Need some help getting started.

[Brandt724]

Ok, so I have been back into the hobby for about a year now, I have a 29 gallon and 40 gallon both fresh water. I am buying a 90 gallon tank from a friend and really wanting to branch off into saltwater. I am wanting to do a reef tank.

I have been digging and reading and digging some more on the setup of a saltwater tank and its becoming overwhelming do too the vast majorities of ways to go at it. Im wanting to do a sump set up. Not sure if the tank is tempered or not yet though. As for lights im wanting to use 48" trueLumen Pro LED bars. I have 2 36" TrueLumen bars on my 40b freshwater and they are doing wonders for plant growth.

I guess what im asking for is just some tips in the right direction. I really want to make this happen.

Here is a picture of my 40b

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[BigRedsReefs10]

Those lights aren't going to support much in terms of coral. Lighting, test kits, and an ro/di unit for water purity are 3 most important things for a successful reef IMHO. Check out the Tao panels off of eBay or amazon, any reef lighting thread on this forum will most likely have a link to them.

 

[Brandt724]

Couldnt find anything on ebay when I searched Tao. Any input on these?

Also I read that the TrueLumens did great on reef tanks but there were only a few reviews. Id rather go with something proven though

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[Masoniac]

New Dimmable 120W Aquarium Coral Reef Fish Tank White Blue LED Light Black Shell | eBay

There's the light I used over a 20Long tank and I am going to use it over my 75. I was able to grow everything under it. You would only need 2 units.

 

[54seaweed]

I keep one of these over my 90g it's more than enough for my needs ,
I do have a 3" shaded area on both ens but I used 2 6" blue led strips on either end that changed that , The strips I got at walmart $10. each , I just keep low light corals in those spots anyway , I mostly keep lps and softies and a few leathers ,
I keep my tao light aprox 10" off the surface , I also use a egg crate light defuser that helps spread the light through out the tank ,
the pict below is of my 90g with 1 tao light as you can see I get plenty of light,
I run the blues 90% and whites between 50%/60%

Like I said I keep LPS , softies , leathers ,
things seem to grow at a fairly rapid pace and are not in no way light deprived ,
If you do intend to grow SPS than yes you will need 2 of these lights ,
I also have a center brace on the tank but as you can see it don't inter-fear with the lighting,
the one thing is I open up the light casing 2x a month to clean out any salt residue along with any dust the fans may suck in ,
even though I tear it apart so much it's one of the best light I ever had , I just chalk it up as maintenance
almost everyone on this site uses them with great results
this pict show how the corals respond to the lighting

 

[Brandt724]

54seeweed, thanks. Your post was a lot of help! For as cheap as those lights are ill start with 2 and possibly even 3 if needed. So my light problem is lined out now, now I need some thoughts on prorien skimmers and whether I should drill the 90 gallon or use a hang on pump.

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[54seaweed]

I use the HOB overflows , just simpler

 

[Masoniac]

Lifereef makes a really nice overflow. I just got one and love it.

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[Brandt724]

Got my 90 gallon today! Got it and a water purifier system, now for a protien skimmer and lights! And of course all the other odd and end stuff thats will nickle and dime me to death lol

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[Brandt724]

90 gallon plus Fluval 406 canister filter, plus lids dual t8 light air pumps 2 200 watt heaters and stand for 175 dollars.

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