Mr. M's 90 Gallon build

[Mr. M]

After being left with a bad taste in my mouth from being sold and misguided on a failed 75 gallon FOWLR I decided that instead of abandoning all hope I would build a "real" reef tank.

Current "BAD" tank info:

Fluval 1000 Profile Aquarium
Fluval G6 Filter
Almost no existent LR/LS
Lighting - 2 10K T5 2 actinic T5

New "REAL" tank info:

90 gallon bottom drilled 48x18x24 - Brand Unknown
30 gallon sump - 3 chamber Skimmer,Refuge,Return
MAG12 return pump
2 Koralia 4 powerhead - Missing outer magnet *ANY suggestions??*
Unknown Skimmer
LR - Enough to fill 32 gallon brute
LS none - Possible BB tank or will try and find suitable "Play Sand" and seed
Lighting - 48" Coralife Aqualight Pro - Needs work or replaced with led


Any suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated.

 

[aquaph8]

Contact Hydor, they should be able to get you the magnets your missing for your powerheads.

 

[phenom5]

I happen to know of somewhere where you can get a good deal on a 6x54 48" T5 fixture.

PM me if your interested.

 

[danfeig]

Will this be a Reef or FOWLR tank?

 

[Mr. M]

Looking to build a Reef tank.

 

[MurphysLaw]

I have read that you should be careful with the "play sand" because it is very high in silicates and you could deal with a never ending diatom bloom. Where as reef grade sand is low in silicates and the length of time you have diatoms( a hairy, fuzzy, type of algae that feeds on silicates particularly in new setups) is directly proportionate to the amount of silicates available. Good luck with your new venture.

 

[aquaph8]

I used the reef sand and Im still having that problem with diatoms two years later haha.

 

[MurphysLaw]

I used the reef sand and Im still having that problem with diatoms two years later haha.

Fail... That is why I put "I have read" my tank is around 4 months and I have copious diatoms but I have been stocking up on the CUC and they are hacking it down pretty good so far

 

[evo_2679]

That's just another reason why I choose to go bare bottom.

 

[Fitchguy]

bare bottom is not without its issues either.

 

[Mr. M]

I am still undecided on what bottom to run. I don't think my current carpet would be to happy in a BB. On a side note I have been reincarnating the my live rock and the bleach KILLED both my Koralia 4 impellers.

 

[David520]

I have dry (reef special mix) sand you can have, just have to bring a couple of buckets

 

[Mr. M]

Interested in the sand but I can not PM you till 10 post....

 

[Mr. M]

So for a cycle here is my plan.

Start with all base/dead LR/LS. Dose Stability and Pure Ammonia till cycle is complete. Lighting off, all powerheads on, skimmer off. Then depending on schedule would it be ok to leave the lights off tank running for some time before add anything else?

 

[danfeig]

I'd personally go with live sand.

 

[jjk_reef00]

You really don't need stability, just start the cycle with ammonia (I've always used a piece of shrimp) and watch the parameters. Leave the lights off until you add coral if you want. Fish and bio-filter don't need lights.

 

[Mr. M]

Update

Update

Ok its been two weeks since I have started my cycle and thing are looking well.

Dosed 17ml or 10% ammonia on Tuesday ~4ppm
Wednesday 0 Ammonia 2 Nitrite 80 Nitrate
Today 0 Ammonia 0 Nitrite and 20 Nitrate

Now for my question should I wait a little longer, transfer my current fish, or add a cleanup crew and wait?

 

[aquaph8]

If its just one fish go for it.

 

[Mr. M]

I should have clarified.... It is my current stock that survived a crash.


1 Green Carpet (Might have to get rid of)
4 Peppermint Shrimps
1 Mandarin Goby
1 False Percula


The plan would be add one per week and watch for spikes. I also want to add some pods and cheato but my Mandarin is loving the frozen food right now.

 

[miatawnt2b]

A magnet out of an old hard drive should work for your korilla.