Fist SW Upgrade: 55 to 90 gals

Rychek

It' in San Antonio as well. If you search for "aquarium" in San Antonio on craigslist, you'll see the ad.

Rychek

I have yet to do much with my new tank due to a lack of funds. Sick fish have a way of depleting my budget rather rapidly. However, my wife cleaned the tank out for me while I was at work the other day and she put something in it for me. Just thought I'd share a pic of the temporary inhabitant.





She had a fun time in there, brief though it was.

Rychek

It's official, my overflow weir will be built this weekend then I'll get the tank drilled the the weir installed early next week. Pics to come as soon as it's done.

Nereaga

Nice! I have soooo much fun starting up a new tank... I think I am more addicted to the DIY aspect than anything....

And the fact that I can "Tinker" with my setup forever!

Fun Stuff! Keep us posted!

Rychek

I hear that! I really enjoy the assembly and stocking of a tank the most. Once that's done, I start itching to do it again. My wife thinks I'm crazy.

Rychek

My 90 gal is drilled and the sump has been installed. $80 for two holes and the overflow is a sweet deal. A cheap HOB overflow would've cost at least that new and I don't have to worry about losing my siphon.

I'll post pics once I take a few after work.

I woke up to find my tang, clowns and mandarin dead in the QT. I've been half expecting them to die (more as a precaution than a desire though), so it wasn't a huge blow, but I'm going to miss them. Especially the mandarin. I'm just glad he didn't starve to death. On the bright side, it will be easier to transition my tank with only the Lawnmower Blenny and the inverts.

Rychek

Here are a few pics of my 90 gal's new overflow:







It's a little dirty in the tank and overflow. I haven't had a chance to clean it out yet. Too much fish drama recently.

Rychek

So I was doing a bit of measuring this evening when I encountered a little problem with my sump plans. I was planning on using my 30 long as a sump, but it won't fit in my stand (without modifications that involve a saw). I have a 20 high, but I want a lower, longer tank for my sump. Besides, the 20H is my quarantine and I've run some chemicals through it (none containing copper) and I don't want to chance contaminating my display.

My new plan is to get a 20 long and use that. I know the 20 is plenty large for a 90 gal display, but the 30 would've been so much nicer. Oh well. Que ser? ser? right?

The only piece of hardware I'm contemplating at this point is the return pump. I'm going to have a fuge in my sump, so I don't want too much water flow, but I need enough to keep things fresh. Any suggestions/comments on a quiet and reliable return pump?

Rychek

Good news! I've found a way to make my 30 long fit into my 90 stand. I have to dismantle the back of the stand, but it's very easy to do without causing any permanent damage. I just can't do it with the tank on the stand.

I've ordered a Mag 9 to serve as my return pump. I was going to use an Eheim 1262, but the Mag 9 was almost 50% cheaper.

Here are a few pics of my plumbing:

Nereaga

Seems to be coming along nicely. I think that the setup of a new tank is so fun, but thats just me.

Might I suggest one more baffle before going to the return area. I would do three total; over-under-over would be the layout, IMO. I use this and with the help of a filter sock, I get a very minute amount of micro bubbles in my display from all the plumbing. Not needed but I will point out my opinions on it...


My next tank if not reef ready, I will employ the Calfo style overflow myself, like you did. I really like it instead of a overflow hanging on the back of the tank.... Just another option....

Keep posting the build! Informational to all that reads!

Brad