90 gallon pred/reef build thread

[Dcal]

Hello all,

Long time lurker here but it has finally come time to post. Lots of questions coming but mainly on equipment suggestions.

I got a 90 gallon Clear-for-life for an incredible deal but it is the one with the filter in the back compartment leaving me slightly confused for what equipment I should get as it very limited as opposed to a traditional sump. There are pictures attached for reference. In the overflow compartment, I was planning on using 2? socks but am very open to suggestions. Moving to the next compartment I am at a total loss for ideas. The first option would be skimmer but I do not know if one of adequate GPH would be able to fit so if any of you know a good skimmer please let me know. Other options are fuge or algae scrubber. Lastly, I threw out the stock return pump and am looking for a more powerful one.

I'll get into stocking suggestions later when the time comes but want to have filtration capability not be a limiting factor.

Thanks in advance

 

[dwest]

Hello all,

Long time lurker here but it has finally come time to post. Lots of questions coming but mainly on equipment suggestions.

I got a 90 gallon Clear-for-life for an incredible deal but it is the one with the filter in the back compartment leaving me slightly confused for what equipment I should get as it very limited as opposed to a traditional sump. There are pictures attached for reference. In the overflow compartment, I was planning on using 2? socks but am very open to suggestions. Moving to the next compartment I am at a total loss for ideas. The first option would be skimmer but I do not know if one of adequate GPH would be able to fit so if any of you know a good skimmer please let me know. Other options are fuge or algae scrubber. Lastly, I threw out the stock return pump and am looking for a more powerful one.

I'll get into stocking suggestions later when the time comes but want to have filtration capability not be a limiting factor.

Thanks in advance

Looks cool. I’d probably replace the bio balls with some liverock rubble and a bag of GAC and try running without a skimmer to start. Maybe a lighted chaeto fuge in the future. Keep it simple. Welcome to R2R!

 

[Dcal]

Thanks for quick reply. I shouldve been more specific. I tossed the bio balls and was trying to figure out to do with that compartment but your suggestions work regardless. GAC and rock sound like a plan. I would want to look into putting chaeto back there eventually but would need to find a type of LEDs to attach to the back of the tank since it is clear back.

 

[dwest]

That sounds like a plan. I’ve always been a fuge guy. But a couple years ago I took out my chaeto fuge when I was dealing with dinos. I thought I would put it back in when phosphates and nitrates got a little high. My tank is still running great without it years later.