derek's 90g build, red deer

[Trocar61]

i want to start a thread about my 90g that i set up recently. so any opinions on my tank and the way i have things set up or ways that i can advance would be appreciated.


http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/P9260294.jpg
this is my 90g tank that i set up august 2009.

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/P9260297.jpg
right side view


http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_1898.jpg

my system includes a 4x65w pc lighting, 48in long the lighting is 2 10k daylight and 2 true actinics.
for flow i am running two k4's and one k1, for a return pump i have a laguna pond pump.
for a skimmer i am running a coral life125.
2 little fishes phosban reactor.

[Trocar61]

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2448.jpg
my sailfin tang
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2444.jpg
my coral beauty
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2440.jpg
my fish cruisin around

[Trocar61]

Here is a different shot

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2518.jpg

Here is some shots of my additions tell me what you think.

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2474.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2274.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2530-1.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2527-1.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2528-1.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2519-1.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2529-1.jpg

[Trocar61]

I am planning a new tank build and selling this one.
my planes are to do a shallow tank, not sure what I want yet I am looking for any help I can get. Any ideas on size, how I should set it up. Lighting i should use i want to go with T5 just not sure what ones yet. My wife gave me the go a head on this as I am turning 40 in march so as a gift I get a new system want tank 100 gallons + :lol:

[the marine apprentice]

looks good derek. i cant wait till you get your plans for your new tank.

[Trocar61]

would help if people would give me some ideas...come on people there has to be someone...:lol:

[sharuq1]

Looking good. I love mix of softies and LPS. The mushrooms look awesome.

[the marine apprentice]

hey derek has that little nem move yet? you should put some rubble by it so when it moves you can scoop him up

[Trocar61]

Thanks man, I am still in the learning process. need more input.:mrgreen:

[Trocar61]

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2529-1.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2533.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2531.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/My%2090%20Gallon%20Reef/IMG_2536.jpg

And some more shots.

[Trocar61]

Hey Terry they are still in the same spot. I will try and do that tomorrow see what happens.

[MMAX]

Hey how's the GSP doing? Are you planning on keeping all those fish in your 100gal? If so it might not be big enough especially for the tangs.

[Trocar61]

The GSP is doing great. As for the fish I don't have the clowns or striped damsel any more. I am planing on a new system for my 40th Birthday the wife gave me the ok, So I'm pretty stoked I plane on a shallow cube over a 100 gallons so I am asking anyone for ideas, or Suggestions so How is your build going?

[MMAX]

I haven't posted any pics for a while. The piping is pretty much done and I got my RO/DI system this week. Shouldn't be much longer before I can fill it.

[Trocar61]

Thats sweet keep me posted.:mrgreen:

[Trocar61]

Does anyone have a good cube size tank suggestions? I am going to be getting a new system in march and would like some ideas. I will be selling my 90 Gallon. And going bigger but would like a cube or a shallow tank. So any ideas would be great. Mixed LPS with some SPS. Recommend lights would help me out also, sump size over flow ideas bla bla I new to this so throw anything at me. Thanks

[MMAX]

Are you dead set on getting a cube? Check out JDigital's 105gal custom shallow paradise build. I think his dimensions are 72L X 24W X 14T. If I had the room in my house I would have gone with the 6 foot length.

[Trocar61]

Ya I have seen it is very nice, thats what got me going on my new build. Some ideas would be great but cant seem to get any. Come on people anything...:biggrin:

[MMAX]

All I can suggest is if you plan on keeping your tangs, a cube might not be the best way to go. A lot of other people in here would tell you this too. To keep those guys happy they need to swim and a 72" long tank or greater would be a good choice. For example if you wanted to keep the 4 foot X 4 foot, to give you 100gal your height would only be 10" which is not good. The smaller length and width you go the higher you can go on your height but it might not be good for your fish. As for overflows, the choice is totally up to you...internal, external, corner or middle. Just be sure to get 2 drains so you can build a Herbie system which will keep things quiet. If you want to go with a shallower design you won't need metal halide lighting to keep your corals. T5s would be all you need. Give Kevin @ Red Coral a call (403)338-1880. Tell him what you want to do (size, dimensions) and what you are planning on keeping for livestock. He'l be able to suggest something that will work for you.

[Trocar61]

Thanks for the info. I will look in to it. So any progress with you system yet?

