Finally starting my build thread

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EthanDouglas

EthanDouglas

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So I'm finally getting my tank set up. It's a 90 gallon with a 20 long for a sump. Just finished filling it with water today. Figured I would post a pic on here. I have my QT almost ready for fish, so it won't be long until I have my first saltwater tank. Thanks again to everyone who has helped me and countless other newbies that are trying to get into this hobby. Any tips or questions are appreciated

On a side note, can anyone recommend a cheap-ish (under $100) light for a FOWLR? I bought this setup used and I have no idea how I can mount the light it came with without it being very precarious. I guess I'm looking for some LEDs, but nothing too fancy. I'm planning on upgrading to SBReefLights once I can save up and before I start getting into corals.


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Top Shelf Aquatics
I just got a tip a week or two ago about heaters and space saving. This guy puts them in the overflow area. His corner overflow was identical to yours. He mentioned they are less likely to accidentally break if they were in your sump where you are cleaning more frequently. Tank looks good. Motivating me to get my plumbing done. I'm right behind you. Keep posting pics. and lessons learned.
 
It's crazy you mention that because I was thinking about doing the same thing with my heaters. I was worried that the area would be too small, and that would mess them up somehow. I guess if it works for him, I might as well give it a shot.

When plumbing, my grandpa always said you need to measure three times and cut once. I'll be honest, I think I got really lucky because I eyeballed it for the most part, hahahaha. There's no leaks though, so I guess I did something right!

Motivation became a big issue for me. I got sidetracked with other projects and I let everything just sit there for weeks. Now that I finally got it done, I wish I had finished sooner. The tank looks so empty without any fish!
 
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Tank is looking good, looking forward to seeing more:)
 
Deltec
Wow Sterlingg, that setup is looking clean! I wish my sump was nice and organized like that, haha. I'm already making notes and thinking about the next tank. I can just feel my wallet trying to run and hide
 
Tagging along I'm in the middle of my cycle and starting to plan my qt procedures. Any ideas what your plans are. Any fish list put together yet?
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
Thanks bpinkstaff. I honestly don't have a plan yet ViciousDlishus (love the name, hahahah). I've sort of been knocking around the idea of catching a few lionfish (I live near the Gulf of Mexico and have a bunch of diver buddies. It wouldn't be hard at all to get 2-3 smallish ones, and the best part, they would be free!) and just let them hang around a bit in there. They need to be removed one way or another, so I think saving a few for a little while and getting the hang of keeping an aquarium would be better than just spearing them. The only issue I see with keeping them is that they eat anything smaller than their mouth, so I'm not too sure what would be 100% compatible. But they're absolutely beautiful fish and I loved observing them hunt/eat last year in my marine science class.

Also, in that marine science class, we did a study on the diet of lionfish in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. If anyone is interested or knows a thread that would be, I can try to find that data. It was a very interesting project, and it turned out quite well, in my opinion.
 
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Yeah I've been looking around on Craigslist for a few days now, Big G, but nothing has really screamed "this would be perfect!" Those current USA lights look like they could work, but my tank has a support running across the center of the tank. Will that be an issue? Should I get two of the 18-24 inch models (I think the holes are about 22 inches across) or would I be okay with 1 larger model and just deal with the shadows for now.
 
Deltec
Welcome to the club! It's an addicting hobby for sure. On the lion fish, just make sure you're comfortable with the limitations they'll put on your stocking list. The same is true of all fish really but aggressive ones for sure. If it's what you want, then go for it! They're beautiful fish but would eat too many of the fish I want to keep lol!
 
EthanDouglas said:
Yeah I've been looking around on Craigslist for a few days now, Big G, but nothing has really screamed "this would be perfect!" Those current USA lights look like they could work, but my tank has a support running across the center of the tank. Will that be an issue? Should I get two of the 18-24 inch models (I think the holes are about 22 inches across) or would I be okay with 1 larger model and just deal with the shadows for now.
Click to expand...
I would consider the Current USA lights as temporary only. Most seem to think they are not bright enough to grow corals. Ok for a fish only tank. But most are using two. If you have to buy "new" and it is a temporary plan take a look at these. https://smile.amazon.com/MarsAqua-D...4720974&sr=8-12&keywords=saltwater+LED+lights
 
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Wow it’s been a while since I’ve posted here. I guess just a quick update:

Current stock list includes 2 ocellaris clowns, a yellow watchman goby (AKA Grumpy), a pistol shrimp (AKA Po’Boy) and some various snails.

Everything is running pretty good. I just added my first zoas. Got em for $15 at my local shop. I’ll post pics later today, once they “wake up” :p

I think that’s about it. I’ll try to make more regular updates now
 
It's fun to see other 90 gallons, I'm in the building stages of mine and another few weeks from getting it wet. Looking forward to updated pics.
 
EthanDouglas said:
Yeah I've been looking around on Craigslist for a few days now, Big G, but nothing has really screamed "this would be perfect!" Those current USA lights look like they could work, but my tank has a support running across the center of the tank. Will that be an issue? Should I get two of the 18-24 inch models (I think the holes are about 22 inches across) or would I be okay with 1 larger model and just deal with the shadows for now.
Click to expand...

Just get a 36-48 inch LED fixture and the side rails will adjust and hook to the sides. For strictly FOWLR I would go with something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Class...-1&keywords=Nicrew+48+inch+led+aquarium+light

or this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016P93O2...J5&pd_rd_r=WQW93BNCQQTWPS320EPA&pd_rd_w=HiYxF
 
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