125-gallon Peaceful Reef

Due to acquisition of two Marineland 125-gallon tanks, my build plan has changed significantly.
Current plan is to have a 125-reef with a 125-sump with the main chamber for a macroalgae display.
Screenshot of 3D-model of current plan (2021-10-04 16:06):

Spoiler: Previous post updates

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QT Update 2021-11-23:

Stand painted 2021-11-13 (now in my dining room 2021-11-20):

Living room FOWLR is being transferred to the basement:

Now for 90-Display/75-sump FOWLR for my basement fish room:

Spoiler: Basement FOWLR 90-Display 75-Sump

Last Update as of 2021-03-17 10:38
Floor drilled for plumbing down to basement "fish room" (2021-03-16 20:30):

Current FOWLR and in-progress setup photo from this morning (2021-03-10):

Backdrop outdoor posters received for mangrove lagoon and 90-gallon reef (2021-03-08):

Current Fish Stocking List as of 2021-03-11 17:42
Current planned fish list:
90-gallon reef:
1X Fiji Bicolor Foxface (Siganus uspi)
2X Darwin Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
2X Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
2X Sharknose Gobies (Elcatinus evelynae)
1X Rainsford's Goby (Amblygobius rainfordi)
1X Orangespotted Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris guttata)
1X Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
3X Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus cyanosoma) or Seal's Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus sealei)
2X Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris evides)
1X Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoerus melanurus)
1X Engineer Goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia)

75-gallon mangrove lagoon:
1X Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) [already in FOWLR]
1X Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) [already in FOWLR]
1X Snowflake Eel (Echidna nebulosa) [already in FOWLR]
1X One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1X Pink Streaked Wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia)

~40-gallon Sump Refugium Section:
2X Janss' Pipefish (Doryrhamphus janssi)
2X Spotted Mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus)

---

Planned layout (shorter stand will be standard rather than custom-built):

75-gallon mangrove lagoon and 90-gallon display are both drilled for Modular Marine 1200gph overflows (awaiting setup and installation). (2021-01-21)

Stand Frame finished and awaiting skin, trim, and countertop (2021-01-04):

UPDATES as of 2020-12-07 13:00
Modular Marine 1200GPH overflows shipping soon, fish list being revised and researched, materials for stand are in my shop waiting for fabrication, most equipment is sourced and on-hand for progress over holiday break

---

ORIGINAL POST
After being introduced to keeping a marine aquarium with the acquisition of a 75-gallon FOWLR from a co-worker as detailed in my post in the Meet & Greet forum, I am just starting the planning phase of building a 90-gallon peaceful reef tank.
Since I am new, I am planning to start with more hardy fishes, corals, and invertebrates. Research is one thing I enjoy doing, so I will be careful and patient in the planning phase to reduce likelihood of wasted expense and failures when I am starting out.

I already have the tank (48 inches long, 18 inches wide, 25 inches deep) and stand with an open base design that should allow for a sump. There are no holes drilled in the aquarium for plumbing, so I will probably need overflow over the top, unless drilling through the glass is a consideration I take. A sump with a refugium is very likely to be included (30 to 55 gallons, not sure how to size the sump? ...is bigger better?).
80-lbs of dry rock, 40-lbs of Caribsea Arag-alive Fiji Pink, and 20-lbs of Caribsea Arag-alive Special Grade are on order so I can get rockscape and substrate ready to begin cycling in the next month or two. I am in no rush, but I would like to have the materials on hand when I am ready to start this tank, especially if there is any pre-setup processing I need to do.

This is my initial fish list based on preliminary research, and recommendations for additions, subtractions, or changes are appreciated.
Listed in approximate order of preference:
2 of Black and White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 of Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) [I already have this ~4-inch fish that will be transferred over from my 75-gallon]
1 of Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) or 1 of Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
1 of Foxface Lo (Siganus vulpinus) or 1 of Bicolor Foxface (Siganus uspi) or 1 of One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1-2 of Engineer Goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia)
2-3 of Chalk Bass (Serranus tortugarum)
2-3 of Neon Goby (Elcatinus oceanops)
2-4 of Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus cyanosoma)
2 of Blue/Green Black-axil Chromis (Chromis sp.) or 2 of Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) or 2 of Blue Sapphire Damselfish (Chrysiptera cf. springeri)

Some items on this list are probably not subject to change. My favorite fish is the Black and White Ocellaris Clownfish, especially paired symbiotically with Rose Bubble-Tip Anemones. These two fish along with RBTA are surely on my list.
The Purple Tang came with the 75-gallon tank I got and is one of my most favorite fish, so I would like him to be in the 90-gallon reef (at least until he may grow too large?).
Fish from the genus Siganus I find particularly striking and interesting, so one will likely be included.
The Engineer Goby is one of my favorites also for its coloration and resemblance to an eel. I am not sure if it is better to include two or only one.
The Chalk Bass is my favorite small fish and would like to include more than one.
The other fish are just considerations for different colors or interests if they can be added without overcrowding the tank or overloading the biosystem.
I really like eels, and my 75-gallon aquarium came with a ~11-inch Snowflake Eel, but it seems they are not good to add to a 90-gallon reef. Since I also have triggerfish that are not compatible with the reef, I will probably leave the 75-gallon as a FOWLR in addition to the 90-gallon reef aquarium.