[the marine apprentice]

check this out. this would be a sweet looking tank derek. http://reddeer.kijiji.ca/c-pets-other-FISH-TANK-OR-REPTILE-CAGE-W0QQAdIdZ182865212

[MMAX]

Thanks for the info. I will look in to it. So any progress with you system yet?

I've been fighting a bout of the flu for the last couple of days, just so happens to be on my days off. Feeling a bit better today so maybe I'll get back to work on it tomorrow.

[Trocar61]

Ya I seen that tank..its pretty nice but to deep for my liking.

[Trocar61]

Mmax hope your feeling better. ya it sucks when your sick on your days off. should be the other way around.

[Chase31]

how about 105 G i love this tank
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=57734
FTS:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/105G%20Shallow/IMG_0227.jpg

105G:dimensions of 72x24x14 trimless tank(with a 12.5" waterline) (will work for tangs :D)

72"x36"x17" will give more aqua scape options, works out to about 140G with a 12 inch waterline
(180G with a 16 inch waterline)

and i would say external overflow as i really like them for some reason but maybe a dual one going to a refugium and one to the skimmer then meet in the middle of the sump for a return?


thats my two cents on a shallow tank

[the marine apprentice]

josh's tank is really sweet dont think derek has room in his fish room for that haha.

[Trocar61]

I have a basement remember i can fit a 72'' in my fish room or any bigger and it has to go down stairs.

[Chase31]

okay how about this
70"x36"x17" ?

[Trocar61]

That would be sweet. Home many Gallons would that be? And could I get away with 48'' t5 8 bulbs.

[Chase31]

185G, 175G with a 16 inch waterline if you only wanted coral on one side you could get away with it, otherwise id go with two fixtures
(http://www.aquadyntech.com/tanksvolume.html)

[Trocar61]

Thanks Chase. I will look in to it. Ya I would want coral through out the system
So I would need 2 36'' t5 setups. or 1 72'' what would be less cost in your opinion. and how many bulbs would one go with.

[Chase31]

well im no expert, well actually you probably know more then me as my tank barely has rock in it but here i go again

okay so $660 for Sunlight Supply 36" Tek Light T5 Fixture - 6-Bulb, 6 x 39W
Two of those
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/sl-t5tl3606/Sunlight+Supply+36%22+Tek+Light+T5+Fixture+-+6-Bulb,+6+x+39W.html

you could get a MH+ t5 for like 2 grand

thats really all i could find
the two have six bulbs so that would probably be the cheaper option, you could always look for some used ones

[Trocar61]

cool thanks chase.

[Chase31]

i tryed, might want to look into someone who knows what there talking about :P:P:P

[Trocar61]

not a problem...this is how we all learn..hope to get some more ideas from you people. let me have some.:mrgreen:

[c me fish]

You could always get one 5ft fixture... if you center it, you wouldn't really notice that the 6 inches on the sides are not under direct light. This would cut down on the bulb replacement too as the longest bulbs available are 5ft long, so you would only need half as many to cover the same length.

[MMAX]

well im no expert, well actually you probably know more then me as my tank barely has rock in it but here i go again

okay so $660 for Sunlight Supply 36" Tek Light T5 Fixture - 6-Bulb, 6 x 39W
Two of those
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/sl-t5tl3606/Sunlight+Supply+36%22+Tek+Light+T5+Fixture+-+6-Bulb,+6+x+39W.html

you could get a MH+ t5 for like 2 grand

thats really all i could find
the two have six bulbs so that would probably be the cheaper option, you could always look for some used ones

That's $660 for two 36" fixtures not including bulbs. So figure out how much 12 39W T5s will run you. Sunlight Supply also has a 72" Maristar fixture, 3 X 250W MH & 4 X 39W T5 for $960...oh yeah, all bulbs and MH ballasts sold seperately. Lighting is probably the most expensive thing you'll buy so bite the bullet and get something good. What the hell, go for the Geisemann, it's only $4000+.

[Trocar61]

ya thats a little to rich for my blood. come on I'm only a funeral director.:cry: I am not going to go with MH im am going t5s so I can keep cost down and heat.

