90 gallon reef build. progress

[cheech]

Decided to post up the progress of my build. Wanted your thoughts on it.

http://onfinite.com/libraries/1302592/47f.jpg

1st off, here's the plan of the tanks and stand.


http://onfinite.com/libraries/1322465/131.jpg
http://onfinite.com/libraries/1322468/131.jpg
Here's the tank and stand setup. The tank is a custom size. Gives me about 90 gallons. I like the added height and depth it has, which is why I went this route.

I put about 2" of sand in there.


http://onfinite.com/libraries/1322464/131.jpg
The sand I put has a diameter of .5 - 1.5 mm, which is a nice size grain. I personally like it more than the thicker grains.


http://onfinite.com/libraries/1322467/131.jpg
Finally, here's the sump. Sump size is 22 wide, 20 deep, and 18 high. The middle area will be setup as a fuge. Has a 7" sandbed.

The return pump is a mag 9.5, (950 gph). I added a T, with a return back to the sump, so I can regulate flow to the main tank without restricting the water output from the pump.




Thats as far as I got so far, Any thoughts, suggestions, criticism?

Thanks

[mseepman]

Looking good so far. Is the sand in the fuge the same as the bag you are showing? Are you planning to seed the sand with some live-sand?

Lastly, how are you managing the flow accross the fuge? I looked at a center fuge but all the input I received suggested that my flow would be too great and so I put it on the side with a seperate pump (TOM125) providing some minor flow to it.

[mr_alberta]

Are you beefing up that stand? What's it made of? I don't know if I'd put 1000lbs of stuff on that Ikea looking shelf without some beefing up :eek:

[cheech]

Looking good so far. Is the sand in the fuge the same as the bag you are showing? Are you planning to seed the sand with some live-sand?

Lastly, how are you managing the flow accross the fuge? I looked at a center fuge but all the input I received suggested that my flow would be too great and so I put it on the side with a seperate pump (TOM125) providing some minor flow to it.

The live sand won't be disturbed much. I doubt I'll have a problem with too much flow... We'll see how it goes to startoff, but i doubt too much flow will be a problem . The sand used is in fact the same sand used in the main tank. I'm not sure whether I'll be seeding the sand. I'll grab a cup or two of sand I got in my work tank, and I'll place a couple of small pieces of live rock rubble. I'm figuring that thru time, this will be sufficient to properly seed the tank. What I could do, if it does become a problem, is add a ball valve on the 1 1/2" return pipe, and place the pump diverted pipe back to the return chamber (where the pump is) so there will be less flow in the fuge area. not sure if I wanna go that route though. we'll see how it turns out.


Are you beefing up that stand? What's it made of? I don't know if I'd put 1000lbs of stuff on that Ikea looking shelf without some beefing up :eek:


yeah, I was worried as well, but I won't have a problem. I built the stand purposely so it wouldn't have a center brace, so I have full access to the sump/fuge. The lateral pieces of wood are directly under the tank sides. They're 1 1/16" thick, and the top shelf is 2 1/4" thick. The weight from the top shelf is also distributed along the length of the stand, so the extra 2 lateral strips also will help balance the load.

[jasond]

I like the looks of it! Personally I dont think the stand looks like it is from ikea to me at all. Nice the stand is bigger than the tank for some extra space!

Keep us posted!

[Marlin65]

Your fuge should be 10% of your volume and 10% of your flow for it to be a true fuge. having a DSB you want good flow. so it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
It will be too much flow the way you have it now for a true fuge.
DSB you need to seed I don't think a bit of rubble will be enough.
If you use live rock and seed from your main you should be okay just remember you have a lot of sand at 7" it will take time. I would start with less and add sand slowly to let it become mature this takes time. You want a good diversity in your sand bed.
DSB can become lethal if they are not done right.
Just my 2 cents.
Other than that its a nice setup I like the size and sump.

[cheech]

I don't know what the definition of a "true fuge is", but I guess I'm using an alternative route. lol.

Provided I have enough flow thru the fuge to make the macro algae tumble in the water, I'll have accomplished what I'm trying to do.


I can adjust the flow, so I'll have to find a balance with the dsb and the macro algae.


I do agree with you on the DSB. I'll try to seed the tank with as many pieces of live rock, and with different live sands.


Thank you...