New 90 Gallon Reef Project [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

AQUAholic91

07/01/2013, 07:47 PM

Hello All!

I have just moved to a new location and am finally ready to start my 90 gallon reef tank! I drilled a standard 90 gallon tank and added a overflow kit with two 1.5" drains, and two 3/4" returns.

I just purchased a 40 gallon breeder for the sump, and a 29 gallon tank for a QT tank. I have taken a lot of pictures as I built the stand and got some of my old equipment together from my old 75.

I will start you off with a picture of my old 75 and there are many more pictures that I will post soon!

Enjoy. http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/75%20Reef/15743_191818422764_533762764_315920.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/75%20Reef/15743_191818422764_533762764_315920.jpg.html)

mainereefer619

07/02/2013, 08:20 AM

Can't wait to see the end result!

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 05:55 PM

Building the stand:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2063.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2063.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2067.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2067.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2068.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2068.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2070.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2070.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2071.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2071.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2073.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2073.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2074.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2074.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2075.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2075.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2079.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2079.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2081.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2081.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:03 PM

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2082.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2082.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2084.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2084.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2085.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2085.jpg.html)
Ready for Kilz
http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2086.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2086.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2087.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2087.jpg.html)
Finished Product!
http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2090.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2090.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:09 PM

G****h**es delivery!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2215.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2215.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2216.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2216.jpg.html)

2X 3/4" returns

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2217.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2217.jpg.html)

1500 gph overflow

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2066.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2066.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:12 PM

Drilling the tank:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2251.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2251.jpg.html)

Drill Guide

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2252.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2252.jpg.html)

Returns Drilled!
http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2253.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2253.jpg.html)

Close up return:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2254.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2254.jpg.html)

Preparing for overflow hole:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2256.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2256.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2257.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2257.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:16 PM

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2259.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2259.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2260.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2260.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:17 PM

I ran into a little bit of a problem. I had some flakes of glass chip off during driling for the 1.5" bulkhead. I do not think it is a huge deal, but would love to get some feedback. What do you think?

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2261.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2261.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:18 PM

All of the holes drilled:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2263.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2263.jpg.html)

Overflow and returns temporarily installed:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2264.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2264.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:19 PM

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2265.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2265.jpg.html)

My best friend Kyle was a huge help in this process.

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2269.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2269.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2270.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2270.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2272.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2272.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:25 PM

Some quick shots of the equipment I have from my 75:

ATO:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2436.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2436.jpg.html)

Controller:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2437.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2437.jpg.html)

RO Filter

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2438.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2438.jpg.html)

Skimmer:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2439.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2439.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:26 PM

Everything in my apartment waiting for my tank to arrive!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2442.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2442.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:28 PM

Working on my rock work!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2441.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2441.jpg.html)

Big Rock!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2444.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2444.jpg.html)

Rough work

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2449.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2449.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:29 PM

Picked up a 40 gallon breeder for my sump and 29 gallon QT tank at the $1/gallon sale last weekend.

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2487.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2487.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:30 PM

Fits like a glove!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2495.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/IMG_2495.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/02/2013, 06:33 PM

This is the rock scape I am trying to mimic:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/daul-masses-aquascaping.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/daul-masses-aquascaping.jpg.html)

I do not know who owns the tank but I got the image from this link:
http://************.com/2008/06/07/simple-and-effective-guide-on-reef-aquascaping/

What do you all think?

aleok

07/02/2013, 08:08 PM

Looking good. what kind of return pump are you using?

AQUAholic91

07/03/2013, 03:10 AM

Looking good. what kind of return pump are you using?

Aleok, I am going to be using a Mag 12 return. I believe it is a little undersized for 2 x 3/4" returns, however I have one left over from my old 75 so ill give it a shot.

Pearson

07/03/2013, 04:00 AM

Aleok, I am going to be using a Mag 12 return. I believe it is a little undersized for 2 x 3/4" returns, however I have one left over from my old 75 so ill give it a shot.

