Newbie 90 Gal build thread

Gtstricky · 04/14/2008, 08:08 PM

Well I thought I would start my build thread.

Here is what I am starting with:

A used 90 Gal RR tank bought used yesterday:

Front

Rear and Left side

The tank will be located in a finished portion of our basement. I have been debating on if I should build it in-wall or use a stand. The wall the tank will be on backs up to an unfinished portion of the basement. I decided to go with the stand however I will be plumbing through the wall. The sump will be located in the unfinished portion of the basement which will allow me to go as large as I want, be as spread out (messy?) as I want.

So the planis:

90 Gal RR tank (going to repaint the back and put in a Durso)
Stand (to be refinished)
Canopy (maybe depending on how the stand looks)
Sump (home made for 1/4 acrylic, I am thinking 40X16X16)
Top off system
Lights (unknown)
Skimmer (really unknown)

ggk1988 · 04/14/2008, 08:51 PM

If i could have put my tank in wall. I defintely would have. In walls have a much cleaner look. Either way you go just take your time and get the right equipment the first time, otherwise you end up spending more money and more time fixing. Good Luck and Have Fun.

D to the P · 04/14/2008, 08:59 PM

you can build your own sump yeah, but if it is hidden than why not just go for a big ol' Rubbermaid tub, not the containers that are just large I mean an actual large plastic tub with built in drain hole. I don't think they are that expensive, and than you wouldn't have to worry about buying acrylic and trying to make it look nice and be functional. Your best bet for a skimmer is to get the biggest one that you can afford, but I would aim for something that is rated for twice the size of your tank, I like the ASM brand of skimmers, many others like the octopus's. The lights will have to be decided after you figure out what kind of corals you want to keep. I would recommend looking into T5 lighting because they are really functional and can go over top of any corals as long as you have a good system with enough bulbs. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Gtstricky · 04/14/2008, 09:32 PM

I am building it mainly for the experience. So far it looks to be $105 for the sheet of acrylic and $10 for the Weld-on #4. I figure with all the mistakes I make plus the large tub I buy when I give up is should end up costing me about $500

Ok here is a total newbie question:
How do I determine what size bulkheads I have? Is it the size of the hole in the glass or the inside diameter of the bulkhead?

demonsp · 04/14/2008, 09:34 PM

I see no power heads..

D to the P · 04/14/2008, 09:34 PM

inside diameter. well experience is the foundation for knowledge, hows that for a fortune cookie response haha. just make sure ask around before you get to the real plumbing (not sure how experienced you are with stuff like that, no offense) so you don't end up wasting money, or worse.

D to the P · 04/14/2008, 09:37 PM

haha, he didn't even get close to putting the tank where he wants it and you already are on him about power heads. talk about pre emptive! he is right however, start looking into getting some powerheads for water movement. Recommend getting 2 koralia 4's (one for each side of the tank) and seeing what you need after that (maybe even another two). You can't rely on your return pump to circulate the water in the display tank.

demonsp · 04/14/2008, 09:41 PM

You dont mix new water batches without water movement and as soon as water is in the tank you need movement. But he may have some.

D to the P · 04/14/2008, 09:49 PM

I agree with you, and thats good information that he won't have to look for later if he didn't know better, I'm just saying its funny that we often repeat what we say in every thread to the point that things like this are the first thing even mentioned, even before Welcome to RC! haha.

Gtstricky · 04/14/2008, 09:51 PM

yup forgot to put them on the list.

I bought 2 koralia 4's and the tsunami wavemaker last week (used on RC). They look great. I also bought a used pump, a Turbo Sea 790-P that I think will be my skimmer pump.

I also got my RO/DI system up and running. That was the first thing I worked on. I will get a picture of that up tomorrow.

demonsp · 04/14/2008, 09:54 PM

Its never to late to ask about water moevment.First koralias dont work well on wavemakers then wavemakers need proper setup for it to work. In a new setup a good circuler flow is much better and more effective.

Gtstricky · 04/15/2008, 09:11 AM

Anyone have opinions on these two skimmers:

AquaC EV-180
or
MR-1 from My Reef Creations (rated at 175 gal)

I can get the first one for around $300 or the second for around $200.

The MR-1 uses a Beckett and the AquaC uses a spray injector.

Thanks

D to the P · 04/15/2008, 10:01 AM

I know a lot of people like aqua c's, but I do not have experience with either one of them, sorry. I figure if I'd respond anyway to give your thread a bump so maybe someone who has used either one of them can respond to you.

Gtstricky · 04/15/2008, 10:30 AM

Thank you... I am leaning towards the MR-1 as the Aqua C sounds a little tricky to adjust.

Gtstricky · 04/16/2008, 10:17 AM

Well here is the skimmer I am getting. I am going to remove and plug the second injector for now and remove the extra riser I think. This skimmer should be able to handle a much larger tank if I ever get there. It is a MR-2.
Should I set it up in the sump or external?

