My 90 Gallon project and custom cabinet

So, I am new to this forum but I wanted to share the progress of my tank build.

First let me give you a bit of background info:

I used my old (3year) 90 gallon that had been collecting dust from when I had to break it all the way down. I had to sell my house first before I bought my next...

I had most of my equipment still, pumps, skimmers etc.

At my old house I had it on a store bought stand and hood etc. However when I moved the stand broke ugh!!! I thought that I would never set it up again and just abandone the hobby all together and sell my stuff and tank. (after all it can be quite a bit of work sometimes- well worth it but still)

As luck would have it (I was too lazy to try and sell my equipment) my wife says to me "why don't you put the fish tank back up?" Crazy I know... but she encouraged me to do so.

Here are some photos, by no means does it compare to many of your tanks on this forum but, I am a novice at most things and this is something I am actually proud of.

I respect your opinions so let me know what you think!

















And the finnished product:

 

You've done fabulous job, tons of potential. Nice wife to support you to start the tank back up.
What type of lighting? Are you going to go with corals?

I approve of your beer choice.

 

I just bought the Current LED lights.

I have no idea what I will stock in the tank, the daughter wants a clown (nemo) and a starfish, thats all I know for sure.

I am inclined to go with the softies because i remember them being easier to tak care of... dont know yet. I am up for suggestions

 

The tank is the prefect height for kids!

Clowns and BTA (bubble tip anemones). Let the tank evolve for awhile and get some BTA's. BTA's are super easy, just wait for those dramatic chemistry and new tank swings to end in roughly 5-6 months.

Starfish are tricky, there are not many that are long lived in the average hobbyist tanks. Orange serpent stars though are hardy, and active especially around feeding time. You could also try some small Asterina, or a chocolate chip (although not reef safe).

Ton of cheaper soft corals available.

 

I really like how you did the build in.

 

Thanks!

I am debating on whether adding an additional 10 gal tank as a fuge.

I think I will have a pump in the return section of my sump and pump the "clean" water to the fuge and dump it right back in the return section.

Any thoughts on that?

If anything it would give me another 10 gals to help keep the water more stable/ plus a place to quarantine fish...

 

wow, you SHOULD be proud of yourself! That looks awesome! Most unusual design and use of space I've seen and it is perfect kid height. I'm with Corailline, clowns and an anemone. There are some really interesting inverts - of course hermit crabs, shrimp, urchins, all interesting critters. I've always like water critters Yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp definitely. Ok, I'll stop now.

 

Thanks!

Are there any "easier" sps corals?

How many fish can I keep once its established?

 

Looking good. I like the idea and work. =)

 

I love how you built it in the wall like that. I like the idea of being able to put the sump next to the tank. I think the refugium idea is cool as well. I know some easier SPS corals are Birdsnests and Montiporas.