FOWLR 90gal tank - Is the Package overkill?

[msentell]

I am setting up a new 90 gal tank with about a 20 gallon sump with my skimmer and heaters in it.

I am planning on fish-only at first...certainly may change someday (as it often does)...but for now, just fish.

Here are a few questions for the crew:

1. Is The Package overkill for my fish-only tank?

2. Any lighting suggestions? Fish don't need much...how about the live rock/sand/critters from The Package?

Thanks for any suggestions....

 

[HowardW]

<<< 1. Is The Package overkill for my fish-only tank? >>>

No it wouldn't be overkill, however there are some aggressive fish such as some triggers, eels, etc, that would eat the inverts but the vast majority of smaller community type fish would be fine.



<<< 2. Any lighting suggestions? Fish don't need much...how about the live rock/sand/critters from The Package? >>>

A large part of all the life that comes on TBS rock are non-photosynthetic filter feeders and do not require tons of light. A few exceptions would be some of the shallow water photosynthetic gorgonians, condy anemones, and a few of the hard corals which are both filter feeders and photosynthetic.

 

[SpiderCrab2]

I would say no the package is not overkill and PC lighting will do fine for just fish and Inverts.

 

[msentell]

Any coral suggestions?

Any coral suggestions?

Thanks for the feedback on the inverts. I'm excited thinking about them.

I'm going to have about 2.5 Watts/gallon in the main tank. Also going to RO/DI for my water, so my lighting and water quality might be enough for a few corals.

I kept Zooanthids and some 'shrooms a few years ago in a 55 gal tank, but I don't recall how much lighting I had then. I certainly didn't have the water quality I anticipate having in this new tank with my ASM G2 skimmer, RO/DI water, and the live rock/sand.

Any quick suggestions for colorful, low-maintenance corals that would be happy with only 2.5 watts/gallon?

Thanks in advance...

 

[HowardW]

<<< 2.5 watts/gallon? >>>

What type of lighting?

 

[msentell]

PowerCompacts...4 55Watt bulbs....2 10,000K / 2 Actinic

 

[HowardW]

That lighting will support anything non-photosynthetic and many soft corals and maybe some LPS corals if placed in mid/high position in the tank. 4X55W PC's is considered low lighting for a 90g tank.

 

[msentell]

Howard,
Thank you for your responses. I have room in my hood for another pair of PC's...bringing my total wattage to 330 watts for 90 gallons. Would this change the equation significantly for photosynthetic livestock or do I need to kick it up another notch?

Thanks again...

 

[HowardW]

Yes, another pair of PC's would help and put you in the high end of 'low light' or the lower end of 'medium light'. It might allow you to keep some LPS corals lower in the tank, but still not allow you to keep any real light loving stuff IMO. Also keep in mind that most PC bulbs will drop off pretty fast after 6-8 months and must be replaced regularly. I run the Current Dual-Daylight and 03 actinic PC bulbs on my tanks that have PC lighting.

If you were able to add a pair of 48' T5HO daylight bulbs with IceCap or SLS individual reflectors that would help out a bunch.