Setting up a New Tank
- Thread starter gman69
- Start date
Just to give my two cents regarding the equipment you could purchase for your new 90 gallon build, here's some of the items I currently use on my 90 gallon reef system. Please remember that no piece of equipment is perfect, but if you buy quality equipment from the beginning, you'll likely to spend less money in the long run, which is easier said then done today, since technology changes so fast and improvements are made. I've been maintaining salt water tanks since the early 70's and purchase junk equipment in the early days due to lack of information and with the invent of the Internet, we now have all the information at our fingertips to research all the latest reef equipment, along with having support from fellow refers via forums, such as Reef Central.
Here's the equipment I'm currently using and extremely satisfied with.
1. Hydra 52. I'm using two Hydra 52's right now spaced apart, and in the center, I have my AI Vega in the center. The controller I'm using for my AI equipment is the trusty AI Director, which is very reliable and easy to use. The light produced from the Hydra 52's is extremely powerful, which I'm running the whites at 40%, all blues at 80%, UV's at 25%, Violet at 30%, Red and Green at 25%.
2. As for my powerheads, I'm using 2 Ecotech Marine MP 40's and 1 MP 10. The wireless controllabilty is amazing along with the flow patterns you can create. I also have the Ecotech battery backup, which has saved my tank on several occasions.
3. As for my sump, I recently purchased the Trigger Systems Emerald 34 sump, which I'm very satisfied with the performance and the build quality is ro
ck solid.
4. In regards to a protein skimmer, I'm using the NYOS Quantum 160, which after the initial break in period, the performance of this skimmer is excellent.
5. I'm running GFO and Carbon, which I purchased two BRS Reactors. The build quality and performance is great.
6. As for the controller, I'm using the Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper Elite for years without zero issues.
7. To heat my tank, I only use Eheim Jager heaters.
That's it for my equipment and good luck with your new build.
Randy
Here's the equipment I'm currently using and extremely satisfied with.
1. Hydra 52. I'm using two Hydra 52's right now spaced apart, and in the center, I have my AI Vega in the center. The controller I'm using for my AI equipment is the trusty AI Director, which is very reliable and easy to use. The light produced from the Hydra 52's is extremely powerful, which I'm running the whites at 40%, all blues at 80%, UV's at 25%, Violet at 30%, Red and Green at 25%.
2. As for my powerheads, I'm using 2 Ecotech Marine MP 40's and 1 MP 10. The wireless controllabilty is amazing along with the flow patterns you can create. I also have the Ecotech battery backup, which has saved my tank on several occasions.
3. As for my sump, I recently purchased the Trigger Systems Emerald 34 sump, which I'm very satisfied with the performance and the build quality is ro
Code:
4. In regards to a protein skimmer, I'm using the NYOS Quantum 160, which after the initial break in period, the performance of this skimmer is excellent.
5. I'm running GFO and Carbon, which I purchased two BRS Reactors. The build quality and performance is great.
6. As for the controller, I'm using the Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper Elite for years without zero issues.
7. To heat my tank, I only use Eheim Jager heaters.
That's it for my equipment and good luck with your new build.
Randy
scooter31707
New member
For as skimmers there are so many out there and you will hear so many opinions on which on is the best. You just have to narrow down which one you may want and just find some reviews on them and decide. Common skimmers are Aquamaxx, Vertex, Bubble Magus, Reef Octopus which are some of the most productive and reliable. With heaters same thing you will hear different opinions, but Eheim Jager heaters and Finnex heaters/controllers are pretty good. Recommend getting 2 just in case of 1 failing. Lights once again, different opinions. This will vary due on the type of tank you want to keep, meaning FOWLR or a reef tank with SPS or just LPS and Softies tank. Powerheads, once again I think that is personal preference. You will see most reefers using Vortechs, Gyre, or Tunze powerheads in their tanks. They produce very good flow and for the most part are pretty much quite. I hope this helps and patience is key to this hobby. Research and read, read, and read some more. Happy Reefing!!!
http://www.saltwatereddies.com/content-popup_image/pID-2679/popup_image.html
I have the one on the left. What ideas do you folks have to make this a refugium?
I have the one on the left. What ideas do you folks have to make this a refugium?
Seahorse NJRC
Active member
Sounds good that you are taking your time and doing your best to buy right the first time. I know that I have spent a bunch of money buying things twice. For the powerheads, I would go with the maxspect gyre or vortechs. I have used both and loved them.
Thanks! My patience is getting thin,but i'm trying to take it slow. I haven't spent a lot yet. I'm looking for good used equipment when possible.
