90g reef aquarium build

[Reef Swimmer]

This is my first build and so far so good. Got a 90g with canopy and stand. Had psyko build me a beam animal overflow which is plumed to a mega flow sump which is slightly modified by psyko. Return pump is going to be a Rio 2100, circulation pump is a sicce voyager 2, protein skimmer is a Sky 731 that what it says on the pump anyway. Live rock is 60lbs of Tonga and 50lbs of Fiji. Live sand is white which came with the tank from Ducati996 as well as the skimmer and sump. I'm still trying to decide on what lights to use. Trying to decide between Reef Breeders or AI Sols. Tank needs more cleaning to be do to it but here are some pics with tap water in it testing the overflow box and the modified sump.

[Reef Swimmer]

Ok got tank drilled and had a beam animal overflow box installed as well as work done to my sump. Skimmer is an unknown brand return is a rio 2100, circulation is a sicce voyager 2. I'm getting salinity salt, Red Sea pro coral or neo marine. Light are Chinese blue/white LEDs. I know at some point my tank will turn brown as it cycles but what I'm wondering is what can I start putting in my tank. I'm planning on some zebra turbo snails and blue leg hermit crabs. What I'm wondering is what can I start to put in my tank after its cycled a month. I've been told soft corals are the way to start so I've been looking at zoas and palys as well as mushrooms and duncans. But what else can I add and what are some good fish to start with? I do know I want a couple of scooter bleenies and a watchman goby as well as a lawn mower goby and a diamond goby.

[Scutterborn]

All of those fish you just listed would benefit from a mature system. You will likely experience a bit of heartbreak if you add them so soon.


- Ben -

[Scutterborn]

Personally, I'd start with some chromic or mollies acclimated properly to SW. Both of these fish will be a peaceful addition to what you add in the future and are rather hardy. They are also a good dither fish to help the shy guys.


- Ben -

[Zack]

Personally, I'd start with some chromic or mollies acclimated properly to SW. Both of these fish will be a peaceful addition to what you add in the future and are rather hardy. They are also a good dither fish to help the shy guys.


- Ben -

+1 I have a sunburst molly in my tank and he's a really good addition and does a lot of work in the tank cleaning up algae.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

congrats on your 90, it has a very nice footprint.

finally my 65 tank has done its cycle, hopefully done. dont like these cycles. they seem to destroy everything. My 1st fish I just now added is a blue reef chromis.
Very nice blue and social. I need to get some more.

[Reef Swimmer]

I like the lemon chromis. Going to get a few ie (4 to 6).

[BBQHILLBILLY]

lemon chromis i havent seen that one let me google lol

no experience there but live aquaria says nice fish little aggressive, territorial as it matures

[ramsey]

The lawnmower blenny and watchman goby should be a hardy addition to your tank. Just make sure you have algae for the lawnmower to eat. A yellow watchman goby is one of the hardiest fish I've had. I'd steer clear of the scooter blenny until your tank matures as they most often need to be weened onto frozen food or pellets (which may never happen) and need a lot of copepods or amphipods in the meantime.

[Reef Swimmer]

What does everyone mean when my tank matures. When its a few months old or longer.

[reefreak]

About a year or so.

[ramsey]

About a year or so.

+1 unless you find scooter blennys that are eating frozen food or you're prepared to buy live copepods which would be very expensive.

[ramsey]

+1 I have a sunburst molly in my tank and he's a really good addition and does a lot of work in the tank cleaning up algae.

Where'd you get your mollie? Did you just go to the LFS and acclimate it yourself? I'm tempted to get one for my 38g.

[Zack]

Where'd you get your mollie? Did you just go to the LFS and acclimate it yourself? I'm tempted to get one for my 38g.

Petsmart. I acclimated them over the period of a day slowly adding saltwater to the container until I reached a proper salinity. Some people do longer, and some people just drop them in, many have had success with both methods, I just felt it would be best to do the acclimation method. They are great algae eaters and have a lot of personality. I bought them because my tank is too small for most anthias and this is the closest thing :P