Going Bigger (Maybe) Part 2 - Recommendations

[shanepike]

Alright, if</em> we were to go bigger, we've tentatively picked out the tank. It's a 90xh with a single corner overflow. I know that's not ideal but</em> it's ideal for the spot where it's going to go. 24 inches front-to-back would be great</em>, but it makes the tank jut out too much into the family room and take over the place.

Assuming that's the direction we take, I need to know what you'd recommend for 2 other components, as specific as you can get:

<ul>
<li>Sump - I\'d prefer to buy rather than build unless there\'s just a hugely compelling reason to build.</li>
<li>Protein Skimmer - From what I read, this is a virtually must-have. (Correct me if I\'m wrong, though.)</li>
</ul>
I know there are all kinds of other things like reactors, but I'm thinking I don't need those right away. Before I go SPS (which is the ultimate goal), I'm going to let the tank get good and mature. That means a few fish and a few simple corals (most of which I already have) and then just enjoy the tank for a year or so until the next round of changes.


Also, is there anything I'm forgetting that I'll need right away (other than lights obviously)?



Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. The previous thread was invaluable!

 

[rdnelson]

In my opinion, building the sump is preferable. Gives you the ability to incorporate what you want where you want it. And, I think it saves money in the long run. If you buy one already made, it may limit your skimmer options.

 

[spankdog]

Since you are looking for suggestions. I went with a tigger systems Ruby 30 Sump and a Reef Octopus SRO-1000INT skimmer for my 90 gallon tank. I've had everything running for a few months now and both are working great.

 

[shanepike]

rdnelson99;764436 wrote: In my opinion, building the sump is preferable. Gives you the ability to incorporate what you want where you want it. And, I think it saves money in the long run. If you buy one already made, it may limit your skimmer options.

The problem with "what you want where you want it" is that I don't know nearly enough to know what I want I figured a nice pre-built sump, though more expensive, would let me learn after</em> the fact. Maybe I change my mind later, but I can't imagine that a sump that comes highly recommended would be so bad that I kick myself later for not just building my own. Though I definitely wouldn't be surprised to be wrong about that

The reason I'm asking for recommendations is that I wished someone would have told me about things like powerheads with suction cups (run away!). I know there are obvious things I should avoid. I just don't know what they are.

Edit:

spankdog;764443 wrote: Since you are looking for suggestions. I went with a tigger systems Ruby 30 Sump and a Reef Octopus SRO-1000INT skimmer for my 90 gallon tank. I've had everything running for a few months now and both are working great.

Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time. I'll definitely look into those.

 

[spankdog]

Just realized that I put tigger, it should read "trigger". Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[eagle9252]

<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">If you get a prebuilt one the best thing is get your other stuff first. Like the skimmer and pump and heaters and filter socks and such. Then make sure it will fit the sump. I built 2 sumps because my stuff would not fit. The first because I decided to add a fuge after the fact and the 2nd because the PS I bought would not fit and it was a cheap one. The third one I'm on now I wished I had put the baffle about 3" from where it is now.</span></span>

<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">So in short it's a true learning process</span></span>

 

[frantz]

Even a pre-built sump can be modified, as was mentioned, a sump should be big enough for the components you want down the road as well as now. You don't have to use the space for a skimmer right now, you can leave it empty. Skimmers are really helpful, but not required if you're willing to do more water changes, but that will increase your salt bill. I have used pre-made sumps and home made sumps, and they both hold water and have compartments.

I would recommend additional power heads to move water around your tank. Most coral really likes movement. I have 7 on my 120 of different sizes. I have them on two different timers so they vary when they are on. If my schedule wasn't so crazy right now I could set a period of time when they were all off to decrease wasted food at feeding time.

 

[shanepike]

Alright, I realized this morning that there's no such thing as a 90xh :blush: Because the 120xh was only 18" front to back, I was assuming this particular 90g we saw was a 90xh since it was 18" front to back. Nope. Just a regular old 90g.