You size the return pump by what your drain can handle. There's science and math behind it but I can't think of it off hand. Someone else will post it hopefully. Worse case, add a valve and turn it down if needed.

imo,
- install a valve shortly after the return incase you have too much flow
- build a manifold that'll run reactors (you won't need additional pumps and it'll take some of the pressure incase the pump is too much)

Tank looks awesome btw.

SBGRAD24

07/03/2013, 12:12 PM

I think a Mag 12 is too much for a 90. You really only want 3-5x turnover through the sump, and additional flow in the display can be added via a closed loop or powerheads.

quantim0

07/03/2013, 12:35 PM

I have a Mag 7 on my 80 gallons return. It seems to be in the right flow range with approx 3' of head loss. The two MP40s more than make up for the lack of flow from the return.

The slow flow through the sump allows for maximum dwell time with your skimmer, refugium or reactors you will use. With minimal flow through my overflow, it is virtually silent. I cannot hear it over the rest of my tank.

Quintis

07/03/2013, 01:55 PM

Looks great so far.

AQUAholic91

07/03/2013, 03:17 PM

Thank you for the replies. I will be adding the rough plumbing for a manifold as Pearson suggested. I have ordered some spa flex for the plumbing, and while I wait I will either begin my rock work or seek out baffles for the sump. Stay tuned!

AQUAholic91

07/04/2013, 06:45 PM

I am working on my rock work as I wait for my plumbing pieces to come in. Which do you prefer? Any thoughts/suggestions? Happy Fourth of July everyone! Thanks for stopping by.

URL=http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/image-1.jpg.html]http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/image-1.jpg[/URL]

URL=http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/image.jpg.html]http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/image.jpg[/URL]

AQUAholic91

07/04/2013, 06:47 PM

I could also put this on one side. URL=http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/image-1.jpg.html]http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/image-1.jpg[/URL]

AQUAholic91

07/10/2013, 07:52 PM

My finished rock work. Took me three nights after work to get it right!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/FinishedRock-1.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/FinishedRock-1.jpg.html)

mainereefer619

07/15/2013, 09:04 AM

IT HAS COME TO LIFE! Someone needs to paint the back of their tank....

drej424

07/15/2013, 09:15 AM

Everything looks great! I'm looking forward to seeing it running...

AQUAholic91

07/16/2013, 03:49 AM

Everything looks great! I'm looking forward to seeing it running...

Thank you! I am excited to start collecting some fish! Still a lot of work ahead though. Thanks for following.

AQUAholic91

07/16/2013, 03:52 AM

I have a lot on my list! I still need to order the glass for baffles, get more RO filters, order light bulbs, decide what type of sand I'm getting, and get new heaters.

I have been working on the plumbing after work, and I believe it's coming along well! I need to get those pipe clamps and then it is pretty much complete. Enjoy the pictures!

AQUAholic91

07/16/2013, 03:52 AM

http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/image-11.jpg.html]http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/image-11.jpg[/URL]

AQUAholic91

07/16/2013, 03:53 AM

http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/image-10.jpg.html]http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/image-10.jpg[/URL]

AQUAholic91

07/16/2013, 03:54 AM

s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/image-8.jpg.html]http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/image-8.jpg[/URL]

AQUAholic91

07/16/2013, 03:57 AM

Below you can see where my future manifold will go. I left a lot of excess pipe on either side of the union for pipe clamps and in order to leave room for future valves. I think. Will only be running my BRS carbon/GFO reactor off the manifold.

http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/image-9.jpg.html]http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/image-9.jpg[/URL]

AQUAholic91

07/18/2013, 04:56 AM

I ordered glass for my sump yesterday. It should be in later today! I am going to have three sections: an area for equipment, refugium, and a return section. I will post pictures as soon as it is finished.

AQUAholic91

07/21/2013, 01:50 PM

I have been struggling with what type of sand to buy for sometime now. I am choosing between Carib sea special grade, or tropic Eden (flake, mini flake, or rubble reef). Does anyone have any suggestions? I am torn between a very fine grade for sandsifters (diamond goby) or the reef rubble because I will be getting a blue spotted jaw fish down the road. Does anyone have any insight for me? I have heard great things about both options.

dukeap

07/21/2013, 10:28 PM

I wouldn't do all of it as rubble as it can become a detrites trap and I wouldn't do a fine sand bed endless your doing a deep sand bed but that's a whole other story. Try to do something with a little texture not completly fine but a mid size that won't blow every where with your power head or create sand storms in your tank when the fish move it and maybe add a small amount of rubble for the jaw fish.

