90 Gallon Saltwater Second Attempt!

Shelby

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So, Previously I had thought about setting up a saltwater tank in a 70 gallon. I even started a journal. Unfortunately that got put off and turned into a freshwater cichlid tank. Well maybe not unfortunately because we like and enjoy the tank anyway.

Now, we have purchased a 90 gallon tank that was previously a saltwater tank so it has powerheads, wet-dry under tank thing, uv sterilizer, protien skimmer, etc. I have slowly been putting in the water. The RO unit makes 9 gallons every 3 hours so it's taking some time for sure!

I decided not to go with "live" sand. Figured it's probably not worth the money they claim it is and I'm in no hurry. I purchsed 60 lbs of Nature's Ocean sand. Rinsed well and placed in the tank. I am in the process of filling the tank and adjusting the overflow. When the tank if full I am going to plug everything in and start adding salt a little at a time as the rock won't be purchased for another two weeks minimum.

*Question: Salt, the box says 1/2 cup per 5 gallons. It's the instant ocean brand salt. Is that a close guess? I realise that I am going to have to adjust it amount somewhat but I'm just wondering how much I can put in before I need to start testing it? Would say 5 cups be a good amount to start with?

*Question: Rock, I plan on purchasing my rock online. I realise this is probably a little risky but as I said, I'm in no hurry. I'm thinking I am going to go with http://www.justliverock.com/catalog/item/6833052/7221610.htm Any opinions?
 
sorry im English so i cant comment on the live rock.
i would add all the salt it says then test it to see if you need to add more :good:
 
sorry im English so i cant comment on the live rock.
i would add all the salt it says then test it to see if you need to add more :good:
 
I'm a little afraid of going overboard because the water is already in the tank. Of course with sand and stuff, it's not exactly 90 gallons due to displacement.
 
Always best to be over cautious Shelby - you actualy need 35mg to every litre to make salt water of approx 1.026

Seffie x
 
1.026? the box says 1.022... Crud! I had it perfect guess I need to add more today. Good thing you commented seffie. There are days when you really save me alot of trouble!
 
There are days when you really save me alot of trouble!

You are very :hi:

If you are planning on a fish only system then that 1.022 would be fine but I am sure you will be wanting a few corals, so it needs to be 1.026 :good:

Seffie x
 
Definitely some corals at a later date. Next month it is going to be the rock. yippee!!
 
Ok, according to the refractometer, we are sitting at a perfect 1.026. Rock will be ordered on Sept 1. Wonder if any critters will still be alive in it when I finally get it? :crazy:
 
Well I was thinking about ordering the 75lbs online and getting the other 15lbs or so locally. What do I need after the rock? Do I need a clean up crew before the fish? And if so what would make a good crew?

What about fish? I have to get the requisite clown fish ;) They really do have tons of personality. I'm thinking a yellow tang. I need bright fish so the boss can see them. Any ideas??
 
yes cuc before fish :good: a good cuc would be lots of snails some hermits. (you dont have to have them but they are an interesting addition to your tank). im getting an sea urchin they eat algae and that purple stuff on you rock. it looks nice but too much can stop your rock being as pourris as what it was. for snails you would want ones that shift the sand and some that eat algae on rocks and walls.
as your tank is big i would get some mexican turbos
lots of cerith snails and nassarius snails.
maybe a mithrax crab?
 
I need bright fish so the boss can see them. Any ideas??

Would it be a good idea to take him for a visit to the lfs and see what he can actually see, size and colour wise, but I expect you have already thought of that :blush:

Seffie x
 
Usually large fish are good with say the colors yellow and orange. Probably blue would be easy for him to see. I really need to look around online and come up with a list and see what will fit and go well together.
 

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