My 90 gallon mixed reef build!

Jdubbs0128 · Oct 17, 2019

Here's the start to my 90 gallon mixed reef tank! I've choosen the Trigger Systems Crystal 30 sump and 2 Aquailluminations Hydra 26 HDs for my lighting. I purchased the 90 gallon reef ready tank from my local fish store in really good condition. I have a Jebao DCQ-10000 arriving tomorrow for my return pump. I'm starting with 110 lbs of dry rock I purchased from Amazon. Im still shopping around for wavemakers and heaters if anyone had any advice or reccomendations on either! Im all ears for anything I could do better or anything I'm missing!

hdsoftail1065 · Oct 19, 2019

Congratulations on the 90!!! That's going to look sweet! I'm running 2 Eheim Jagers in my 144, the only draw back for me is the length, the wont fit in my sump. No matter what brand you go with heaters will fail. I recommend 2, if one does fail the other will attempt to maintain temp. I also recommend some kind of controller Ranco or Inkbird would be good unless your planning to purchase an apex or another aquarium contoller.

Wavemakers/power heads. There are tons of options depending on your pocketbook and how much your willing to spend. In my 32 I'm running an icecap1k, in my big tank 2 icecap 3k's and a set of eflux 2100 gph wave pumps for better flow (due to the shape of my tank). Are there better brands? Sure there is but these fit in my budget and work quite well.

You picked up some nice lights! Don't be surprised down the road that you might be looking for a 3rd hydra 26 in your mixed reef or a hybrid fixture for better coverage. My tank is 57.5 at its widest point in the back (1/2 moon shape) and I had to add one more light for coverage. Hopefully you wont have to add another because we both know...they aren't cheap. I plan to follow along and watch your tank come together. Tip - Research and take your time on your equipment and livestock stocking plan before you buy. Happy reefing!

Jdubbs0128 · Oct 27, 2019

Got the plumbing mocked up today. The local hardware store didn't have schedule 80 45s in 1" so I grabbed two schedule 40 to hold it's place to get all my pvc cut. I'm running a braided line off the pump to a piece of pvc with a check valve on the return line.

jk1151 · Jan 16, 2020

hdsoftail1065 said:
Congratulations on the 90!!! That's going to look sweet! I'm running 2 Eheim Jagers in my 144, the only draw back for me is the length, the wont fit in my sump. No matter what brand you go with heaters will fail. I recommend 2, if one does fail the other will attempt to maintain temp. I also recommend some kind of controller Ranco or Inkbird would be good unless your planning to purchase an apex or another aquarium contoller.

Yes congrats! I am also building about a 90 gallon tank and having a great time. I chose to go with two heaters as well, the bulk reef supply heaters with their controller. Glad I went with two for sure.