Sn8kbyt

07/21/2013, 10:36 PM

Just wondering what you plan on doing for a backround?

AQUAholic91

07/22/2013, 07:08 PM

dukeap - Thank you for your input. I ended up going with 90 lbs of the reef flakes, as multiple people said they are very happy with the colors and grain size. I like your idea of adding a small percent of rubble, and that is exactly my plan if I determine I need to add more sand.

Sn8kbyt - I am planning on spray painting it black with krylon fusion - I just need one of my buddies to come help me move it outside for paint.

dukeap

07/22/2013, 08:56 PM

No problem. Keep us update on your built. I also have a 90 gallon. Its been up and running for 8 months but it was an upgrade from my old 40 gallon. I just finally finished the stand and canopy. I just got to finish painting a few spots and add my dosers and built something for my rodi. What's your plan for a light?

mainereefer619

07/23/2013, 09:26 AM

If he wants to save money on energy costs he should go with led and sell his metal halide system :)

AQUAholic91

07/23/2013, 07:38 PM

Mainereefer - Every time you bring that up I want to sell it all and buy LEDs haha. Get water in that tank already!

dukeap - Good luck finishing the upgrade! I have a 175 watt halide system from my old 75 reef. However, I will be upgrading to 250 watt halide when I get corals. I am anticipating a move for work in the next year or so, so I will probably only have minimal corals for the time being. I will just run 2x54 watt halides until I get corals.

kwilliams13

07/24/2013, 07:19 AM

:fish2:
I really like your rock formation. I think your fish will be happy in your tank.

AQUAholic91

07/25/2013, 07:39 PM

:fish2:
I really like your rock formation. I think your fish will be happy in your tank.

Thank you very much! I hope so!

AQUAholic91

07/25/2013, 07:44 PM

Glass has arrived and I spent the last two nights assembling my sump. I don't have any clamps in my new place so I had to get creative with masking tape and movies!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_6998.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_6998.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_7511.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_7511.jpg.html)

The finished product!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_4413.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_4413.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/25/2013, 07:46 PM

I got a shipment of parts today! Filters for my RO unit, and a replacement Dual TDS meter! I plan on setting up my RO filter later this week, and hope to get water in the tank next weekend!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_2775.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_2775.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

07/25/2013, 07:50 PM

Final update for a few days:

I alo got my sand in today! I have heard great reviews on this sand, I really like the small chunks of colors in it. Also, I believe the 90# I ordered should be more than enough.

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_2896.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_2896.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3001.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3001.jpg.html)

kwilliams13

07/31/2013, 05:30 AM

The sand is amazing. The colors will look really beautifully reflecting from your lights.

vitodog

07/31/2013, 06:11 AM

tuanc

07/31/2013, 07:27 AM

nice build, thanks for sharing

wicz101

07/31/2013, 08:32 AM

love the shallow tank, wish I would went that direction when I started. Good luck with your build.

XtremeATC

07/31/2013, 08:54 AM

Looks good, keep us updated with new pics. I also like the aquascaping you did, looks really good.

mainereefer619

08/01/2013, 08:48 AM

love the shallow tank, wish I would went that direction when I started. Good luck with your build.

Shallow? a 90 is 24" tall, but then again you may have a 300 gallon system that is 40" high...unless you meant width and in that case 18" is narrow compared to a cube. :fish1:

AQUAholic91

08/02/2013, 07:16 PM

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_9837.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_9837.jpg.html)

And we have sand! I started filling it with RO too but it hasn't made it past the sand yet! :(

gmyers0203

08/03/2013, 07:05 AM

Looking good so far! Well done on the aquascape!

AQUAholic91

08/04/2013, 07:46 PM

Looking good so far! Well done on the aquascape!

Thank you very much! Keep checking back. Lots of fun stuff right around the corner.

