Sean's 90g Build

[HiImSean]

I've documented my build in a few other forums and figured I'd start a thread here. I've been in the hobby about 2years now and this will be my 3rd upgrade, started with a 5.5g then moved to a 36g. I'm trying to get things right the first time so this was a bit of a slow build but it's now ready to cycle.

Here's a list of my equipment:
Tank :Marineland 90g (48x18x25) Reef-ready
Sump: Trigger System Ruby30
Lighting: 2x AI Sol Blue
Skimmer: Reef Octopus SRO 2000INT
Flow: MP10es, 2 WP25
Return: Eheim 1262
Controller: Apex Lite, VDM, EB8

I decided to go with a Herbie overflow on the tank. I've read too many stories of people doing the regular Durso and not being able to stand the noise it makes. I didn't want to have to go back after setting up the tank and redo the plumbing so I figured I'd do it right the first time. Plumbing was the most nerve wrecking part of this build as I had never done it before, overall I'm pleased with how it turned out.

For stocking of the tank, coral wise it will be a mixed reef but mainly LPS and zoa dominated. I will add some more SPS as the tank matures. I have a few SPS that have done well in my 36g so hopefully they will like the 90g. For fish, I currently have a single onyx clown and a melanarus wrasse that will be moved over. I will add a second clown to the tank. The rest of the fish will mainly be wrasses, I'm hoping to find a nice flame pair. I also want to add a long nose hawk to the tank. So here's some pics for the time being.

 

[Flameback Pair]

Will you be controlling your Sols with your VDM module? I've got two Sols over my 50 but might upgrade to Hydras sometime next year. In the meantime I will probably control my sols with my full apex. What cable will I need? I don't believe I will need the vdm with the full apex. The apex fusion will be awesome on hydras when that comes out. I haven't setup my apex yet so I'm using the original AI controller and just hate it. The numbers jump around so bad when you turn the dial. Piece of junk.

 

[HiImSean]

Yes, I currently have a single Sol being controlled with the VDM on my 36g. I never used the original AI controller and don't know much about the fusion software. I use the data link cable to connect the Sol to the VDM.

 

[HiImSean]

The tank is in place and ready for water. I made one screen top yesterday but miss wrote down the amount of frame I need so yet again I need to run to Home Depot.

I cleaned my garage out to clear space for a WC station and started making my first batch of RODI water. I picked up a 32g Brute can. I changed my RODI filters out also. Lastly I got my order from amazon with the float switches, prazipro, test kits and wireless adapter. I just need my power adapter for my apex lite, suppose to be here Monday, then I can start programming.

I only have 40lbs of sand right now, I'm thinking I might need another bag. I'll add it right before I start adding water to the tank, so most likely tomorrow evening after I mix it up.

 

[Flameback Pair]

Yes, I currently have a single Sol being controlled with the VDM on my 36g. I never used the original AI controller and don't know much about the fusion software. I use the data link cable to connect the Sol to the VDM.

Okay I found out I need the VDM module and the datalink cable to control my AI Sols. The Apex by itself can control the Sols but it's limited to just dimming and not a set schedule for the day including ramping times.

What are you using the wireless adapter for?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Looking good!

 

[HiImSean]

Okay I found out I need the VDM module and the datalink cable to control my AI Sols. The Apex by itself can control the Sols but it's limited to just dimming and not a set schedule for the day including ramping times.

What are you using the wireless adapter for?

I went with the Netgear WNCE2001. It was super easy to instal and has been working great. I was out of town all week but could see I was running at a constant 77.6F the entire week. I'm very happy with it.

Here's an update. I moved all corals and fish from my 36g. So far so good. I need to get a CUC going though. Diatoms have picked up in the last week but not too bad. The WP25s create a ton of flow and I'm very impressed with them. I will be setting up a QT tank soon for future additions. I'm thinking of switching skimmers, the SRO2000 is just too large for my sump. It almost doesn't fit plus I had to raise it up for the correct water level. I just turned it on and it's preforming amazingly. Most the corals are looking very well and already seeing some growth.


