Hi Everyone

TCoach · Feb 23, 2021

Hi Everyone!

I'm returning to the reef scene after +15 years away. My wife and kids are excited about getting a saltwater reef tank, and so far are looking forward to this. :)

I just purchased a new to us drilled 90 gallon tank, and will be slowly setting it up of the next several months. We'll be going pretty slow on it as I have 6 kids who all want to eat! :D. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions as we move forward and looking to "meeting" a lot of you on the forums.

2 questions to start off. I have a bunch of old fashioned AC Powerheads of varying sizes. I've read that DC powerhead/wavemakers are the preferred way now, but are the older style still good to use? I'd love to recycle some of the stuff I have to help get setup faster.

Also, how much flow would you want the return pump to have? I also have several of them and am hoping one might be strong enough.

Thanks in advance!

Billldg · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!! The return pump is really not anything to worry about, previously they said that up to 10x turnover return is what you wanted, but now its around 4 to 5 times. As far as flow pumps, it really depends on what you will want to keep down the road as far as corals. DC pumps are nice, in that they can very the speed and flow , but AC pumps are fine.

Ippyroy · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R!

Zach B · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome :)

fishguy242 · Feb 23, 2021

hi welcome to the reef going to love it here!!
lots of fun/info/fun/help/fun.... :)

1guydude · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome fish friend and your family! Keep the family together doing stuff together!
The return pump is a matter of opinion but imo the filtration will still process what it can no matter.
D

Fred2482 · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome! Looks like Billldg gave some great advice!

Hydrored · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome!

vetteguy53081 · Feb 23, 2021

CMMorgan · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome to the fishy family @TCoach !!
My current 90 uses a pond return pump - AC. It's been a steady eddy for the three years that I have had the tank up and I imagine long before that.
I want more control, so my new build 125 will have DC. I also want it really quiet since the tank will be in an area that can be heard from two bedrooms.
There is no right answer here, so do what your budget and preference dictates.
Good luck and happy reefing!

Pau Hana Reefer · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby. As @Billldg mentioned, you can absolutely use your old AC pumps. DC pumps are a nice-to-have and not a must-have. I started with an AC on my 90 gallon and switched to a DC after wanting the ability to adjust my overall flow rate.

MichaelReefer · Feb 23, 2021

TCoach said:
Hi Everyone!

I'm returning to the reef scene after +15 years away. My wife and kids are excited about getting a saltwater reef tank, and so far are looking forward to this. :)

I just purchased a new to us drilled 90 gallon tank, and will be slowly setting it up of the next several months. We'll be going pretty slow on it as I have 6 kids who all want to eat! :D. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions as we move forward and looking to "meeting" a lot of you on the forums.

2 questions to start off. I have a bunch of old fashioned AC Powerheads of varying sizes. I've read that DC powerhead/wavemakers are the preferred way now, but are the older style still good to use? I'd love to recycle some of the stuff I have to help get setup faster.

Also, how much flow would you want the return pump to have? I also have several of them and am hoping one might be strong enough.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome!

I'm sure you could get away with using those AC's for a while. But technology has advanced a lot in 15 years!

MERKEY · Feb 23, 2021

Hello and welcome to R2R!

Auquanut · Feb 23, 2021

Welcome back to the salty side of life! Six kids that want to eat sounds like six sets of hands to help out with the tank. Take it slow and enjoy. I'll bet the kids will really like the new addition.