[Albertan22]

You'll want to consider what corals you want to put in if you're looking at 39W T5 bulbs. Mind you, if you're looking at a shallower tank it might be ok. Covering that length of a tank you might be better off with some MH pendants. I have an 8 x 59W bulb Tek light over my 120g (24" deep) and it throws a lot of heat. My temperature swings 4 degrees between lights off and lights on, though I do have a canopy over the tank. Cost of replacement bulbs is also a consideration, it costs me a little over $200 to change out my bulbs, which needs to be done at least once per year. Don't get me wrong though, I wouldn't switch my T5s for a MH on my tank, but they're a more attractive option for longer tanks.

[Trocar61]

I would not go 39 watt, I would go with 54ho t5, and it will be a mixed sps lps.
So I think it should work I have seen others with great success. And nice coral growth. Thanks though. not sure how shallow I will be going. still trying to decide.

[Trocar61]

Where would a good place be to have a Aquarium built. I live In Innisfail So some place close. Any one have any ideas. or good suggestions.
Thanks.

[Chase31]

did you decide on dimensions?

[MMAX]

Did you check out Red Coral? Golds builds tanks also and Cowtown's only an hour away so that's fairly close.

[Trocar61]

Not yet I want to get info on places and then sit down and call around.
the size will be 110 or bigger.

[Trocar61]

Would anyone know why my toad stool always closes up for a week or so, then re open. Same with my colt coral. All the other coral in my system look great and are doing well. Have checked all my prams.

Nitrite 0.1
Nitrate 0
PH 8.2
Alkalinity 10
Cal 350
mag 1050
Phosphates is a little high 2.0
I would love to figure out how to keep everything at par.
like my mag, Alkalinity, Cal. cause I have at least 5 gallons of water evaporate every 2 days. and I think that is why I can not keep everything in check. Any ideas on this mater would be of great help.
Thanks.

[Trocar61]

Bump

[Chase31]

i heard people use dosing to top up instead of ro water maybe?

[Trocar61]

Bump Come on guys help me out here.

[fishytime]

Calcium and magnesium are low.....that may have something to do with it......or it could just be the way your corals "act".......I had a patch of gsp that would close up for weeks at a time, I kept thinkin it was dead....:wink:

[Trocar61]

Thanks for the replies, anyone else

[The Grizz]

If it is anything like the Devlis Hand leather it might be molting. Both my DH and TS seem to do it.

[The Grizz]

Where would a good place be to have a Aquarium built. I live In Innisfail So some place close. Any one have any ideas. or good suggestions.
Thanks.

Have you ever thought about building it yourself? Get the glass cut local and put it together. If I was to do another custom tank I think that is how I would do it.

[Trocar61]

Ya actually my devils hand does it also good point thanks grizz. any ideas on how to keep my perimeters up. how would one dose when adding 5 gallons of top off every few days. i suck when it comes to figuring out how much of all the additives to add.

[The Grizz]

Ya actually my devils hand does it also good point thanks grizz. any ideas on how to keep my perimeters up. how would one dose when adding 5 gallons of top off every few days. i suck when it comes to figuring out how much of all the additives to add.
All I do and it seem to work well is mix your water/salt to match tank salinity. Then test the water for Mg, Ca & DKH, add your additive to bump to required levels. I have found once I had my Mg up to 1400 ppm that the Ca & Alk balanced out and stayed.

Start with a small amount of additive and record how much it bumps then you have an idea of how much you need to bump it to where you want it. Does that make sence to you?

[Trocar61]

Ya kinda, So I would add the additives only when I do a water change, or when I add my 5 gallon top off every other day...Sorry I am stupid when it comes to this ****.

[Trocar61]

oh and what test kits do you guys use:question:

[The Grizz]

No worries, I didn't know crap about additive's and such, but have leared a lot quickly.

Well it all depends on what your tank levels are, if they are low you should add with top ups for sure. But if they are ok then you should not have to add with every top up. I check my parameters weekly and adjust if need be.

For test kits I use API for everything except Mg I use Elos.

[Trocar61]

Cool Grizz, Thanks for the help...I have herd alot of good things about you. hows the new build going.

[The Grizz]

No problem, I try to remember everything some of the big dogs here have taught me and pass it on.

Glad to here it is good thing's your are hearing about me, if it was bad things I might have to hunt someone down and ............well you get the point, lol

The new tank build is going OK but it would be better if I could sell the 155 BF so I could finish this one. My light's should be in tomorrow I hope as long as USP does not get lost.