D to the P · 04/16/2008, 03:18 PM

in sump

Gtstricky · 04/16/2008, 05:51 PM

Here is where the tank will end up. It will be next to the stairs where the book case is now.

I am planning on putting the sump on the other side of the wall. You can use the door as a reference point to understand the location better.

D to the P · 04/16/2008, 07:04 PM

looks like a good place for a tank to me. You will definately enjoy the room you will have putting the sump behind the wall. now just tell your kids to go play somewhere else haha.

Aquarist007 · 04/16/2008, 07:08 PM

here is a great example for you to refer back and forth too
Tswifty's 90 gal build
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1310919

Gtstricky · 04/22/2008, 07:09 AM

This weekend I got the tank cleaned up and painted. I added some fresh stain to the stand. I still need to seal it. I also added some Kilz to the interior. It turned out nice. I used a darker blue then was on before. You can see the contrast in colors as I left the bottom painted with the old color since I will be using a sand bed. Here are some photos:

Cleaned up

with new paint

D to the P · 04/22/2008, 09:24 AM

Everything looks really nice. Hows the progress of putting holes in your wall?

Gtstricky · 04/22/2008, 09:45 AM

I bought a washing machine box this weekend. It looks like this (without the valves):

I am waiting until I get the tank in the basement before I cut

Gtstricky · 04/22/2008, 11:48 AM

Here is my first draft of a sump plan. 48" by 14" by 12" high.
Fuge is on the right, sump area on the left, return portion in the center. The current plan is to use an external pump. Each compartment will have a valved bulckhead leading to the pump. Only the middle valve will be open during normal use but for water changes all three can be opened. The pump will be plumbed to the tank and to the house drain pipe allowing for easy water changes.

Thoughts?

D to the P · 04/22/2008, 12:35 PM

I've never set anything up like that, but I know most people say keep it simple. Don't do too much plumbing or you will just end up having more to worry about. That being said I don't think you are doing too much with this one. Hopefully someone who has built a sump of this scale will chime in.

Gtstricky · 04/27/2008, 07:46 PM

Well I built the sump this weekend. Overall I am pleased with my first attempt.

So lets get right to the pictures shall we...

Acrylic was delivered on Friday. I really lucked out because:
A) My local glass shop had a sheet in stock.
B) They had another job in my neighborhood and delivered it for free.

I went and got some of the plumbing supplies Friday also.

04/14/2008, 08:08 PM	#1
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	Newbie 90 Gal build thread Well I thought I would start my build thread. Here is what I am starting with: A used 90 Gal RR tank bought used yesterday: Front Rear and Left side The tank will be located in a finished portion of our basement. I have been debating on if I should build it in-wall or use a stand. The wall the tank will be on backs up to an unfinished portion of the basement. I decided to go with the stand however I will be plumbing through the wall. The sump will be located in the unfinished portion of the basement which will allow me to go as large as I want, be as spread out (messy?) as I want. So the planis: 90 Gal RR tank (going to repaint the back and put in a Durso) Stand (to be refinished) Canopy (maybe depending on how the stand looks) Sump (home made for 1/4 acrylic, I am thinking 40X16X16) Top off system Lights (unknown) Skimmer (really unknown)

04/14/2008, 08:59 PM	#3
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	you can build your own sump yeah, but if it is hidden than why not just go for a big ol' Rubbermaid tub, not the containers that are just large I mean an actual large plastic tub with built in drain hole. I don't think they are that expensive, and than you wouldn't have to worry about buying acrylic and trying to make it look nice and be functional. Your best bet for a skimmer is to get the biggest one that you can afford, but I would aim for something that is rated for twice the size of your tank, I like the ASM brand of skimmers, many others like the octopus's. The lights will have to be decided after you figure out what kind of corals you want to keep. I would recommend looking into T5 lighting because they are really functional and can go over top of any corals as long as you have a good system with enough bulbs. Good luck, and keep us posted. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/14/2008, 09:34 PM	#6
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	inside diameter. well experience is the foundation for knowledge, hows that for a fortune cookie response haha. just make sure ask around before you get to the real plumbing (not sure how experienced you are with stuff like that, no offense) so you don't end up wasting money, or worse. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/14/2008, 09:37 PM	#7
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	haha, he didn't even get close to putting the tank where he wants it and you already are on him about power heads. talk about pre emptive! he is right however, start looking into getting some powerheads for water movement. Recommend getting 2 koralia 4's (one for each side of the tank) and seeing what you need after that (maybe even another two). You can't rely on your return pump to circulate the water in the display tank. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/14/2008, 09:49 PM	#9
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	I agree with you, and thats good information that he won't have to look for later if he didn't know better, I'm just saying its funny that we often repeat what we say in every thread to the point that things like this are the first thing even mentioned, even before Welcome to RC! haha. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/14/2008, 08:51 PM	#2
ggk1988 Premium Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NW suburbs Chicago, IL Posts: 668	If i could have put my tank in wall. I defintely would have. In walls have a much cleaner look. Either way you go just take your time and get the right equipment the first time, otherwise you end up spending more money and more time fixing. Good Luck and Have Fun.

