the new LED and low power consumption. I really am liking the Orbit 4106! Prob going with that.

Anyone have any good links to a 90g tank with overflow?
Also looking at a Eshopp R-100 sump.ref, anyone think this is a good/bad choice?
protein skimmers any good ones?

I also have been reading that deep sand beds are no longer a thing! lol! Back in the day the deeper the better ha... So I just use a 1-2" bed??

Liverock is also kinda going away it seems..Yes, I remember the unwanted bubble alg etc.... Im looking at reefsaver rock right now.. Im liking it!

What else am I missing? Are there any new equip to make a new tank successful?

Your time would be appreciated on helping me out! I thank you in advance

 

[SAT]

Welcome back!

There's a lot more focus now on using algae for nutrient export (Chaeto or ATS). I see a lot more people using GFO and carbon dosing. There is more awareness of the importance of phosphates.

Deep sand beds are still a viable option, just not as popular as they were. Wet/dry filters are pretty much gone. I don't see a lot of references to UV and ozone.

DC pumps have become popular, particularly for wavemakers. Controllers are also popular.

 

[Arcar]

Thank You!

I will be using chaeto for sure. Carbon I have done in the past as well as GFO when needed. Wet/Dry filter never done, never will

What do you mean by DC pumps? Is that more energy efficient? What kind of controllers are you referring to?

Thanks

 

[SAT]

DC pumps are more efficient and the speed is easily controlled, which is great in a wavemaker. Check out the EcoTech products. Also look at the Tunze 6105.

 

[SAT]

For controllers check out Neptune Systems and Digital Aquatics. It seems just about everything can be centrally controlled.

And look at the video series from Bulk Reef Supply.

 

[Arcar]

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-4106-48-Orbit/dp/B01MAZAZ7B

Thats what im looking at. The new loop system can control the lights and pumps all in one so i dont have to buy multiple systems.

 

[on the spot]

Man o man,..I want a 90g tank...

18" front to back...:headwallblue:

be that as it may I'd suggest as wide a weir as you can find. Synergy overflows look nice, the 20" model would give decent surface skimming. I wish they came without those strainer teeth though. Pricey, but you have more now so...

So a regular 90 that you drill yourself is my suggestion. get 'er done so I can post a link.

OT: I'm surprised you could use your old user name - what with AOL* and all...

(that's code for long time ago you whipper snappers)

 

[NS Mike D]

Thank You!

I will be using chaeto for sure. Carbon I have done in the past as well as GFO when needed. Wet/Dry filter never done, never will

What do you mean by DC pumps? Is that more energy efficient? What kind of controllers are you referring to?

Thanks

check the threads on Algae Turf Scrubbers (ATS). The folks moving in that direction swear by them as being very efficient and taking up a much smaller footprint. There are designs that get submerged with an airstone with the LEDs on the outside of the tank making it very quiet, compact and easy to maintain.


additional information on DC pumps, in wavemakers they don't need the brakes that wear out ac pumps from the constant on and off. If in your budget, DC are better pumps for wave making.

Also check out the cyrptic sponge thread, lot's a cool information about how low flow no light zones are vital parts of the coral biosphere.

 

[SAT]

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-4106-48-Orbit/dp/B01MAZAZ7B

Thats what im looking at. The new loop system can control the lights and pumps all in one so i dont have to buy multiple systems.

No direct experience. However, I see comments that Current LEDs are suitable only for shallow tanks. An advantage of Neptune & DA controllers is that lots of manufacturers make their devices compatible, so you can pick and choose the best.

 

[Arcar]

Thanks for the tips

Yes, I need to change my AOL info lol... I remembered my sign on name and password first try ha...

Algae Turf Scrubbers ? I would have to look into it! as of now, im going with a protein skimmer but who knows.

For my sump im looking at this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3587+30997&pcatid=30997

Now should I go with the 100 like the manufacture recommends or go with the 200? Its 6" longer and 2" deeper, thats about it. Any other recommendations on subs/reg?

