[buckwheat1]

I am trying to plan a 90 gallon reef aquarium and need help. I have been given so many options I don’t know which way to go. What is the best way to filter? What kind and how many lights do I need? Glass or acrylic? What things do I absolutely need and what just helps with the quality of the tank. I have read a few books and I don’t know if they helped or made me more confused. Thanks Shane

[Reefland]

Hi Shane and Welcome to Reefland!

Before we start offering advice, tell us a little more about your goals. Are you wanting to setup a reef tank, a fish and invert tank or a fish-only aquarium? Which type you go with will help to determine needed and recommended equipment.

Regardless of which you go with, I would recommend using a tank that is Reef-Ready, being drilled with an overflow box. I prefer glass since one does not have to be as delicate when performing maintenance. If you could get one made with a low-iron glass that would also give you the clarity of acrylic. If not, I would recommend just a standard 90 gallon Oceanic or All-Glass-Aquarium tank that is reef ready. Getting an idea of what you would like to keep will help us guide you through other equipment.

Also, what books have you been able to read?

[buckwheat1]

I have read Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook by Dr. Robert J. Goldstein. It was very informational as far as what does what, but it wasn’t very specific on what I needed to start a reef tank. I was leaning toward glass so I am glad you said that it was the better choice. I would like to have a reef tank with Fish, invertebrates, and live coral. The tank I am looking at is 48"w x18"d x25"t and is reef ready with one overflow. It is $380. I was also thinking about a 125 gallon model 48"w x 24"d x 24"t and is $450. Thank you again for taking the time to help. Shane

[Reefland]

Shane,

The bigger the tank you can get the better, especially in this case where the 120 is not going to cost in additional lighting over the 90. I would go with the 120 that is reef ready.

Reef Ready means that you will need a sump of some sort. There are people that can build very elaborate sump systems or you could use a standard sized aquarium with some baffles inserted. You will also need a return pump to move water from the sump back to the tank. I would suggest a MAG 12.

Next thing is a skimmer. You definitely want a protein skimmer and you shouldn't try to save money here. Get one that is rated for your sized aquarium. Brands that I would suggest include Euro Reef, My Reef Creations and AquaC. Make sure to get the appropriate sized pump for the skimmer as well.

This leaves us with additional circulation in the tank and lighting. What kind of corals interest you?

[WHOSYOURDADDY]

Rule of Thumb, like Reefland says - go as large as you can afford!!! cause in saltwater bigger is better.

Again like Reefland suggests don't pich pennies to save a buck cause it will wind up costing you so much more down the road

[WHOSYOURDADDY]

I also suggest once you have decided on your equipment "BE PATIENT" reefs are not made over night. Start very slowly especially with a new setup. You will have a period of time that your system will still be cycling through before it reaches the"Conditioned Stage"

I kept mine basicly Fish Only with live rock for the 1st year and gradually added inverts at this time I am still holding off on putting my corals in. Get the basics down 1st - then expend out. The end result with good equipment and patience along with good weekly water changes you'll be much happier in the long run.

One last thing is water source. where will you be getting your water from. Tap water forget it. you will always have problems. Invest in a good R/O (Reverse Osmosis) system. Mininum of a 3 stage system. The purier the water the better your fish, filter feeders, inverts and corals will be.

[Reefland]

Excellent point, regardless of which kind of tank you set up, using RO/DI water is a good idea. If this is not available, use the alternative which would be distilled water from a local grocer, although this can get expensive over the years.

[WHOSYOURDADDY]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Excellent point, regardless of which kind of tank you set up, using RO/DI water is a good idea. If this is not available, use the alternative which would be distilled water from a local grocer, although this can get expensive over the years.

when I got into this in the 70's you could get away with aged tap water but today with all the chemicals that are now being pumped into them they will kill off anything thats "delicate".

I bought mine from http://aquariumwaterfilters.com To me the 5 Stage RO/DI was the best route to take I went with the 100 gal per day. Best investment I made in a long time.

[buckwheat1]

Well I think I’m going to go with the oceanic 75 gal, it’s all I have room for. The dimensions on it are 48x18x21. I was also thinking about the 90 gal which is 48x18x25 but I was told I would need allot more lighting to keep corals. Is this true? Also what do you think about the emperor 400 filters?

[saltjunkie]

stay away from the empororereerrs filters...do not get them!

get a drilled reef ready tank.. trust me you will save money in the long run
2- of those 400's will cost you roughly 200 bucks...
you can easily set up most of a refugium or sump for that cost!
and get a decent quality protien skimmer to put in the sump.. at that point there isa no need for those other crappy filters, unless you just want to have one to screw wit..
you will need a return pump to pump the water back into the tank once it drains.. get a mag drive 9 pump! and 3 or 4 power heads.. maxi jet 1200s are best... or get one or 2 of the tunze streams in addition to.. if you want.. but the maxi jets should be enogh for now..

if you are doing corals, do not get a wet/dry filter with bioballs either... more maintenance than needed
put about 4 inces of fine grain aragonite sand in the tank... not crushed coral..
start putting as much live rock in it as you can afford...if you cant do alot right away, its not a bad thing.. just keep adding more and more rock over the first few months.. that will slowly cycle your tank..
do not buy damsels to cycle your tank, it is cruel and you will regret it..

and yes you will need almost twice as much lighting as a 75 gallon...

as far as lighting goes.. buy it right the first time..
gety a 2x175 metal halide kit, and atleast a 2x110 vho set up for actinic..
and you will be all set...
now if you want to do the hard corals that are real popular, alot more light would be alot better!
if any of this is confusing.. remember ,none of us on here are asking for your money llike the pet store.. they are going to try an sell the stuff to you that they have to make a profit and keep you comong back in..
the system i just described is alot of the systems you will find by serious reefers.. with a few variations..
the one above is mine almost exactly and hs been running great for over 5 years...

[buckwheat1]

Can you explane more about the sump. I need to know what all I need for a 75 gallon reef tank.