AJ’s 90g SCA tank

[Alan_J_MN]

Well, it finally arrived today! 90 gallon SCA low iron glass tank, stand, sump etc. They call it a cube, but at 36x24x24 it’s not quite cubic, lol.
Anyway, after a struggle to get it into the house, I’m excited to get it set up. Unfortunately, because of a delay in shipping it is going to be a while before it is filled. We are leaving for a 2 week vacation in 8 days. There is no way I can get it plumbed and filled in time. Work gets in the way, lol.
I have had freshwater tanks in the past but this is my first venture into a reef tank

So far the (purchased) equipment list is:
SCA 38 gallon sump (included in PNPsystem)
SCA 302 skimmer (included)
Hygger 1350gph return pump ( Jebao under another name)
2x Sicce X-stream E power heads ( a steal at $89 each)
BRS 300w heater
BRS 5-stage RODI
80# Caribsea dry rock, most of which has been curing/ cycling with Dr Tim’s in a brute for last 2 weeks
60# Caribsea live sand
Spears gate valves, various plumbing stuff
APC UPS
2x10g and 1x 20g aqueon quarantine tanks (love the Petco $1/g sales!)

I am still weighing options for lighting.

 

[CK00020]

Following and still trying to decide between a sc 90 or 120, and lighting

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Working on the plumbing. Dry fit at this point. The center pipe is the return. The left is the main drain and the overflow on the right. To avoid having to cross pipes, the way I have it now is for the overflow to drain into the return chamber. Anyone see any issues with that? There will be soft vinyl tubing between the pump and check valve. I need to get that.

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Not much to report yet. dang Aruba vacation got in the way, lol. Been soaking up the sunshine, snorkeling and drinking umbrella drinks for 2 weeks. Is it sad that I can’t wait to get home on Sunday and start on the build?
The reefs here are not great for coral (although maybe I’m just spoilt by diving the Great Barrier Reef a few times), but lots of fish and turtles. But of course my underwater camera quit on my first snorkel, so no pics to post

 

[helenjc]

Following, too. Thinking about the SCA 90G Long PNP system.

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Following, too. Thinking about the SCA 90G Long PNP system.

I wanted that system, but Steve said he only had the tanks and not the matching stand. He is discontinuing that size, so it will not be available in the future. I’m happy I ended up with the 90g ‘cube’. More and more I like the form factor.

 

[Alan_J_MN]

It’s been a while, but finally things are starting to move. Last weekend I got my 20g QT/observation tank set up downstairs. Then I started on the DT build. First job was to line the inside of the tank. I started with vinyl shelf liner as an extra layer, and then 3 coats of white flex-seal. The white really keeps it bright inside the stand.

After a few days to let it thoroughly cure, the sump went in and I started on the plumbing. I think it turned out pretty well. Not enought room to add as many unions a I wanted, but out a way to allow addition of a manifold in the future.

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Today was the big day - the leak test! I was nervous about this.

I pumped water into the overflow until it started coming down the main drain, then checked below. No leaks!

Next I filled up the sump and switched on the return pump. No leaks!

Now the aquascape. Any comments?

 

[Alan_J_MN]

I finally decided on lighting: I ordered a couple of Noopsyche K7 Pro lights from @dantimdad last night. Happy to support a fellow member's new business!

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Two days ago...

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Two days ago...

Notice how the water doesn’t fall out

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Today...

 

[Why-Me]

Notice how the water doesn’t fall out

Great Jedi mind trick there

 

[Katrina71]

Nice tank! You'll love the Noop lights!

 

[Hop2jr]

just got that same tank. I liked it better than the long because it is 24” wide the long was only 18” and with the overflow there is not much left for aquascape. Build is looking good!

 

[Alan_J_MN]

just got that same tank. I liked it better than the long because it is 24” wide the long was only 18” and with the overflow there is not much left for aquascape. Build is looking good!

Thanks! I agree with the form factor.

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Nice tank! You'll love the Noop lights!

Thanks Katrina. I’m sure I will love the lights. Can’t wait for them to be delivered and the cycle to complete.

 

[Alan_J_MN]

Great Jedi mind trick there

No trick. I just mastered the Force

 

[Alan_J_MN]

So we bought our first fish this weekend. They are in the 20g observation tank for a few weeks until the 90 is cycled. Also, picked up a condylactis anenome, to see if one of the clowns might host at some point, but not very hopeful as clowns don’t often host in condys. Well it didn’t take 5 minutes before it happened

 

[Alan_J_MN]

So I had to move the condy from QT into the main tank. I think it was totally p(i)ssed with the clown, incessantly rubbing up on it, and was closed up tight most of the time. This morning it had a few skinny limp tentacles hanging out and I thought it might have been a gonner. Moved it into the DT and now it’s way more open and happy than I’ve ever seen it.
I’ll be moving the clowns from QT into the DT in a week or so. I’m worried that it’s going to get harassed again.