[Trocar61]

Ya i here ya well thanks again for the info really appreciate it. I will have to come out and check the new build when your done. I live in Innisfail so we are pretty close. Marine apprentice knows who I am. Im the undertaker...lol anyways talk with you later.

[MMAX]

Any new updates Derek? Did you find a tank yet?

[Trocar61]

Nothing yet, Still trying to figure out what size to go with. Im have to sell my other tanks, before the wife agrees to let me purchase the new one. and thats pretty hard when you have the tank full of fish and coral. I'm trying to work her so I can bye the new one first then sell the old one. but its not working very well.:sad:

[The Grizz]

I happen to know where there is a really nice 155 gal BF for sale,:wink::wink:

[Trocar61]

Ya I bet you do.:biggrin: To big for my room.

[Slick Fork]

Nothing yet, Still trying to figure out what size to go with. Im have to sell my other tanks, before the wife agrees to let me purchase the new one. and thats pretty hard when you have the tank full of fish and coral. I'm trying to work her so I can bye the new one first then sell the old one. but its not working very well.:sad:

Sometimes showing her the Ad for the old ones will convince her that you're motivated!

[Trocar61]

Hey never thought of that.:biggrin:

[Trocar61]

Well I have ordered my new tank went with 48x30x20....should be done this week....Also picked my lights up went with the Tek 8 bulb unit pretty stoked has the protective lens cover and hanging kit with it. Now for the stand and sump...Got my father and a friend going to help me out on the stand Sump not sure yet...So soon I will have pics for everyone.....Can't wait....:lol::lol::lol:

[MMAX]

Good to hear, nice size of tank. If you need any help moving that big chunk of glass inside let me know.

[Trocar61]

Hey Man, Thanks I might take you up on that offer Just put the bulbs in my new lights.looks sweet but cant use them until the new tank is done. So Hows the system going for ya?

[MMAX]

Going ok, just taking things real slow. Got my first fish 2 weeks ago (lawnmower blenny) and along with my snails are keeping the algae in check. Might try to catch my orange spot goby out of my 20 and get him working on the sand bed.

[Trocar61]

Well thats cool make sure you keep updating the pictures....So have you been happy with the lights.I bought the same ones as you....I would not mind stopping by your place to see how you mounted them I have to figure out how to do it...I did buy the cables for it, and also the lens cover....so pretty excited to see what they will look like on the new tank.

[bauder1986]

derek its terry im over at joshs house right now and i forgot my canreef password. toss that light up on your 90 and see how it does.

[MMAX]

Well thats cool make sure you keep updating the pictures....So have you been happy with the lights.I bought the same ones as you....I would not mind stopping by your place to see how you mounted them I have to figure out how to do it...I did buy the cables for it, and also the lens cover....so pretty excited to see what they will look like on the new tank.

The lights are great although I need to start adding a few corals to see how they preform. Shouldn't have any problems. The real test will be when I put a clam or two in but that won't be for a while. What bulb combo did you go with? You still have my number? Give me a call (I'm almost always home evenings) and come have a look.

[Trocar61]

Hey Terry I might to see how they look..:biggrin:

[Trocar61]

Hey MMax I dont have your number not sure what i did with it...PM me with it...And for the Lights I went to red coral and Doug help me out with them I will have to see what they were cant remember. I bought the ATI bulbs a KZ coral-life I think.

[Trocar61]

Some new additions to my tank hope you like..
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2668.jpg
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2669.jpg
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2691.jpg
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2715.jpg
This dude is full of eggs.
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2717.jpg
Well thats all.Now if my new tank would just hurry up and get here.

[Trocar61]

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2660.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2685.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2691.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2703.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2696.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2707.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2544.jpg

And some more pics.....:biggrin:

[Trocar61]

Well started my new stand today for the new tank. My father is skinning it tomorrow and putting the door on. it is going to be pretty nice when its done....PICS TO COME. Should have the new tank next weekend 48X30X20:biggrin:

[Trocar61]

Well here is a few shots of the new stand....Will add the new tank and lights....later on tonight.:biggrin:

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2728.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2729.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2731.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/Trocar61/IMG_2734.jpg

Will have the final look later tonight....with the doors on tank on top and lights above. Thanks for looking.

[the marine apprentice]

Lookin really nice Derek have you talked to Dan about that sump yet? Or have you thought of a different tank for that.

[Trocar61]

I've talked with Dan....Hope to get that one off of him but he wants a little to much so we will see what happens..