My 90 Tank

[Cliff]

I’m new here, long time lurker – new member

Here’s my set-up so far:



After 12 years of fresh water tanks, I’m getting into sale water. Here’s a few details about my set-up so far. The plan is to have a FOWLR setup for a while then slowly start adding corals to make it an outstanding reef tank. Right now I have a 90 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. I got the tank, sump, return pump, and skimmer all used for a great deal. The skimmer is a RedSea Berlin 2 skimmer and the pump is a aquaglobe 6000 (900 GPH). I am going to up-grade both in the future but they are really good for now. Right I have 80 Lbs of dry dock soaking in water to leech out any nitrates or phosphates that may be in there. Going to let them soak in the tank for a few weeks just to be safe. Once that is done I will be adding about 30 to 40 lbs of live rock to cycle the tank.

I will post more up-dates as I progress.

Cheers

[fishytime]

well let me be the first to post...welcome to the non-lurking side of canreef.....will be following along

[Cliff]

I picked up a reactor this weekend along with a small utility pump for it. I bought a Vertex UF-15. It has a 4” diameter and 15” height container to hold the media. I went with this one just in case I ever want to up grade to a larger tank I won’t have to get a bigger reactor. I didn’t like the fittings that came with the unit so I used some of my own for a little different set-up. I set it up and tested it a few days ago and everything seams to work fine, no leaks





I know it may look a little different, but |I want it at the end of my sump with the line running near the edges of the sump for easy removal when I need to add or replace media in the reactor

I’m planning on using biobeeds to help control phosphates. It seems to be a more natural way as compared to other purely chemical based media.

When I was at the SW LFS, I found out they are getting a shipment of live, uncured, rock. So I’ve decided to get some of that rock when it arrives and start cycling the tank. I wasn’t plan to cycle the tank until after X-mass, but I can’t let a opportunity to use uncured rock pass me by. From what I’ve been able to research, uncured live rock is better for cycling ( when you are using at least 20% live rock to cycle) as there will be more die off from uncured rock which will lead to a higher BB colony to start with. I’ve been mixing up RO water all day today. Got most of the tank full now. With any luck I’ll be able to post pics next weekend with the live rock in it.

[Cliff]

I wasn’t planning on adding my substraight until after I’ve cycled the tank (help prevent algae), but seeing as how I’m going to have to wait at least another week for my live rock, I thought I would add the substraight tonight. I actually started cleaning it last night while handing out treat to the kids. I’m using a finer sand and I’m liking the look of it. After spending hours positioning the powerheads to eliminate all but a few small dead spots, it looks like I’ve created a few spots of strong flow. After putting the sand in the tank, I smoothed it out all flat. After 6 hours, the power heads had gently moved some of it around. It’s kind of cool, almost looks like snow drifts. Now I’m getting some more ideas on how to arrange the live rock when I add it to get the full benefit of the flow. I’ve also added a pic of my sump now that I have everything in place and running.






I also got a Rubbermaid container for extra slat water. I’ve now got 15 gallons in there and I want to have about 20 just increase the ammonia levels get too high during the cycle and I have to change some water. I likely won’t have to worry about cycling with 2o to 25% live rock, but its better safe then sorry.

[Cliff]

I was out of town for a few days and returned yesterday to find a dying skimmer. I think the pump is just warning out and dying. I will take it all apart some time latter on to see if I can fix it. I would be nice to have it kicking around as a back-up or for a second (and much smaller) tank.

I went to our SW LFS yesterday and picked up a Vertex IN 180 skimmer. Got it set-up in the sump lastnight. It fits, but it is a tight fit, only a ½” space on either side. I did angle it so the outlet tube is on the other side from the pump. I will making a platform for the skimmer to sit on so it is not a deep in water. I really need to up-grade to a bigger sump soon. Hopefully I can find a 55 gallon tank I could make into a sump. I figured I didn’t want to be breaking in a new skimmer after I’ve finished the cycle so I bought the skimmer along with my live rock yesterday.

I’ll post pics of the tank with the live rock latter this weekend.

[Wayne]

Nice looking set up Keep it going and welcome to the forum!