Bmwaaron's 90 Gallon Reef tank project

[bmwaaron]

Ok just starting out and this if my first tank, I have a friend that is helping me
Its a 90 Gallon Reef Ready tank. The lighting is 2x250W HQI MH 14k and 4x54 T5 Antics W/ Moonlighting
I am going to be running a 1/4 HP chiller to keep the system cool since I live in Austin Texas

This is the Tank and stand (old tank, this tank has a chip in the front so I have to
return it and its gonna be another month before I get the new one )


This is the sump area, I am installing plexi glass partitions for the skimmer area
in the center will be the fuge


This is the pump I am using Eheim 1262, I decided to use it in the sump to save space but this decision was made after Rob said not to do this on one of the pod cast


This is the closet behind the tank and under the stairs where I have the chiller and the Ballast for the lights. Also the Gas for the Calcium reactor is back here.
This is also were most the electrical goes, I don't have the plugs yet but I am having another outlet run into this room to support the chiller, Also the garage is behind this wall, The plan is to install the RO unit and Auto top off tanks in there then run a 1/4 " vinyl tube through the wall into the closet and then into the sump. This keeps most the water storage in the garage.

Any Comments or suggestions are appreciated!

[gwen_o_lyn]

Wow that's gonna be a nice tank! What goals do you have for the tank? sand bed, corals, critters and all that good stuff...

[bmwaaron]

Well I listed what I wanted to stock in the Fish forums but some of that has changed I am interested in SPS Coral, but I also like a well rounded tank with a little of everything, I guess it mostly depends on what comes up once everything is up and running. The only thing that is for sure is that is WILL have at least 1 clown fish for my son. His favorite word is NEMO.... need I say more?

[bmwaaron]

Oh as far as substrate I am thinking of a 4 inch sand bed, not sure if that is considered deep or not. Any suggestions? The rock I am getting from a friend, its fully cured and has coraline already. Hopefully it will decrease my cycle time by a little.

[gwen_o_lyn]

yup I'd say 4" is the minimum for a DSB.

I don't think you will have much a cycle which will help your tank mature quicker.

[CarmieJo]

bmwaaron,

That is going to be a nice set-up! Please keep us posted as you proceed.

[bmwaaron]

Thanks, I guess the next step is going to be gluing in the acrylic partition after the skimmer, I'm going to make it a V shape so I can get as much room in the refuge as possible. I hope my refuge size is going to be OK. Is there a standard or minimum size for a refuge?

[Rob]

no minimum, just give it as much room as you can.

[bmwaaron]

Well I was worried about the 30 gallon sump I had so I ordered a new 50 gallon acrylic sump today. I will have to make some mods to it but I can have a much bigger fuge with this tank. I will post pictures when I get it. The dimensions of the new tank at 36x15x20

[wildeone]

Looks real nice BMw. I am looking forward to seeing it develop!

[bmwaaron]

Well now that I have that 50 gallon on order the sump that is in the picture is going to waste. Does anyone think I could have a 2nd Refuge or maybe a species tank? If so how would I connect this to the system? Would I pump water into this and then pump back into the display tank? Suggestions?

[gwen_o_lyn]

Of course you can add another tank to your system! Most LFS's are bunches of tanks all plumbed together. I'll let the others tell ya how to do it!

[fat walrus]

it is easy. from the pictures i can see that skill level won't be a problem. you just got to figure out where you're gonna put it and plan from there.

[kj_yoda]

Those pictures are amazing, I wish I had a closet next to my tank that I could put everything in. That definatley looks like a nice professional job. Keep up the good work. As far as plumbing tanks togheter, just use bulkheads so things don't leak. I am sure you can figure out most of the rest seeing what you have already accomplished.

For a beginner reefer, you definately have done you homework and this will be much easier than most of our first setups, that, still, continually improve.

[bmwaaron]

Thanks for the comments, This has been allot of fun for me. I have decided to keep the 30 gallon sump were it is and Install the 50 gallon as a stand alone Fuge. This should give me in the neighborhood of 150 gallons total volume. I just listened to the Seahorse podcast episode and I think I may split some of my Fuge as a Seahorse tank, it might make sense low flow and all but will do some more research of course............ See what your doing Rob

Anyways I cant wait to get some water in this thing. Just read Wildones tank project and it just makes me more excited Thanks to everyone for the great advise and help. I will Keep the pictures coming as new things are added.

[fat walrus]