 

[Arcar]

I'm looking into salts right now. I don't want a fancy one but I was looking between
Coralife Marine Salt or RC. What do you recommend? The
Coralife Marine Salt will be cheaper over time.

 

[Xandernfs]

I'm in the same boat as you are. I got out about in '07. A LOT has changed, but the basic principles remain the same. I just got back into it and went with a Reefer 250. I also went with Kessil Leds (as opposed to my Sunpod 150HQI back in the day). As mentioned, you may want to look into an ATS. I did go with one and went with a Clearwater scrubber that is plumbed off the returned off the return manifold and it drains back into the sump.

If you have the funds, I'd look into getting an Apex module. I splurged and it has proven to be extremely useful so far. For example, I had a friend watch my tank while I was out of town and was able to look at some of my parameters. Something did go wrong while he was there and needed to perform a water change. I was able to remotely turn off my skimmer and return pump while he changed the water. When he was done I was able to turn it back on. No harm no foul and everything was back on par.

 

[Arcar]

Well, let's take a trip together lol!

The Reefer is real nice! Im going with a 90g take with overflow. The reefer is out of my price range. Kessil lights are nice, i do enjoy the Orbits

I did look into the ATS- Scary lol... So do you not have a skimmer then? is it hard to maintain the scrubber? Does it really do that better of a job?

Apex seems cool just to much $

Questions- What gravel do I use? I read that deep sand beds are gone.

 

[Arcar]

Aw... The more I read the more I get scared lol.. I'm just worried about algae blooms and unwanted visitors ruining my tank... Does this happen to everyone? Seems like there are a lot of articles of problems with tanks vs success stories..

What are your thoughts?

 

[urban_s]

Welcome back!!!

 

[Xandernfs]

Aw... The more I read the more I get scared lol.. I'm just worried about algae blooms and unwanted visitors ruining my tank... Does this happen to everyone? Seems like there are a lot of articles of problems with tanks vs success stories..

What are your thoughts?

If this was something that was bound for doom I don't many would venture into the hobby. IMO, learn from people's mistakes: set up a QT tank, do your research before making impulsive decisions, and be patient. Nothing good happens in this hobby when things are rushed, which has been and always will be great advice and I'm sure you already knew.

 

[Esh1]

Welcome back! I pretty much went through the same process you're going through now just a few months ago after being out about 14 years.

I too setup a 90, however I sort of wish I went with something bigger in width, as well as at least 5ft vs 4ft, as for many of the fish I'm interested in, tangs in particular, 5ft seems to be the recommended entry starting point so that they have the space they need to swim. A lot of the equipment I purchased for the 90 could easily be used for a tank that would fit this bill so really the only additional investment would be a bigger stand and tank.

Good luck and enjoy your build!

 

[Arcar]

You guys are great ! I personally don’t want to go any bigger because of the space requirement I feel 90 would be suffice .

Few questions I would like help answering what kind of substrate should I get and how much pounds should I put in my tank for 90 gallon also do I need all retractor down the road for phosphate issues I really don’t want an algae scrubber at the moment

 

[lapin]

I'm looking into salts right now. I don't want a fancy one but I was looking between
Coralife Marine Salt or RC. What do you recommend? The
Coralife Marine Salt will be cheaper over time.

Any of the name brand salts should be fine.
In fact there is some research on mixing different brands to get a more balanced trace element mix. There is a post here on RC with info on almost every salt mix.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2423709&highlight=salt+mix

 

[Nanook]

Deep sand beds and live rock are still the gold standard Many here using metal halides instead of newer technologies that look good on the surface, but in reality aren’t the miracle you might be led to believe. Most folks using LED’s spend more watts on heaters running, depending on your climate. Dry rock might be a couple bucks a pound less than great quality live rock, but many spend that $2/pound savings over time on phosphate removal with the dry rock. Read some more before plopping money and welcome back.