90 gallon reef

[Sinestro]

Ok, I suppose this is my introductory post.

I set up my tank today. This is my first attempt at a reef. I had a fish-only marine tank for about 3-4 yrs (about 15 yrs ago). I discovered the podcast about 3 months ago and have been listening to the podcasts when I am able (I'm up to episode 19).

My system...
90 gallon glass tank

~20 gallon sump (Eurofil 125)

ASM G1 protein skimmer

15W UV Sterilizer

JBJ Artcica 1/5 HP chiller

return pumps - Rio Hyperflo 17HFx2 in sump (one returns to tank directly, the other to chiller then to tank)

Lighting - 2 Hamilton 250w MH retrofit, and 2 55w PC actinics

2 cooling fans in canopy and one in stand (near ballasts) blowing outward

I also got a RO filter that I set up outside. It supposedly can crank out 75 gallons/day. I set it up today and ran it a bit making 15 gallons (forgot to time it....next time).

I decided to have the chiller outside, so my assignment for the next few days is to make/find a "stand" for it as well as a shelter for it, so it doesn't get rained on.

I will post a pic of my tank when I figure out how. Sorry for being so boring, but things should improve as times passes. Feel free to comment on my mistakes (lol).

[lReef lKeeper]

this is a very controversial topic but her e it goes ... a UV sterelizer on a reef ?? why ??

JUST MY OPINION, but they kill ALL free floating/swimming bacteria, even the good kind !!

[Sinestro]

Originally Posted by lReef lKeeper

this is a very controversial topic but her e it goes ... a UV sterelizer on a reef ?? why ??

JUST MY OPINION, but they kill ALL free floating/swimming bacteria, even the good kind !!

Maybe I screwed up? I did a fair amount of asking around prior to purchasing this set-up and it seemed that most places recommended the UV sterilizer for when the fish were addded (as "insurance" against parasites). If this is a mistake, please let me know. It's easy enough to simply not plug it in. What does everyone think?

[mikellini]

it helps control the algae blooms, and is said to help with infections/diseases, but i guess if you have it you should use it. the bacteria responsible for denitrification are almost exclusively on a surface and rarely enter the water column, so I wouldn't worry too much about killing good bacteria with a UV sterilizer

[Sinestro]

Originally Posted by mikellini

it helps control the algae blooms, and is said to help with infections/diseases, but i guess if you have it you should use it. the bacteria responsible for denitrification are almost exclusively on a surface and rarely enter the water column, so I wouldn't worry too much about killing good bacteria with a UV sterilizer

Thanks for the info...the LFS said to leave it off until I add fish. I'll keep updating as things progress.

[lReef lKeeper]

OR, you could leave it plumbed in and just use it when you notice a problem. it is completely up to you. there have been A LOT of successful systems WITH sterelizers on them.

[Sinestro]

A few pics...

[lReef lKeeper]

Looking Good !!

[CarmieJo]

Hi Sinestro,

to TR. Very good looking system! I've never had a UV so I can't offer you any advice on their use. I do have a question about something you said though.

I did a fair amount of asking around prior to purchasing this set-up and it seemed that most places recommended the UV sterilizer for when the fish were addded (as "insurance" against parasites).

Are they recommending that you add fish directly to your display tank? If they are I STRONGLY disagree! All fish should go into QT before they go into your DT. While in QT you can observe the fish and monitor its health.

[Sinestro]

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

Hi Sinestro,
Are they recommending that you add fish directly to your display tank? If they are I STRONGLY disagree! All fish should go into QT before they go into your DT. While in QT you can observe the fish and monitor its health.

They said no such thing. I believe they stated that once fish were in the tank, a UV sterilizer would be useful to keep them healthy.

[Sinestro]

Got my LR in...

[PSH]

Nice rock work.

[Sinestro]

Originally Posted by PSH

Nice rock work.

Thanks. I'm quite happy with how it came out. There are a lot of good spots for corals at varying depths. It makes planning the layout more fun.

[Danamck]

Sinestro -

Nice set up. Love the outdoor chiller and the plumbing through the wall. Nice.

Don't worry about a UV. I use one on all my tanks. While I believe they are not as important as a good skimmer, good circulation, good lighting - they do offer some extra insurance. Becuase I have multiple tanks, and I sometimes forget to wash my hands when I go from one tank to the next, they give me some extra piece of mind.

That said - let me agree with Carmie - QT is VERY important. I learned the hard way many years ago. Putting your livestock into QT before they go into the main tank:

allows you to monitor health and treat if needed

allows you to "teach" your new fish to eat aquarium food without having to compete with other fish

allows you to observe your corals for the many "pests" they can come with (flatworms, red bugs, etc.)

A 10 gallon tank, a songe filter, a pump, a heater, and a cheap light is all that is needed for QT. While having a QT tank guarantee that you never have a disease outbreak in your display tank? NO. But like the UV, it's that extra insurance. IMO!