Good news! My tank is finally full of RO and ready for salt!

Bad news: My mag 12 will not push water. I have had it for a few year now and never had any problems. It is making a clicking sound and will not spin. I took is apart and ran it with the "face plate" removed and it spins just fine. The plate doesn't allow for the impeller to spin when it is on. Anyone have any experience with this issue? I am hesitant to buy a new impeller I would rather just buy a new pump and know that there wont be any issues.

Any feedback/experience with this clicking noise would be appreciated. Thanks.

AQUAholic91

08/04/2013, 07:48 PM

Great job on the aquascape. It looks identical to the picture you wanted to mimic. You will love how the Tropic Eden looks in your tank. I mixed mini flakes with the reef flakes with a 1-3 (1 bag of mini to 3 of flake) ratio.

Thanks for the kind words. I agree I do love how the sand looks in the tank. I also thought about doing a mix such as yours but for whatever reason I just up and ordered 90 pounds of the reef flakes. I am really impressed so far.

AQUAholic91

08/12/2013, 07:59 PM

Update! There is finally saltwater in my tank and it is cycling! I have ordered ammonia to dose my tank to complete the cycle!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_2935.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_2935.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

08/12/2013, 08:00 PM

Please ignore the mess surrounding the tank. Tonight I finished the screens for both my display tank and the QT:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_7502.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_7502.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

08/12/2013, 08:01 PM

Mixing salt in my 29 gallon QT! Hoping for fish later in the week!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_0421.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_0421.jpg.html)

mainereefer619

08/15/2013, 08:29 AM

Is that what they call a floor model tank? I need to get me one of those!

AQUAholic91

08/18/2013, 07:25 PM

Big news! I got my first order of fish this week. They are currently in QT and doing very well!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/bb1c45eb3c49f7f1faa630e80fbc2d42.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/bb1c45eb3c49f7f1faa630e80fbc2d42.jpg.html)

Copperband Butterfly:
http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/3cc57860e1ea5c6ebc41ab55526b7974.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/3cc57860e1ea5c6ebc41ab55526b7974.jpg.html)

Blue Spotted Jawfish:
http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/434fa6c033eb9345ed9990db76b27d82.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/434fa6c033eb9345ed9990db76b27d82.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

08/18/2013, 07:28 PM

The CBB ate right mysis right out of the bag! I was very happy to see him eat. CBB are my all time favorite fish, and I have wanted a blue spot for a long time now. I am very happy with the quality of the fish. I also made a home for the jawfish because I do not have a DSB. I have read good things about making PVC homes for them, so I am hoping I have the same good luck!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/85651714f93be582b0df4a87f083bda8.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/85651714f93be582b0df4a87f083bda8.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/61ffba0fdfbfcf29232c288ebfc2bbcf.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/61ffba0fdfbfcf29232c288ebfc2bbcf.jpg.html)

A 3/4" pipe also connects to the 45 angle to lengthen the cave.

kwilliams13

09/12/2013, 06:07 PM

The fish are so colorful. Did you set up your new lights for the coral? Your screen-building skills are impressive!:thumbsup:

PinkPunisher

09/12/2013, 08:25 PM

Tank looks great! Your aquascape gives me ideas for when I set my 75 back up after I move :)

I hope the Blue Spotted Jawfish does well with you as I've heard they tend to have a poor survival rate.

AQUAholic91

01/30/2014, 09:44 AM

Hello Everyone! I am moving my reef back to CT this weekend and I will post pictures of the process and the final product. I have also ordered 15 pounds of MARCO Mortar and will post my experience with it when it arrives. Here is a current pic of the reef:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3332.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3332.jpg.html)

The things that I will be changing are:
1.) Remove sand from Refugium
2.) Paint back of tank black
3.) Use Marco Mortar on aquascape

slowjazz

01/30/2014, 12:22 PM

biocube14g

03/13/2014, 12:37 AM

Is that a moorish idol I see in the corner?

PanicATTACK187

03/13/2014, 06:21 PM

AQUAholic91

03/13/2014, 06:48 PM

Is that a moorish idol I see in the corner?

