Fist SW Upgrade: 55 to 90 gals

Rychek

I've been thinking that my 55 gal tank is a little on the cramped side. I can't get any of the cool larger fish, I can't fit a sump/fuge in my stand, and my rock takes up a lot of the floor space. I initially wanted a 120 gal, but those are a bit pricey, so I settled for a 90 gal Perfecto tank, a nice looking stand, 300 watt Hydor (glass) heater and glass lids for the nearly too good to pass up price of $175 (I love craigslist!).



I can hardly wait to get the 90 cleaned, drilled and filled. Due to the tempered glass bottom, I'm planning on drilling the back pane and installing a weir type horzontal overflow.
This pic is of a 75 gal tank that a local guy did the work on:


I'm planning on a 30 long gal sump/fuge like the one that gm333 made in the DIY section of the forum: (http://www.fishtankforums.com/28-diy...m-project.html (DIY Sump/Refugium Project)

I will be using the 30 long that my FW fish are currently in once I move the SW fish into the 90 gal and clean the 55 gal for the FW fish.

I haven't decided what I'm going to use for a return pump, or what kind of skimmer I'll ultimately be using. To start with I'll be running my CSS 65 and a BakPak (which should be arriving sometime this week).

For lighting I'm thinking I'd be best off with T5s due to their low heat output (I'm in south Texas and it's blasted hot down here, so any heat reduction is a good thing). I'll be building a custom canopy eventually, so I'll probably get some kind of reto kit. Until then, my Current PC light will suffice.

Thoughts, suggestions, warnings are appreciated.

Nereaga

WOW! Nice price on that setup! Gotta love that list....

I really like the 75g tank with the DIY large overflow with bulkheads.... I wish I would have done this, after seeing a lot of people doing this now.

One Question: Will you be using the BakPak full time on the 90?

Brad

Rychek

Until I get something better, I plan on using both the BakPak and the CSS 65. Neither are up to the task alone.

Nereaga

No I agree. I was just thinking, you are using a sump so you will have MANY options for In-sump skimmers.

Rychek

Unfortunately I don't have a quantity of money to match the quantity of options. Sooner or later I'll be looking for recommendations on sump only skimmers.

Tbx

that is odd I just got a 90 gallon off craiglist.
mine was in grapvine,Where did you get yours from?

Rychek

I got mine here in San Antonio. I initially found it through the Marine Aquarist's Association of Southern Texas (also known as MAAST), then found the exact same thing on craigslist. Same seller on both sights. Turns out he was in a pinch for cash, so I talked him down a bit.

Tbx

I would say you got a hell of a good deal there

Rychek

I like to think so. However, I saw an even better deal last night. It was a 675 gallon acrylic tank for $200! If only I wasn't living in an apartment....

Tbx

Is it any where near my area? I live in Dallas I could get it if it is close enough.