First Reef - 90 Gallon Journal
 

Hello everyone, since I'm going to college, so still living at home, and finally talked my parents into getting an aquarium since I'm too poor ATM to get a big one like I want haha.

I'll be helping them out with it along the way, setting it up, maintenance etc... so I figured since I'm helpin with the tank, I would start a thread on here to track the progress of it.

It's a 75 gallon (as stated in the title) bowfront. Don't have any pics ATM, as it was just purchased while I'm at work :-( This is my first steps into salt water as the title said too, so I may have some questions, but I WILL BE DOING RESEARCH on my own, then coming here if something is unclear. :-D

Just got off the phone with him, included in what he bought:

• Tank
• Stand
• Canopy
• Lighting Fixture (Holds up to 6 bulbs, built in timer, and bulbs)
• Sump
• Return Pump
• Heater
• Live Sand

So far he said about $2000 US. Not sure on brands, but knowing my dad, he is not afraid of and does the whole "give me the best", and the LFS are pretty honest and truly does give the best, even if its not the most expensive. I'll update with brands soon, as well as pics, setting it up tonight after I get home from work.

I know its a while off, but for a first timer, what are some fish, invertabrates and coral that you reccomend? Also, what other advice do you have to offer it setting this up? and and all help appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Well, back to work, will get some pics up here tonight, or in the next few days.

Not worth it IMO the only thing that is actually worth something is the light fixture, but 2k is way too much. That set up should cost you no more than $500 Max IMHO.

How do you figure? Everywhere I look, all 75 gallon bowfronts without stands or canopies new are about 250-350. then adding the stand and canopy... I'm not saying that he did pay too much, but not that much too much.

Sorry princesuhaib, didn't mean to seem rude, I'm sure he could have gotten it cheaper, I was simply stating what he said he paid.

what brand/model skimmer? this is very important. read online reviews and ask around, its also good to get an over rated skimmer. it also wouldnt hurt to join a local reefing club to find equipment cheaper, learn things and meet people.

It's a ASM Mini-G Skimmer. Looking around it seems to have gotten some good, and some not so good reviews. Since its the first tank, well see how it works out for me, if we need to upgrade it, we will.

And thanks for mentioning that, does anyone know of a good one in the Sacramento area? I know I can find them searching online, but I would like to find a decent one.

ASM is a good brand, ive used a mini G but for a 75 id prefer a bigger model. the mini isnt bad though.

google for a reefing club and youll prob. find one close by.

It doesn't sound like too bad of a deal. Yes you can find better deals, but if it was purchased from a LFS then that's why it was so much and it's not used. I've found people in my club selling 300gallon tanks for $300-500 for just the tank or more then that. Look for a local club, they can help you with hands on help, and literally walk through it or help you build it.

I can easily see that costing $2000.00. I see stuff on craiglslist for 90 gallon reef ready bow corner units with lights and sump and all the hardware for $1800.00. And that's used. It's all relative to what you want. The good thing about new material is that there are no surprises, like leaks or scratches.

Well I'm glad that its a good brand haha. I know a lot of people on here say that your protein skimmer can make the difference in the hobby. And yeah, thats why we bought new, it is nice though to be able to find used if we want/have to.

Took a few pics last night, but didn't have time to upload cause I had to leave to go watch Transformers 2.Will upload the FTS with all its cloudyness later today.