Mark’s 90G Build

[clarity1981]

)Hi Everyone,

I’ve kept freshwater tanks for the last 10 years, varying sizes, housing South American cichlids, turtles, and a variety of smaller fish. I’ve been reading, doing research, and watching videos to learn more about the reef tank world. With a little inspiration from @Ryanbrs and their BRS160 build, I decided to take the plunge and convert my 90 gallon freshwater tank to saltwater. I’ve been working on this for the last 6 months, so I figured I’d show my progress so far.

Equipment:
90 Gallon, 4 ft tank with stand
Synergy Reef 16” Shadow Overflow
Neptune Apex
Neptune Cor20
Neptune Dos Pumps (Running Triton Method)
Neptune ATK

I started by drilling the tank and painting the back black.

Next, I got it setup on the stand with the sump. I was able to purchase a cheap Trigger Emerald 34 and converted it to run Triton, with a little over 9 gallon refugium.

Next, I started cutting and dry fitting the plumbing.

I wanted to keep electrical equipment well organized in such a tight space (this is just in the corner in my living room). I decided to build an electrical cabinet out of plywood, and figured it would be a good idea to incorporate my auto top of reservoir into the same cabinet.

I then started to glue the plumbing together and started wiring the equipment.

Got my outlets setup in the cabinet.

Setup the sump.

Got everything in position. Got a 15 gallon Rubbermaid can for the auto top off.

I converted an old T5 fixture I had for freshwater into a T5/LED hybrid with a couple of AI Primes. I’ll probably invest in a proper fixture down the line. I cured my reef saver for a little bit and got it ready for cycling. Going to add some live sand and get the cycle going with Dr. Tim’s and some ammonia. I’ll let you know when I get the fish in.

 

[clarity1981]

I left a lot of open space for the tangs I’m going to get and to allow coral growth.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Nice looking build. I just converted my 75G discus tank to a reef back in March

 

[clarity1981]

Thanks. My wife hates me right now, but I hope she’ll appreciate it in the end. She loved my freshwater tank.

 

[clarity1981]

Nice looking build. I just converted my 75G discus tank to a reef back in March

Your build looks great by the way.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Thanks. My wife hates me right now, but I hope she’ll appreciate it in the end. She loved my freshwater tank.

Don't worry once she sees the colors or the fish and coral she will be on board

Your build looks great by the way.

Thanks. It's been a test of patience but plugging along

 

[Ryanbrs]

Lookin good

 

[SPR1968]

That looks great so far, and I like the aquascaping and pictures .

And welcome to R2R as well Mark!

 

[clarity1981]

That looks great so far, and I like the aquascaping and pictures .

And welcome to R2R as well Mark!

Thanks! A lot of great info on R2R, and everyone has been really nice.

 

[clarity1981]

After a velvet outbreak, losing a bunch of fish, setting up a QT tank, leaving my tank fallow, getting a new batch of fish, quarantining them, I'm happy to say, things are looking good with the new fish in the DT for a couple of months. No signs of disease.

I'm currently quarantining a few more fish. There are only a couple of tiny corals in there right now, working on getting the cyano under control. Was running the triton method (as much as you can at this stage), but with the ability to run auto water changes without much hassle, I've decided to do that and dose 2-part. Will probably have that setup next weekend.

After I get this batch of fish through quarantine, I'll setup a small coral frag QT, get a large batch of corals, and get them into the DT some time later this summer. Hope to have the cyano under control by then as well.