90 gallon build...need advice on fish

The stars are aligning and I just picked up a 90 gallon reef ready tank with a corner overflow. I also got a black pine stand and a hood to match.

I'll be putting it all together starting in 3 weeks. I'll be ordering parts and pieces in the meantime. I haven't decided on much yet as far as equipment or inhabitants yet but I do want to put in about 90 lbs of live rock on an aragonite sand base.

From reading posts here I think I want to start with completely dead rock so I can better control what end up in the tank. We'll see though. Lots to plan over the next few weeks. I'm headed out of town for a couple weeks so I'll be figuring out details then and start in March.

I promise to post some pics this week too before I leave. I know you all love pictures.

Thanks to Mr saltwater tank I know I'm a tank dabbler so I am looking for an easy setup.

Equipment List

90 gallon reef ready tank (offcenter megaflow)
Stand and canopy
270 watt pc lighting - I know it's not enough but it will do until my DIY led is done.
Mag 9.5 return pump
Koralia 1050s to arrive with Hydor Smartwave controller

To do

Find Colorful fish

 

First!


Just kidding, welcome to the 90 club! Waiting for the pics!!

 

Sounds great! I have yet to go over 20g myself.

 

Here is the stand. I think my wife will be requesting that I get rid of the vertical "stripes" on the doors and sides to make it look more modern.

The canopy is also sitting on top of the stand so it is hard to tell them apart in the pic.

 

Here is the tank. It has a corner overflow.

The tank is used but it was free so I'm not complaining. I just need to clean it out.

 

I'm jealous! I have a nano right now, and 90 gallon (or slightly larger) reef ready is my "eventual" planned upgrade! I wish I could find one for free!

What are you planning for lighting?

 

Great question. I haven't figured it out yet.

I was thinking of a DIY LED system. I also may just go with a cheaper light to start out with and upgrade as the budget allows. The canopy will force a custom fit even if it just means attaching a bought light to the canopy.

I am also building a custom filter underneath. Can't wait to show that to you all.

 

once again, I'm jealous! lol. I'd definately go LEDs (that's what I'm planning when ever I finally get the ok to move forward on my first non-nano). I think with the price of bulbs and electricity it wouldn't take long to pay for itself!

 

I should also clarify that free just means that I did some help for him in his shop and he paid me in tank.

It wasn't really free.

Anyone have experience scraping out an old tank? I want to get it as clean as possible without ruining the caulking.

 

White vinegar and water. I used a 2:1 ratio water to vinegar.