Yes it is! I will post updated pictures soon. Eats well I have my fingers crossed. I've had him about 5 months now.

AQUAholic91

03/13/2014, 06:51 PM

I'm worried about your baffles being way to high in your sump. First of all what is the recommended water height for your skimmer (usually around 10in.) and even if you have check valves on your return they will fail sooner or later. With your returns being that low it will siphon a lot of water. Have you cut power and tested?

I have cut the power and it works well. I agree that the baffles are too high. I will definitely lower them for my next sump I build. But fortunately they don't present any problems at the moment. I have the skimmer on a stand to keep it at 6". I'll post pictures. Thanks for the input.

AQUAholic91

04/19/2014, 08:28 AM

Hello again!

I just wanted to post an update on my tank. A lot has changed and I am excited to share the progress!

I moved the tank to a new state and everything is looking better than ever. Also, I went to the Frag Farmer Swap, and a second conference and purchased some great corals for the tank finally!

Here you can see the left hand side of the rock:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3398.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3398.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

04/19/2014, 08:34 AM

Right hand side:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3395.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3395.jpg.html)

I must say that I absolutely love Marco Mortar. It works great. I bought the 15 lb. kit and I barely used 5 lbs. of it. I highly suggest it!

AQUAholic91

04/19/2014, 08:38 AM

Full tank shot:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3410.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3410.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

04/19/2014, 08:45 AM

I purchased a bunch of corals from the two conferences, I will try to list them all and post pictures:

Red Monti Cap.
Blue Rimmed Green Monti Cap.
Purple Monti Cap.
Green Slimer
Red Digi.
Frogspawn
Hammer
4 or 5 Acans
3 Rainbow Acans
3 assorted Zoos.
Green Birdsnest
3 Assorted Acros.

Corals are doing great! I have been having great growth thus far from these corals! (Knock on wood).

AQUAholic91

04/19/2014, 08:46 AM

Left hand side mounted:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3638-1.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3638-1.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

04/19/2014, 09:00 AM

Right hand side shots:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3622.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3622.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3537.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3537.jpg.html)

This hammer is beautiful when fully opened:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3578.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3578.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

04/19/2014, 09:10 AM

On to the next project! I am having a difficult time hauling buckets from the basement and not making a huge mess when I am doing water changes, so I am planning an AWC build using the stenner dual head dosing pump. Here is my progress on mounting my RO filter and the electrical for the stenner:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3587.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3587.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3588.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3588.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/IMG_3633.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/IMG_3633.jpg.html)

I just finished the electrical this past week. Each outlet is controlled by a switch to turn stenners on/off, and there is a quad outlet for mixing water on the bottom right. I am planning on purchasing two 100 gallon plastic chemical tanks to hold the RO and NSW. More to come!

AQUAholic91

10/21/2014, 06:34 PM

Update time! The tank is coming along great. I have attended a few local frag swaps and got some excellent pieces!

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/imagejpg2.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/imagejpg2.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/946EB31E-EBC1-46BA-AAA9-54CDD8EA767D.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/946EB31E-EBC1-46BA-AAA9-54CDD8EA767D.jpg.html)

AQUAholic91

10/21/2014, 06:47 PM

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/ED8ECC39-22A3-4302-9CB2-CD57274E20C9.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/ED8ECC39-22A3-4302-9CB2-CD57274E20C9.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/DE31619E-F3BA-487A-A9A8-6B6C8FBFB15B.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/DE31619E-F3BA-487A-A9A8-6B6C8FBFB15B.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/52D43A3B-7C9A-4054-8D96-45C2F87AA74D.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/52D43A3B-7C9A-4054-8D96-45C2F87AA74D.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/D18B51FC-B85A-458D-9507-AFF505B18B6E.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/D18B51FC-B85A-458D-9507-AFF505B18B6E.jpg.html)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/williamsjoshm/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/A03CFCB8-A609-44B5-A5A9-52A292EBF977.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/williamsjoshm/media/90%20Gallon%20Reef%20Tank/A03CFCB8-A609-44B5-A5A9-52A292EBF977.jpg.html)