Starting a 90 gallon reef build

[Rwc]

Well I'm moving forward with my tank build ,just left ocean gallery to get pricing. I've settled on a 90 gallon deep blue and a 40 gallon breeder custom sump. Priced out ai vega lighting, ecotech mp40,and possibly a apex controller. I only purchased the breeder today as I'm slowly buying the components of this build. Any reviews on the vega lighting ,user control ease? Ect. Recommendations On designs on sump with refugium. Thanks Ron

 

[iTzJu]

good luck! I had a 90 and it was awesome. I will be following along.

Contact Brian (Fish Brian) has AI Vega over his tank for his thoughts on the fixtures.

 

[Rwc]

I am only starting out with the one mp40 because of the $ I will have two on it down the road though.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I am only starting out with the one mp40 because of the $ I will have two on it down the road though.

If its a standard four foot 90, one MP40 is enough. You might want or need to supplement with a Koralia or some other powerhead for "dead" areas.

 

[greybolt03]

I have 2 Vegas over my 120 and love them they are awesome lights. Very easy to use. And the new controller options are cool..I have my lights set to the Great Barrier Reef..

 

[Rwc]

I was originally thinking 2 mp10's but they said running full blast they wouldn't cut and I wouldnt be happy with the money spent.im currently running two koralias on my 55 , you get what u pay for ,with the wave maker sometimes they run in reverse and they vibrate like crazy but for the money spent I'm happy with them though.

 

[iTzJu]

I believe that two mp10s would definitely be good enough for a 90. I suggest looking for used ones to save some $$$ either way.

 

[jgraz]

I had 2 mp10's on my 90 before I caught a deal on mp20's. the 10's were plenty. I used reef crest topping out at max flow. When I went to the 20's I kept a 10 in there also. I have since upgraded the drivers and made the 20's, 40's. they max out at just over 50%. One mp40 would do fine but you would probably need something to cover the dead areas. I think 2 10's are better.

 

[matt2939]

Sounds like good equipment. I have 2 mp10s on my 57g, which is a 3 foot tank and its more than enough. I have it set to about 70% now. So with your tank it might be enough. I really like having two in anti-sync reef crest mode.

 

[Rwc]

I don't want to spend touch but I think I'm going to go with the single mp40 for starters and supplement with a koralia until I get the extra cash for a second mp40. My thought is the life span of a mp10 would be compromised from running 100% vs two mp40s at 50%. Any other reviews on the Vega

 

[Rwc]

So i have ordered a 40 gallon breeder ,picking it up on Monday then off to Bart's glass to get the baffles cut, now on to the skimmer. I am looking at a reef octopus extreme xs200 on marine depot $370 reviews seem good

 

[Rwc]

well just got back from ocean gallery $800 later picked up my new marineland 90 gallon ,deep blue 40 gallon breeder,950 mag drive pump and an eshopps s-120 skimmer

 

[Zippy69]

Looking good! With this hobby you will always have a lean wallet. Lol

 

[matt2939]

I love the beginning part of getting equipment together and planning it all out. Have fun

 

[Rwc]

 

[Rwc]

hope to start working on the sump tomorrow , picked up the glass from the shopas well as silicone from ocean gallery now i just need to setter on a design.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Very nice woodworking! I'm liking it. Keep the pictures coming.

 

[Zippy69]

1+ looks great!

 

[Rwc]

Now that I have the stand done , I could use a little insight on the canopy. I plan on going with ai vega fixtures I just don't know what height to go with . Does anyone know how far the lights need to be placed from the water level