Mike's 90 Gallon Mixed Reef Build

[MikesReef83]

I have been slowly putting together this 90 gallon build since June so I thought now is a good time to start a build log since I'm a bit closer to getting water In the system.

Tank: AGA RR 90 gallon with dual 1" drains 1" return Herbie style overflow.
Lighting: X2 Ecotech Radion gen 2
Chemical filtration: X2 BRS media reactors (GFO & Carbon)
Skimmer: Reef Octopus XS160
Sump: 150 Gallon Rubbermaid Stock Tank
Return Pump: Gen-X PCX 40 1190gph. Running 8ft 1" Spa Fex from basement with no T fitting.
Fuge: 50 Gallon Rubbermaid stock Tank
Salt Mix: Instant Ocean Reef Crystals
ATO: Tunze Osmolator
Live Rock: 50lbs of BRS Pukani 100lbs BRS reef saver in sump

My incomplete list of livestock. Some of this could change.

Yasha Goby
Yellow Tang or maybe a small Blue Hippo until it outgrows the tank.
3 Chromas
Green Manderin (after fuge has enough pods.)
2 Ocellaris Clowfish
Six Line Wrass
Lawnmower Blennie


Sorry for the glare it was sunny. I also have the canopy but it's off for now since I just finished the aquascape.
uploadfromtaptalk1387300549120.jpg
Fish area in basement where sump will be.
uploadfromtaptalk1387300587249.jpg
I'm building a wall to joint equipment to. This will also act as extra support for the tank.uploadfromtaptalk1387300601902.jpg

[MikesReef83]

Finished up a little more work on the fuge and reactor plumbing. I think I might add gate valves to the reactors feeds. Im using a mag 9,5 for the fuge and both reactors. I wanted a independent pump for those so I dont have any fluaction in flow on the main return since im going the herbie route. I will be purchasing 50' of spa flex from home depots website so I can get going on the return and drains. The fuge is just sitting there and will be getting more cindar blocks to support it as well.

[BrianCash]

Man I wish I had a basement.

I'm in the process of setting up a new 90g reef myself. Fortunately my tank backs up to a wall that has a nice utility closet on the other side that will hold my ATO, but wish I could put my whole system in it.

[JoelA7]

I used to have a basement....

[MikesReef83]

I love having a basement to have this much room to work with. for years I have been crouching under the stand to fine adjustments, add/remove somthing from the sump and it gets old fast. This will make working on my tank more fun to me.

I did change a couple things. I had the plumbing that will feed the fuge go up and over the fuge. I changed this and now I thought it made more sense to go around up the side.
I still need to drill for a 1" bulkhead for the fuge, finish adding valves and connect the reactors, connect and run the return plumbing, drain plumbing, and Get two 20 Watt no name led floodlights to the light the macros.

I'm not sure what macro I want to use. I was thinking for doing mangroves on one side and cheato on the other. Should I fill it wish sand or just put a large bowl with sand in it for the mangroves? Too many options.

[MikesReef83]

Just received my home depot shipment of one inch spa flex. Its a 50ft spool so It should be enough. Its time to finally get going on plumbing this thing.

[MikesReef83]

Drain plumbing finished. I started on the the return plumbing but hesitated because I'm thinking of getting a Pan World 150ps to replace this Gen-X mak4 pump I bought used. Not sure if it will be enough. I working with about 10 feet of head so we'll see.

[MikesReef83]

Finished adding some gate valves and plumbed the mag 9 in the sump for the manifold and reactors. Put in a tee on the line to drain for water changes.
Also, I am trying these 20w led floodlights I got off ebay and mounted those above the fuge. Hopefully ill finally be filling this soon.




Recieved my new canopy from Joe at jmawoodworks. He did an incredible job.

[MikesReef83]

Got a new toy today for the sump. I hope the magnet is strong enough to hold the ato on the stock tank.

[MikesReef83]

Added a couple walls for the electrical outlets and apex unit. Epoxied the walls and letting it dry before I remount everything.

[whiteshark]

Looking good!

[footballdude2k3]

Absolutely love this so far!

[MikesReef83]

Panorama of the fish room.

Water change area.

[MikesReef83]

Got the Avast ATO hooked up.
I'm hoping I don't have any problems with the diaphragm pump drawing from my brute reservoir across the room. We shall see.

[MikesReef83]

I should have painted the back before bringing the tank in and wanted a black back so without the option of using spray paint in the living room I picked a quart of krylon fusion and applied with a soft sponge roller with great results.

I'm happy with my aquascape but one thing I didn't think of was curing my pukani outside the tank. Duh...

Since I have the equipment room in the basement about finished (waiting on lifereef skimmer) I plan to take all of the rock out of the tank and use the sump to let them leach phosphates. Then try and re aquascape as close to how it was. Maybie it will look even better the second time around.

[MikesReef83]

And I also have to figure out what gfo I will be using. High capacity or just plain.

[MikesReef83]

double post

[MikesReef83]

....

[MikesReef83]

Taptalk seems to messing my posts up. aaahh

[MikesReef83]

closeup of the manifold configuration. I might switch out the mag 9.5 that's feeding the reactors and refugium to an external pump to keep the heat out. I'm all ears for criticism.

[tallball158]

Yeah I like the idea of an external pump like you mentioned. It will definitely take some of the heat out of your system. Everything is really looking good so far! Keep us updated!

[MikesReef83]

The rock curing process has begun. All of the rock is together in the sump and It's filled. I'm going to let it sit in saltwater for a couple weeks then check phosphates. Depending on the levels I'll either treat it with GFO or Seaklear.

[SPotter]

looks good mike! how many pounds of rock is that?

[MikesReef83]

It's around 100 lbs of pukani and 100 lbs of reef saver. I'll be adding around 40 lbs of live rock to help seed next week.

[SPotter]

Did you dip or cook the pukani?