lennon

Hi. LPS suggested the fluval 405 and then a biowheel.

I would like to know what has worked for all of you. I needed something that is easy to maintain. I read that the fluval need to be primed and is difficult to restart for that reason??I am unsure what that means.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Jay

At 90 gallons you have crossed the line of big tank small tank. You are into big tanks. A lot of serious folks run multiple filters on tanks your size, I would start out with an "adequate" filter. I use a Rena xp3 on my 75, it is rated at max tank size of 175 gal. It works just fine for me. I am borderline on adding another filter.

Priming means "prime the pump", "water from intake to outflow". Rena is an extremely easy pump to prime. Go to the Hagen web site and look at the specs. Google search "define: prime". If a pump is difficult to "prime", you do not want the hassle. Oh, and it was a great recommendation from your local fish store, they are making 100% on the deal.

A bio wheel works well, but is not an essential piece of equipment if you cycle your tank correctly, and maintain a solid maintenance, and cleaning routine you do not need one. A compartment of bio filter material in a canister filter works just as well, and you do not have a lot of equipment hanging off the side of your tank.

Jay

importracer

On my 200g I run the following:
(1)FilStar Xp3
(2) AC500's

I've been running 303's and 403's for over 10 years....Recent times have changed and now we are blessed with so monay options...But that's just part of the fun and challenge.....For a 90g, I'd definately use that 405, and I'd throw on some type of hang-on filter such as AquaClear's or Emperor's....Maybe, also throwing in a third filter such as an intrenal filter also made from Fluval.......

lennon

Thanks for all the input. Yes, I was thinking of getting a few more things to help with filtration. I always like to hear what works for others. And very importantly, a quiet system.

Any suggestions on where to get the lighting for less..they don't have the ones I need on the auction site right now.

Jay

I like these guys...always have the best prices on quality goods.

http://www.hellolights.com/

Jay

lennon

Hey there. I don't know if I am looking at the wrong place..but I cannot find the lights I need for the FW tank.

I needed the 48"...
The one local FS told me about were coralife T-5 dual 10,000k etc..
They told me I would need 2 of them. They are black and very low profile. It sat right on top of the tank. Anyway, I do not see them on that site.


Everything is over $100 and the ones they showed me were $64 each.

Do you know what I am doing wrong??

thanks

lennon

Nevermind )

I found it. Here are the specs:


Fixture Includes:
* 28 watt 10,000K daylight and 28 watt true actinic 03 blue T-5 fluorescent lamps
* On/off switch and built-in ballasts
* Sleek, designer-black aluminum housing
* Highly-polished reflector
* Acrylic lens cover
* Adjustable width tank mounts



Would you still change the blues and put 2 10,000k's in each one?

I guess since it is fresh water, maybe i should.

Jay

I would.

The blue is not going to be of any benefit in a FW tank, contrasted against earth tones and green plants. Metal halide light will give you a shimmering effect in a FW, but hang on to your seat when you check those prices

I think you also need to consider that you will have only 112 watts total light with two light strips. That is just 1.25 watts per gallon, so you would have to upgrade your lights to at least 2 watts per gallon if you want to say grow plants.

Like I said before a 90 gal. tank really crosses the beginner/advanced hobbyist line not only in size, but in equipment expense, maintenance issues etc.

Good Luck..
Jay

lennon

Thanks Jay.

Well, I already bought the lights. Can I still upgrade the wattage on those lights by changing the blue ones?

Or do I need to get a whole other set of lights and take a loss on these?

Also, I have not bought the tank yet. Just the stand and canopy.

I can either do the 75 or the 90. So my question is, you said a 90 is more
maintenance issue. In what way?

I really cannot have too much maintenance. So if the 75 helps cut that down, I'll do that instead.

I go the Fluval 405 already. Would I still be able to use that in a 75 gallon?

Thanks so much for all your help Jay. A gal like me is so new to this but want to really try to be successful with these great creatures.

Jay

Somehow I am getting the feeling that you are not reading the posts in this thread.

The questions you are asking are new beginner questions. Most beginning folks get their feet wet (pun intended ) on a smaller tank. The equipment is cheaper, the maintenance is less, going in a wrong direction is less catastrophic both financially and frustration wise. Please do not think I am criticizing you, I want you to succeed and be happy in the hobby, I do not want to see you jump in over your head, a 90 gal and up is a hand full to manage.

To answer your questions:

No , the fixtures you bought will give you 112 watts total (that is with a swap out of the blue)

Yes the 405 would work on a 75, but you may have to make some return tube adjustments to compensate for the heavy water flow.

Just an example: I spend about 3-4 hours a week doing hands on maintenance, water changes, equipment cleaning, etc., but I have automated a lot of routine tasks which cuts down on time.


Jay