Does this seem way too heavy a bio-load for a 90-gallon tank (probably with a 30-to-55-gallon sump)? Should I remove fish or can I add fish (either more quantity or more types) to the list? What sequence should I add the fish to best aid success?

I am not really sure which corals to include, so I am open to suggestions. I want hardy beginner corals at the start and will see where I head from here in the future.
My initial research has me considering the following, though much more research and recommendations are needed before adding any:
Mushroom Anemones, branching Sinularia, Porites, Leather, Acropora (maybe too difficult?), Star Polyps, Euphyllia (especially ancora)
Corals are one category where I am very open to recommendations.

Other invertebrates, such as hermit crabs, snails, shrimp, starfish, urchins, conchs will be included for clean-up, though I am also very open to suggestions in this area and will refine considerations as I make a more specific plan for the fishes and corals that are to be included.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations, especially initial reactions to my considerations. I know this is broad right now, but I will get more specific in considerations and schedule as I progress in my research. I have been reading a lot about reefing and marine aquariums online and in books and will continue to do so in conjunction with recommendations on R2R for a practical education towards a successful reef.

Current Aquascape awaiting cementing (2020-12-07):

Cemented Aquascape (2021-01-23):

33-gallon Brute can ready for pre-cycling rock, sand, and aquascape (2021-01-23):

Aquascape start-cycle in progress (2021-01-28):

Kind Regards,
Soren

 

[Goaway]

Fox would leave a mark. Foxy got into a fight with my emp often. Emporer didn't do anything to the fox. But, the wounds were visible. I am going to say, other situations caused death. No idea which.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Wait you added prazipro before the death?

 

[NowGlazeIT]

If yes then I’m pretty sure it’s oxygen deprivation, especially if it was stressed. That prazipro is heavy stuff

 

[Soren]

Fox would leave a mark. Foxy got into a fight with my emp often. Emporer didn't do anything to the fox. But, the wounds were visible. I am going to say, other situations caused death. No idea which.

That is certainly what I would have expected.

Wait you added prazipro before the death?

Yes, second dose after first 9 days ago, 2x 20-30% water changes between. I did not observe any direct significant effect within the first 15 minutes after dose: no increased head-shaking, no darting about, no bleed-out...
Anything you can share with concerns from this?

 

[fishguy242]

was it wedged tight in rock?
can happen and yes ,freak out ,quick death.

 

[Soren]

If yes then I’m pretty sure it’s oxygen deprivation, especially if it was stressed. That prazipro is heavy stuff

Maybe, but it would have had to have been a fast effect within 30 minutes after dosing. The tank is 75-gallons and has 2 large sponge filters running with significant bubble action to help aerate, although the tank is in my basement and may not have the highest oxygen concentration already. None of the other fish were affected.

was it wedged tight in rock?
can happen and yes ,freak out ,quick death.

The arch was almost as large as the fish, so it was not "wedged tight" but was stuck in the arch and the dorsal fin was fully extended. I wish I had observed something that would help me to think this was the reason, though I still guess this must have been the case since there is no detectable wound to validate considerations of foxface sting. The butterflyfish seemed calm as typical when I first went down for 15 minutes and dosed the PraziPro, but was found dead the second time I went down 15 minutes later.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I would see fish deaths like this back when @Humblefish was around, I used to be really into treating sick fish. I do think the medications led to the sudden death. He would advise reefers to run a airstone when dosing prazi because it’s a killer for sensitive fish.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Whatever the case I’m sorry for your loss. Beautiful fish there

 

[Soren]

I would see fish deaths like this back when @Humblefish was around, I used to be really into treating sick fish. I do think the medications led to the sudden death. He would advice reefers to run a airstone when dosing prazi because it’s a killer for sensitive fish.

Would it be recommended that I run an airstone in addition to the sponge filters? Do the bubbles from sponge filters and surface agitation from wavemakers and HOB filters not provide as much aeration as an airstone? I appreciate the help and advice.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Would it be recommended that I run an airstone in addition to the sponge filters? Do the bubbles from sponge filters and surface agitation from wavemakers and HOB filters not provide as much aeration as an airstone? I appreciate the help and advice.

