Planning out my new tank

[footballdude2k3]

Hello all,

I currently have a little 20 long tank, and want to plan my upgrade that I will be doing next year. I am moving and I would like to upgrade to a bigger tank when I do so. After doing lots of reading I think I am going to get a 90 gallon and drill in a 40breeder for a sump/refugium. I would really really like to get a 180, but I think until I buy a house this is going to be all that I can handle having to move. With my little tank I do not have a sump/refugium so this is going to be something very new to me and I would appreciate all of the help/tips that you can give me.

I am not a big fan of SPS so I am going to do T5HO lighting since I think more than that would be overkill for me. For flow I am thinking 2 Hydor Koralia 1 Evolutions, that would give me 1500 gph, do you think more is needed? For a heater I would like 2 smaller ones so I do not have a cooked tank at some point, not sure on what brand of heater to use, I have an Elite, but i am not a fan of that at all so I would like something better.

For fish I am thinking:
1 yellow tang
1 Mandarin
2 Picasso Clowns
1 Lawnmower Blenny
2 Fire Shrimp
2 Cleaner Shrimp

I would like a few more fish, but I am not sure what else I would like. So what pointers can you all give to me? What suggestions do you all have?

Thanks,
Paul

[RVANANO]

1500 GPH is too much for a 90 IMO. I have been told 7-10 times DT size. I am running a 1270 GPH on my 120. I would also suggest you consider a 120 over the 90. Similar size but more front to back room. I had a guy come over this past weekend and check out my 120 and all he could talk about is how he wished he had gone 120 up front. I also had a 90 years ago.

Just my $.02 though :)

[sowellj]

my vote is for the 180. If you plan on upgrading again ... just save the money and get the 180. Moving it will be a pain. However, moving any tank is going to be a pain.

[RVANANO]

BTW, go Jager on the heaters!!! Best money can buy. They are pyrex glass. I have two in my my 50 sump for my 120. One 200W and one 250W. The 250W stays at 79 and the 200W stays at 77 as a backup.

[footballdude2k3]

I have heard good things about Jager, I am leaning towards that as of now, RVANANO what kind of corals do you keep in your tank? Just wondering since I was told 10-20 times the DT for GPH

[RVANANO]

Right now I have monti's, digi's, acro, yellow leather, blue maxima clam, frogspawm, hammer and some zoa's.

I even have to dial back my pump or I get the flushing in my overflow box.

[footballdude2k3]

my vote is for the 180. If you plan on upgrading again ... just save the money and get the 180. Moving it will be a pain. However, moving any tank is going to be a pain.

I agree and understand this, however, I am having thoughts of having the 90 be a reef and the 180 being a FOWLR for an Angel and a Trigger