It has been a long saga with my 90g tank. I originally bought it because my 55 sprung a leak and my huge Pacu needed a bigger home. 10 years later, the tank has been modified a lot. I am in the process of selling my house and moving, on the list of things to do with the excess equity (fingers crossed) is to finally be able to do what I want with my tank. That being said, here is what I have so far.
I have a concrete styro background incorporating a coast to coast overflow. For those that are unfamiliar with this type of overflow, it is two overflow boxes that run approximately 42" across the back of the tank. There is a small gap in between them to allow for the spray bar which runs under the overflow boxes. All of this is concealed with a concrete/styro facing. I also have a concrete bottom that is contoured which will probably come out so I can install a UGJ system.
I currently have a standard sump with the bioballs and an external little giant pump and an old, old ETSS Skimmer that is plumbed external to the sump also.
Bit of background: I had this tank set up salt before with live rock/live sand, I had the U-tube overflow since the tank was not drilled. I have since had the tank drilled so no more U-tube hassles. About the time my tank was stable, we ended up selling our house and my live rock did not survive the move and I gave up and went fresh.
My husband and I were discussing what to do with the tank and realized that all the frustrations I had with trying to make it an attractive freshwater tank would be alleviated by going salt. Truly, we never enjoyed a tank more than we did when this one was salt. We were so enthralled with all the life on the rocks and sand.
Things have changed a lot in the past 7 or so years. I'm wondering with my background how much live rock would I need since ultimately the concrete will be covered with stuff and I can easily mount supports and framework for live rock. (Back in the day, it was a pile of rocks you prayed wouldn't keel over) I plan on reworking my sump to support a refugium. I guess most folks don't use bioballs any more so I could use that area for the various what-nots. I'm trying to figure out what an ideal setup would be and what I would need to add to this tank.
Ideally, I would like a refugium, an QT tank, a auto-fill, area for home-grown foodstuffs. Back in the day, dosing kalk was kind of new and I certainly need to read up on it. Haven't figured out what the phosban thingy quite does.
Oh, the lights. The constant bane of my existence. It seems whichever direction I have gone with my tank, the lighting always seems to hold me back. Either I have the money and can't commit or I'm flat *** broke and finally make a decision, the end result? Crap lights.
Our house isn't yet on the market so I've got plenty of time to plan. I've always enjoyed this site and plan on reading much more.
Here is a pic of my background before the overflow was installed:
Anyway, I guess this is more an introduction and rambling about what I'm getting myself into. And thanks to everyone who gives of themselves so freely in helping folks on this site. It is truly a jewel in the crown of the internet.
I have a concrete styro background incorporating a coast to coast overflow. For those that are unfamiliar with this type of overflow, it is two overflow boxes that run approximately 42" across the back of the tank. There is a small gap in between them to allow for the spray bar which runs under the overflow boxes. All of this is concealed with a concrete/styro facing. I also have a concrete bottom that is contoured which will probably come out so I can install a UGJ system.
I currently have a standard sump with the bioballs and an external little giant pump and an old, old ETSS Skimmer that is plumbed external to the sump also.
Bit of background: I had this tank set up salt before with live rock/live sand, I had the U-tube overflow since the tank was not drilled. I have since had the tank drilled so no more U-tube hassles. About the time my tank was stable, we ended up selling our house and my live rock did not survive the move and I gave up and went fresh.
My husband and I were discussing what to do with the tank and realized that all the frustrations I had with trying to make it an attractive freshwater tank would be alleviated by going salt. Truly, we never enjoyed a tank more than we did when this one was salt. We were so enthralled with all the life on the rocks and sand.
Things have changed a lot in the past 7 or so years. I'm wondering with my background how much live rock would I need since ultimately the concrete will be covered with stuff and I can easily mount supports and framework for live rock. (Back in the day, it was a pile of rocks you prayed wouldn't keel over) I plan on reworking my sump to support a refugium. I guess most folks don't use bioballs any more so I could use that area for the various what-nots. I'm trying to figure out what an ideal setup would be and what I would need to add to this tank.
Ideally, I would like a refugium, an QT tank, a auto-fill, area for home-grown foodstuffs. Back in the day, dosing kalk was kind of new and I certainly need to read up on it. Haven't figured out what the phosban thingy quite does.
Oh, the lights. The constant bane of my existence. It seems whichever direction I have gone with my tank, the lighting always seems to hold me back. Either I have the money and can't commit or I'm flat *** broke and finally make a decision, the end result? Crap lights.
Our house isn't yet on the market so I've got plenty of time to plan. I've always enjoyed this site and plan on reading much more.
Here is a pic of my background before the overflow was installed:
Anyway, I guess this is more an introduction and rambling about what I'm getting myself into. And thanks to everyone who gives of themselves so freely in helping folks on this site. It is truly a jewel in the crown of the internet.
