Questions for my first SW tank

[richardhmc]

hey all, I wanna start my first sw tank with a 90 gallon.

However, I just have a few questions.
For a skimmer, which is better - Octopus or ASM? (please state which model)

also, if i want to make a sump, how many gallon should it be to support a 90 gallon tank? I have a 30 gallon available for a sump right now but I am not sure if it's enough.

and If I want to get full reef in the 90, what kind of lighting is the best? I do not think I can buy MH because they are so expensive so I might have to stick with ho-t5s.

Thanks!

 

[meschaefer]

hey all, I wanna start my first sw tank with a 90 gallon.

However, I just have a few questions.
For a skimmer, which is better - Octopus or ASM? (please state which model)

also, if i want to make a sump, how many gallon should it be to support a 90 gallon tank? I have a 30 gallon available for a sump right now but I am not sure if it's enough.

and If I want to get full reef in the 90, what kind of lighting is the best? I do not think I can buy MH because they are so expensive so I might have to stick with ho-t5s.

Thanks!

Hi Richard (?)

Octopus vs ASM, I have experience with neither so take my advise with a grain of salt. They are both budget models that have a devoted following. I just recently looked at the Octopus 150 for somebody and thought it might be appropriate for a tank your size. I didn't really look at the ASM skimmer.

Sump: A 30 gallon sump is fine, especially if you have it available. Not the place to spend more money than you have too (for now).

Lighting: This really, really depends on what you intend to keep. Their are plenty of people out there that keep full blown SPS tanks (high light) with just T5. I am a fan of MHs, but that is what I know. For the most part I have used MH with some sort of supplemental lighting.

 

[masterswimmer]

Hi Richard (?) :lol2: Is that going to be how everyone spells your name henceforth?

I recommend viewing some of the members systems to make an informed decision about skimmers/lighting/sumps/fuges/returns/manifolds/reactors/etc. There is much debate about any area of this hobby that you will serve yourself just right by doing some legwork.

From experience there are numerous ways to do things right in this hobby. Many people subscribe to different philosophies and each of them succeed. Find the way that makes you feel comfortable both with the mechanics of the product and the cost of purchase and running it.

I know MANY members on this site personally. I would say 90% (just an arbitrary figure) will welcome you to their home to see their systems. Most, if you're of age, will offer you a :beer: too. We've got a swap coming up on April 27th. I highly recommend you attend. There will be some very informative lectures, vendors selling drygoods and livestock, members for you to meet and talk to and create a small network for yourself. You don't have to have a tank up and running to attend. Nor do you need any frags for swapping.

Hope to see you there.
swimmer

 

[ZZROCOOL]

hey all, I wanna start my first sw tank with a 90 gallon.

However, I just have a few questions.
For a skimmer, which is better - Octopus or ASM? (please state which model)

also, if i want to make a sump, how many gallon should it be to support a 90 gallon tank? I have a 30 gallon available for a sump right now but I am not sure if it's enough.

and If I want to get full reef in the 90, what kind of lighting is the best? I do not think I can buy MH because they are so expensive so I might have to stick with ho-t5s.

Thanks!

Richard (?)
The best advice anybody could give you and I think people are hinting at it is day 1 in this hobby nobody can figure out what's right by doing research or taking 400 crazy reefers advice on this or any forum for that matter (I am included in that group) So I am not gonna venture to offer my opinions on anything accept this. Find a Local Fish Store, there are a group on this site, look to see if they have results you like and do everything their way until you have success! They are so many variables that you need to control as many of them as you can and sticking to 1 persons method or advice up front will lead you to success. Once you understand how and why the method you are trying works then you can intelligently start exploring other options! This hobby can be frustrating and disastrous, find a mentor and stick to it! Aquatic Express, Wonderful World of Fish, Greenwich Aquaria are just a few who are really good at what they do!

 

[wayne]

hey send a pm to this guy he build's sumps so he will give you and idea of what size is best for the tank you have and he can even give you ideas on how to place your baffles and stuff he wont mind giving you info

( custom king )

 

[Sean]

Welcome

Do you own any books?

Look into a good book.

I don't have any personal experience with Octopus skimmers but the ASM's are good. The Octopus looks good as well maybe better but like I said I haven't played with one.

As far as a good sump and lights can you give us an Idea of what you want to keep? Sump-bigger the better as well as the skimmer.

 

[meschaefer]

Richard (?)
Find a Local Fish Store, there are a group on this site, look to see if they have results you like and do everything their way until you have success!

:banghead:

 

[wxl14]

hey all, I wanna start my first sw tank with a 90 gallon.

However, I just have a few questions.
For a skimmer, which is better - Octopus or ASM? (please state which model)

also, if i want to make a sump, how many gallon should it be to support a 90 gallon tank? I have a 30 gallon available for a sump right now but I am not sure if it's enough.

and If I want to get full reef in the 90, what kind of lighting is the best? I do not think I can buy MH because they are so expensive so I might have to stick with ho-t5s.

Thanks!

Your already ahead of the game by finding this website. When I started my tank didnt know about this place. An I spent tons of money on crap. So welcome and good luck. An I will let the more experianced guys give you advice on initial setup. Have fun.