04/14/2008, 09:32 PM	#4
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	I am building it mainly for the experience. So far it looks to be $105 for the sheet of acrylic and $10 for the Weld-on #4. I figure with all the mistakes I make plus the large tub I buy when I give up is should end up costing me about $500 Ok here is a total newbie question: How do I determine what size bulkheads I have? Is it the size of the hole in the glass or the inside diameter of the bulkhead?

04/14/2008, 09:34 PM	#5
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	I see no power heads..

04/14/2008, 09:41 PM	#8
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	You dont mix new water batches without water movement and as soon as water is in the tank you need movement. But he may have some.

04/14/2008, 09:51 PM	#10
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	yup forgot to put them on the list. I bought 2 koralia 4's and the tsunami wavemaker last week (used on RC). They look great. I also bought a used pump, a Turbo Sea 790-P that I think will be my skimmer pump. I also got my RO/DI system up and running. That was the first thing I worked on. I will get a picture of that up tomorrow.

04/14/2008, 09:54 PM	#11
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Its never to late to ask about water moevment.First koralias dont work well on wavemakers then wavemakers need proper setup for it to work. In a new setup a good circuler flow is much better and more effective.

04/15/2008, 09:11 AM	#12
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	Anyone have opinions on these two skimmers: AquaC EV-180 or MR-1 from My Reef Creations (rated at 175 gal) I can get the first one for around $300 or the second for around $200. The MR-1 uses a Beckett and the AquaC uses a spray injector. Thanks

04/15/2008, 10:01 AM	#13
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	I know a lot of people like aqua c's, but I do not have experience with either one of them, sorry. I figure if I'd respond anyway to give your thread a bump so maybe someone who has used either one of them can respond to you. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/15/2008, 10:30 AM	#14
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	Thank you... I am leaning towards the MR-1 as the Aqua C sounds a little tricky to adjust.

04/16/2008, 10:17 AM	#15
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	Well here is the skimmer I am getting. I am going to remove and plug the second injector for now and remove the extra riser I think. This skimmer should be able to handle a much larger tank if I ever get there. It is a MR-2. Should I set it up in the sump or external?

04/16/2008, 03:18 PM	#16
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	in sump __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/16/2008, 05:51 PM	#17
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	Here is where the tank will end up. It will be next to the stairs where the book case is now. I am planning on putting the sump on the other side of the wall. You can use the door as a reference point to understand the location better.

04/16/2008, 07:04 PM	#18
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	looks like a good place for a tank to me. You will definately enjoy the room you will have putting the sump behind the wall. now just tell your kids to go play somewhere else haha. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/16/2008, 07:08 PM	#19
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	here is a great example for you to refer back and forth too Tswifty's 90 gal build http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1310919 __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

04/22/2008, 07:09 AM	#20
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	This weekend I got the tank cleaned up and painted. I added some fresh stain to the stand. I still need to seal it. I also added some Kilz to the interior. It turned out nice. I used a darker blue then was on before. You can see the contrast in colors as I left the bottom painted with the old color since I will be using a sand bed. Here are some photos: Cleaned up with new paint

04/22/2008, 09:24 AM	#21
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	Everything looks really nice. Hows the progress of putting holes in your wall? __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/22/2008, 09:45 AM	#22
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	I bought a washing machine box this weekend. It looks like this (without the valves): I am waiting until I get the tank in the basement before I cut

04/22/2008, 11:48 AM	#23
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	Here is my first draft of a sump plan. 48" by 14" by 12" high. Fuge is on the right, sump area on the left, return portion in the center. The current plan is to use an external pump. Each compartment will have a valved bulckhead leading to the pump. Only the middle valve will be open during normal use but for water changes all three can be opened. The pump will be plumbed to the tank and to the house drain pipe allowing for easy water changes. Thoughts?

04/22/2008, 12:35 PM	#24
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	I've never set anything up like that, but I know most people say keep it simple. Don't do too much plumbing or you will just end up having more to worry about. That being said I don't think you are doing too much with this one. Hopefully someone who has built a sump of this scale will chime in. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/27/2008, 07:46 PM	#25
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	Well I built the sump this weekend. Overall I am pleased with my first attempt. So lets get right to the pictures shall we... Acrylic was delivered on Friday. I really lucked out because: A) My local glass shop had a sheet in stock. B) They had another job in my neighborhood and delivered it for free. I went and got some of the plumbing supplies Friday also.