90 Gallon Build - Here We Go!

shame shame..... -k ....

 

Although the Apex controller and mp40 look very awesome....the 80 dollars I spent on the two Koralia 4s is much easier to swallow then dropping 400 on the mp40 and however much the controller costs. Maybe in some time!

I've already spent over 1000 dollars and I don't have too much yet...so those big ticket, and not really necessary, items will have to wait! But one day!!

 

The Apex is only $470 shipped from Aquacave with a small discount

Just giving you a hard time It's a lot of money to spend. Slow and steady will get the job done, you're doing great so far 8)

 

Right now I'm about to buy an Aquaclear 110 power filter, (I like to have extra filtration) and I'm looking at pumps for my return pump.

How do I know what size of pump I need? And what's a good brand?

Also, what's a good brand and type of sand?

 

Waste of time, money and space.

Your carbon will run in the reactor.

The live rock and sand is biological filtration. Skimmer will remove dissolved organics and some particulate. This makes the HOB filter useless with a sump.

If you really want mechanical filtration (which is the only other use of the power filter) run a 200 micron filter sock in your sump. Change the socks every couple days and wash them.

 

Okay, I'll pass on the filter then. It just makes me feel better, even if it's not technically needed.

How's this sand? Are the granules too small? https://www.petsolutions.com/Default.aspx?ItemID=18400930

 

I use similar sand with no problem.

Also, if you run the filter pads and don't change them every 2-3 days they will become a nitrate factory in your tank.

 

Okay, I'll order the sand then. Good price and free shipping!! The website also has some base rock...50 pounds for 60 bucks...I don't know though. I think I'd like to see the rock myself before I buy it, but I don't know of any places around here that sell base rock.

This rock looks nice, too http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4436

 

Imo the pukani base rock from bulk reef supply you cannot go wrong with. Light and very poris, you wont need nearly as much of it as what I have seen weight wise in other builds where the rock was more dense. And seeing as you will be buying it by the pound this saves money in the end. I purchased 120 lbs of it and only used roughly 80 and could get no more in the tank. Here is a link if your interested. BRS Pukani Dry Aquarium Eco Rock - English

 

That's the stuff I want. It's really some of the best rock. Period. Awesome price and it's really really porous. GoToSleep used it for his 700 and that's what turned me on to it.