IMG_7628 by slu13913, on Flickr


IMG_7627 by slu13913, on Flickr


IMG_7600 by slu13913, on Flickr


IMG_7591 by slu13913, on Flickr


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IMG_7572 by slu13913, on Flickr

 

[peterthegamer]

Nice pictures.

 

[HiImSean]

Thanks. I'll try to get some more up soon.

 

[HiImSean]

A bit of an update


IMG_7900 by slu13913, on Flickr


IMG_7881 by slu13913, on Flickr

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IMG_7873 by slu13913, on Flickr


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IMG_7810 by slu13913, on Flickr

 

[bazeball05]

Love it! You have some nice frags

 

[HiImSean]

Thanks!

 

[nitro'sreef]

awesome looking tank

 

[bigfoot86]

Great looking tank man!

 

[HiImSean]

Took some photos last night under the blue LEDs


Blasto by slu13913, on Flickr


Center by slu13913, on Flickr


Left Half by slu13913, on Flickr


Echinata by slu13913, on Flickr


Red Planet by slu13913, on Flickr


Miyagi Tort by slu13913, on Flickr


Sunny D's by slu13913, on Flickr

Can anyone ID these?

Unknow zoas by slu13913, on Flickr

Still my favorites

Chalices by slu13913, on Flickr


Tyree BGM Chalice by slu13913, on Flickr

This guy is pretty unique. I picked it up about a year ago. It gets white lines in the new growth as well as bright green streaks and a few black streaks in the body.

Unknow Chalice by slu13913, on Flickr


Unknown Chalice 2 by slu13913, on Flickr

 

[HiImSean]

Everyone's happy together


onyx_clown by slu13913, on Flickr

This guy is sooooo hard to get a picture of

line-spot by slu13913, on Flickr


line-spot2 by slu13913, on Flickr


line-spot3 by slu13913, on Flickr


line-spot4 by slu13913, on Flickr


besties by slu13913, on Flickr


besties2 by slu13913, on Flickr


kole_tang by slu13913, on Flickr

 

[HiImSean]

Some new pics


IMG_8558 by slu13913, on Flickr


IMG_8563 by slu13913, on Flickr


IMG_8572 by slu13913, on Flickr


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IMG_8629 by slu13913, on Flickr


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IMG_8637 by slu13913, on Flickr

 

[HiImSean]

My clowns are getting along great! They've taken to hosting my frogspawn. This past week I picked up a bottle of AcroPower and began dosing. It's hard to tell so far but looks like my slimer is really liking it. My local reef club, the Atlanta Reef Club, held our annual Expo which ended up being pretty huge. Lots of great vendors, Jason Fox, WWC, and Steve Tyree (got to hang with a little and a real nice guy). Scored a real nice rock flower anemone, Hulk lepto, rose mille, and a gold torch.





IMG_8787 by slu13913, on Flickr





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IMG_8729 by slu13913, on Flickr





IMG_8796 by slu13913, on Flickr





IMG_8744 by slu13913, on Flickr



Still love my Tyree BGM, it put out 4-5 new eyes this month and growing great!



IMG_8738 by slu13913, on Flickr





IMG_8737 by slu13913, on Flickr





IMG_8713 by slu13913, on Flickr





IMG_8659 by slu13913, on Flickr





IMG_8650 by slu13913, on Flickr

 

[ptpablo]

Hey Sean... Great build! Thanks for sharing. I'm getting ready to. upgrade my Nuvo 16 to a 90. I'm a bit worried I'll want bigger. Are you happy with the size you picked?

 

[HiImSean]

Lol happiness is relative I am contempt with what I have now as a) my wife when back to school during this build so my budget is limited to what I get mainly as gift money lol and b) space. The tank fits perfectly in the room it's in and we really don't have a good spot besides one of the spare bedrooms. I'd like to build a basement sump one day but that requires a basement so some day... We are thinking of moving when my wife's done with school so we'll see what happens with an upgrade.