Yes he would always advise an airstone in addition to sponge filters

 

[Soren]

Yes he would always advice an airstone in addition to sponge filters

Thanks, I'll add them tonight.
I did notice a slight increase in breathing rate after first dose, but never rapid enough to cause major concern enough to respond earlier.
I'm considering DIY'ing a "protein skimmer" with no collection cup simply for aeration benefits and also doing research into oxidators such as Sochting for considerations on my QT's and reef build since I've suspected low oxygen before.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

If I remember right, the oxygen level has an effect on ph and large ph drops can kill fish. That’s why he always instructed to oxygenate rodi water for 24hrs prior to adding any livestock for qts or whatnot

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Thanks, I'll add them tonight.
I did notice a slight increase in breathing rate after first dose, but never rapid enough to cause major concern enough to respond earlier.
I'm considering DIY'ing a "protein skimmer" with no collection cup simply for aeration benefits and also doing research into oxidators such as Sochting for considerations on my QT's and reef build since I've suspected low oxygen before.

Hey I want to see that skimmer diy!

 

[Soren]

If I remember right, the oxygen level has an effect on ph and large ph drops can kill fish. That’s why he always instructed to oxygenate rodi water for 24hrs prior to adding any livestock for qts or whatnot

That is what I understand as well, though not experienced enough to know how to assess need and properly implement solutions.

Hey I want to see that skimmer diy!

This one would really just be more of a churning aerator pump than a skimmer, though I also have plans to make actual DIY skimmers in the future.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Now for the puppy update:
Puppies are all doing well and growing quickly! At 4-1/2 weeks old, they are starting to eat softened puppy kibble while also continuing to nurse for now. They should be weaned fully at 6 weeks old.
They are starting to become active and playful while personality differences continue to show up. Some puppies are claimed and several people have stopped by to visit the puppies.

Males:

Spoiler: 01-Beige

Spoiler: 02-Purple

Spoiler: 03-Green

Spoiler: 04-Red

Spoiler: 05-Black

Spoiler: 06-Gray-Blue

Spoiler: 07-Yellow

Little teddy bears!!! Too cute

 

[NowGlazeIT]

That is what I understand as well, though not experienced enough to know how to assess need and properly implement solutions.

I suspect you’ll have less die offs with the addition of airstones in each QT, regardless of medications. Consider it a prophylactic appoarch because we don’t test for oxygen in our QTs. I guess testing Ph could be a good indicator.

 

[Soren]

Little teddy bears!!! Too cute

They sure were! Now I just have Genny (12-Dark-Blue that I am keeping) and 06-Gray-Blue left. A visitor is coming on Sadurday that is likely to claim 06-Gray-Blue for adoption on the 30th. They were very enjoyable, but I will be glad to have just Molly and Genny left.

I suspect you’ll have less die offs with the addition of airstones in each QT, regardless of medications. Consider it a prophylactic appoarch because we don’t test for oxygen in our QTs. I guess testing Ph could be a good indicator.

That sounds like a good plan. I was not sure how much oxygen an airstone actually added or whether it was worth it, but it is no problem for me to add one and should help at least some. A powered aerator like a cup-less skimmer seems more effective but not as easy for me to implement until I design and build.

 

[Soren]

Gulf Live Rock came today! Lots of coralline algae, sponges, small halimeda algae, at least one live coral... this stuff is fascinating! The live sand did not arrive with it yet, so the tank is bare-bottom for now. This may not be a bad thing for observing for hitchhikers.
First piece in the 90g tank:

Rock in first box:

FTS with cloudy water:

Beautiful colors on these rocks!

A yellow ball sponge and at least one live coral, maybe Montipora? It's on the side of the shell of a large bivalve and is hard to the touch:

What are these large (~2-3") bivalves? It is interesting how the coralline algae grows in different colors on the shell halves and makes a distinct separation line at the hinge:

There will hopefully be lots more to come as more life is discovered on these rocks.

 

[SaltyT]

The bivalves are called “turkey wing clams”. The red stuff is an encrusting sponge. I love gulf live rock! As the weeks pass you’re going to see more and more cool stuff on it.

 

[Soren]

The bivalves are called “turkey wing clams”. The red stuff is an encrusting sponge. I love gulf live rock! As the weeks pass you’re going to see more and more cool stuff on it.

Thanks for ID on the bivalves! There are definitely some still alive. Are these easy or hard to keep? ...good or bad for introduction into a reef system?

For the red stuff in the "coral" picture, are there encrusting sponges that are hard and calcified? This also almost looks like it has polyps, but I'll have to inspect more closely.

I'm pretty sure there will be plenty of time spent and lots of excitement with this tank in the next few weeks!

Also, I already saw one worm crawling around that appeared to be a eunicid worm (pretty small) and there was a dead ~1" mantis shrimp in the bottom of the first box. I hope to avoid introducing any direct dangers to my systems, but I am willing to take some risk.