90 gallon equipment recommendation

[Partsman19]

Hi all,

I am in the process of gathering equipment that I need for a 90 gallon aquarium that I am starting. I have had a 28 gallon reef aquarium before with a HOB Reef Octopus skimmer but now I am venturing in to a 90 gallon, predrilled, with a sump and really have no clue what I am doing. LOL I am looking for suggestions for a protein skimmer and return pump along with some LED lighting that will come on gradually and go off gradually while leaving the moon lights on at night. I am planning on housing LPS and SPS coral along with some fish.

The aquarium is 48 x 18 x 25. The stand I have is only 24" high so I am limited by the size of the skimmer I need and may have to exchange the stand if a decent skimmer is not available.

Please let me know what you would suggest for equipment. I am not looking at top of the line as I am working with a tight budget.

Thanks

[Sinclair81]

I have a 90 gallon as well and love it. I have a cheap MH light on mine and for a protien skimmer i went with this, http://www.ebay.com/itm/180-Gallon-Fresh-Saltwater-Fish-tank-Protein-Skimmer-SCA-302-Needle-Impeller-/380437254920?pt=Fish_Filters&hash=item5893d3d308 It has worked great for me.
Good luck
Jim

[Linkblaze]

For the type of controllable LED's you're talking about the least expensive option you have are the Reef Breeders Photon Series. Probably need the full 48" fixture but maybe the 32" would work. I'd ask them to confirm.

[snowboard1]

Check out the Skimz SM201 skimmer. It's powerful but only about 21" tall. I have the same space issues with my 90g and that skimmer was the most powerful one that would fit in my sump an allow the overflow cup to still be removed.

[azjohnny]

I would strongly suggest a taller stand, preferably 30-36" tall. They are not hard to make if you have access to power tools

Return pump- you will need 3-5x DT turnover after headloss,
I suggest a Sicce 3.0 ($100)

Protein skimmer-Aquamaxx EM-200 ($300)

I would also suggest water circulation pumps, since you are on a budget go with Jebao

[HiImSean]

Most of the equipment I got for my 90g was used, lightly used, or new and never used and sold at a good price. I'm running 2 AI Sol Super Blues, had one the other came from here $220 shipped. I'm running a SRO 2000int, $270 shipped from here. Return is a Eheim 1262, Pestsmart sale for $100. I had an Apex Jr which I sold and bought just the Apex Lite head unit for $100, used PM1 and VDM for $50. Just picked up an entire calcium reactor setup for $300. Had my MP10es from a previous tank and bought 2 Jebao WP25s for $75 through a local club group buy. My tank was the best deal I got, brand new Marinleand drilled with stand/canopy and sump (which I sold and bought a Trigger Ruby30) for $500. So on a budget, good things can be had if you shop and jump quickly :D