90 gallons for the inexperienced

Discussion in 'New Tank Builds' started by Jjordon, Mar 1, 2017.

  1. Jjordon

    Jjordon Plankton

    Found a 90 gallon w sump and browsing for upgrades. Return pump, protein skimmer, and anything else to make this a success..any recommendations would be appreciated.

    90 gal 48L x 18W x 24H

    Pro Clear Aquatics System sump is 32L x 12W x 16H

    The t5 lights were directly mounted and exposed to canopy. Appear to be in rough shape and or fire hazard so I've decided on the AI Hydra 26 HD.

    Pondmaster model 7 utility pump that sounds like it's on borrowed time. I've read through some threads and posts that DC pumps are smooth and quiet, such as the Sicce Syncra Silent???

    Aquarium Systems (instant ocean) Sea Clone 100 seems awesome for space saver, but not so sure on effeciency. Again, I've read the Skimz line is rewarding??

    Aqueon ACP 700 & JVP-201 powerheads.

    Also included was an Aqueon 300W heater.

    Any suggestions are welcomed for upgrades or additions. Plus it's good timing for the quarterly BRS group buy!

    Justin
     

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  2. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    Sicce Syncra Silent is a great pump but not DC.

    I'm a big fan of Skimz skimmers. There are others on here that use them too. Bubble Magus makes a great skimmer for this size tank as well.
     
  3. Jjordon

    Jjordon Plankton

    I think maybe I've browsed so much that I'm mixing the specs now. I'll look into the bubble magus. The skimz octa sc145i protein skimmer doorbuster deal seems like a win too.
     
  4. Never trust a used heater!
    Lots of great reviews on Jebaeo DC return pumps
     
  5. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    Agree with Mark on the heater. Additionaly I would use two 150 watt rather than one 300. If one fails in the "on" position it will be much less likely to over heat the tank. If one fails in the "off" position it will probably keep the tank at a cooler but survivable temp.
     
  6. Jjordon

    Jjordon Plankton

    I appreciate all the feedback. The dual heaters makes sense. I do like that controller on the jerboa dc pump for regulating flow and feeding.
     
  7. I would have never considered 2 heaters to use as a failsafe! Great idea!
     
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  8. Fishbait

    Fishbait Blenny

    Been out for awhile,but the SeaClone was not known to be an efficient skimmer 8 years ago. When considering a skimmer, you must also consider your bioload. What kinds of fish? How many? What will you feed? Don't want to overcomplicate the issue. That said, a good skimmer is in my estimation one of the most important decisions and expenditures you will make. Get the biggest bang for your buck, both monetary and space wise. Overskimming is not an issue typically. Rising nitrates due to inefficient skimming though can create problems no one wants to have.
     
  9. portereef

    portereef RRMAS Supporter

    I have a new DC jebao return pump and it is dead silent and more than I need so it runs around 50-60 percent.
     
  10. Jjordon

    Jjordon Plankton

    Latest on the 90 gal..it has cycled!

    I made some changes to the sump w new equipment that I purchased during the BRS group buy..after some minor mods on the skimz (Skimz monster sm203 protein skimmer) to fit in the furthest chamber w the new pump (Sicce Syncra silent 3.0)..I now have a chamber for refugium that I added live rock and chaeto..what are your thoughts on sand?

    I went w reverse osmosis pressurized tank w float valve for an ATO system

    I'm really liking the AI Hydra Twentysix HD lights..after acclimation mode while I tried to seek out suggestions on light settings I think I have something that works for now..any recommendations are welcomed
     

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  11. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    Nice! I like the scape.

    I have the same skimmer on a 155 and it's plenty. Definitely more than enough for a 90.

    I vote no on the sand in the refugium. You have plenty of live rock, I don't see much advantage. If I was doing a DSB, I would do it remotely in a 5 gallon bucket. I think there are better/safer ways to increase denitrification.
     
  12. I have sand in my refugium and it offers nothing of benefit. I wouldn't do it again.
     
  13. Really like your aquascaping!
     
  14. LJC6780

    LJC6780 Grouper

    Would Matrix soaked in denitrifying bacteria be a good option? I added some to my current tank in a lower flow area and did see some decrease in nitrates but not sure if it's a long term option. I also just watched a BRS video on adding Chaeto to the refugium to decrease nitrates and phosphates. It was quite interesting! I have some chaeto too but not sure if it's got the right lighting as I haven't seen any noticeable growth.
     
  15. Doesn't take much lighting for Cheato. I like the 65k spectrum......getting difficult to find though. The 60watt equivalent bulbs work well. No way I spend money on a kessel like BRS for a plant.
     
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  16. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    By Matrix do you mean ceramic biomedia?

    Denitrification means changing NO3 in to nitrogen and oxygen. It is done by anaerobic bacteria, not the kind you buy in a bottle. They develop in areas where there is very low flow like the interior of live rock, the deep parts of a deep sand bed, etc. Deep sand beds have been used in the past to lower nitrate by giving these bacteria a place to live.

    The other options I was talking about were things like more efficient skimming, reducing bioload, carbon dosing, macroalgae in a refugium, algae turf scrubbers and the new ceramic biomedia blocks that provide the anoxic area needed for the bacteria.
     
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  17. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    The other argument against deep sand beds is the same conditions that remove nitrate create hydrogen sulfide. If the sand bed is disturbed for any reason this can be released and the result is usually death and destruction in the tank.
     
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  18. LJC6780

    LJC6780 Grouper

    By Matrix I mean Seachem Matrix: Seachem Matrix Bio Media 1 Liter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002A5VIO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1oX4ybNAMX082
    It's been said to be porous enough to house denitrifying bacteria. And the bacteria I was talking about was this: Continuum Aquatics ACO30644 Bactergen Md Microbe Cult for Aquarium, 16.9-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GO69LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SnX4yb1KJ7AWY

    I have a big bag of Matrix in my sump in the flow for nitrifying bacteria and recently soaked some more Matrix in this bacteria and added to a low flow area. I also squirted some deep into some of the live rock in the tank. I was having trouble getting nitrates under 30-40 and since adding that they have been closer to 10.
     
  19. Jjordon

    Jjordon Plankton

    So within 3 days I lost a chalice and have no idea why..any others experience this or know of any reason? I noticed it on my weekly water change this weekend..I thought maybe it was the war favia I added a week early but still continued to disappear daily after putting more space between them..the only changes were the added war favia, acan, and zoanthids I had in the area
     

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  20. Can you release those bubbles in small amount by aerating/turning the sand a little with each weekly water change? And would carbon help reduce the effects? I've noticed my sand is very dirty and bubbles have started collecting in my sandbed. None of my sand sifters are actually sifting sand right now. Even my starry Blenny has decided he prefers algae flakes.
     

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