Starting a 90 gallon reef tank

[utb5518]

I am starting a 90 gallon reed tank. I haven’t started a new tank in a while. What is everyone recommended equipment pieces sump, heaters, filtration, gfo reactors, protein skimmers, wave makers, lights etc. I want to make sure I am setting myself up for success. I currently run a 32 gallon biocube so I am excited to get into a bigger tank.

 

[Quietman]

The recommendations will be way to broad and mostly based on equipment. I think first you need to decide what kind of tank you're looking at setting up. Softies, LPS, SPS, Mixed for starters. What type of fish? Aggressive, peaceful, big, small? Do they need a deeper sand bed (wrasses, some gobys)? Are you looking to run a manual tank with lower costs but higher involvement. Or perhaps fully automate immediately or at some point in the future. What kind of filtration? Sump? Refugium? Algae Scrubber? High end equipment or value with highest quality can afford?

I know this a lot of questions and decisions. But these should be first, then build what you want to support your goals. You'll save a ton a money on equipment you don't need and at the very least give us an idea where to guide your purchases to support your tank.

Good luck! Nothing like starting a new build.

 

[utb5518]

The recommendations will be way to broad and mostly based on equipment. I think first you need to decide what kind of tank you're looking at setting up. Softies, LPS, SPS, Mixed for starters. What type of fish? Aggressive, peaceful, big, small? Do they need a deeper sand bed (wrasses, some gobys)? Are you looking to run a manual tank with lower costs but higher involvement. Or perhaps fully automate immediately or at some point in the future. What kind of filtration? Sump? Refugium? Algae Scrubber? High end equipment or value with highest quality can afford?

I know this a lot of questions and decisions. But these should be first, then build what you want to support your goals. You'll save a ton a money on equipment you don't need and at the very least give us an idea where to guide your purchases to support your tank.

Good luck! Nothing like starting a new build.

For the tank I will be running a mixed reef. I will have clown fish, wrasse and maybe a few more things sprinkled in not really looking at many fish just enough to make it a full ecosystem. I am going to start manually and then move into automated at a further date. I want a sump with and algae scrubber. I am wanting to do what's best and not really worry about high end or low end just what will give me the best results.

 

[Quietman]

I really liked my Santa Monica ATS Rain 2, I didn't have enough nutrients for it to run optimally but when I did, it was fantastic - didn't need skimmer and removed it. For skimmers you don't get much better than Tunze 9410 DC - older design but no need to change something that works so well. No worries about dialing level or complicated cup removal. It was a tad oversized on my 44 gallon (now have a more appropriate Tunze 9004 DC).

I've been really happy long term with my Radion X15 G3 (6 years +) although if I buy new I'd consider Noopsyche or Atlas lights. The money for top of line is significant and the quality of LED has filtered down to more affordable brands. However, you can't argue with 6+ years of great lighting and not sure the others can go that distance. I suspect they can and will be purchasing one or the other.

Didn't like the EcoTech MP10 nearly as well. Good product and I love the no cords and the control programs but once I started using the Tunze DC Nanostreams, I really liked being able to direct flow anywhere. And I found I don't notice cords after a few days.

For heaters, I stick with the Eheim Jagers. With a controller (Apex) and a three heater configuration and 5F temp band they've lasted 6+ years because they don't cycle more than a couple times a day. That's not normal however as most reefers want +/- 1F all the time and that's going to shorten life. I'd still stick with them, proven and affordable.

Hope this helps some.