[zoalord]

Ok I'm severely confused on what to buy.
Went to LFS and they have a Deep Sea Aqautic Pro 90G fish tank with very nice stand that looks like furniture with overflow built on. They have said they will sell it for 1250$

I can't find this tank anywhere online to see if its a good deal or not. Originally they had it listed for 1361$ but when I asked then dropped it 110$.

I am also closely located to glasscages.com and they have a 90G which doesn't look as much like furniture as just a tank stand, but the tank with overflow would be 847$

which to me would provide more money for a wet/dry filter, lights, pump and everything else involved.


I know a salt water tank setup is an expensive hobby, but I'm not sure if the benefit is there to put 1250$ towards a tank and stand when I can get the same exact tank and a different stand for 400$ less.
The 90G tank at the Fish Store was being sold for 399$
If I get it through Glasscages.com its 311$ with the better glass.

Please help! Thanks

[Jason L]

what is the fright

[Jason L]

make a deal with the lfs tell them you will buy everything from them lights,rock,sand,h20. remember they should be working on 100 plus mark up! they need to sell it you you more than you need to but it from them

[NATIVEVAMAN]

And dont let them sell you a wet dry system.There are much better ways.

[zoalord]

i found out it was the classic all-glass stand and canopy and 90g rectangle tank.
I called another LFS and found it that it normally sells for 1600$ so I think the 1250$ is a good deal.

And what would you suggest as opposed to a wet/dry filter??

I've done quite a bit of research and that seems to be the standard.
Thx,
Z

[fishytyme]

I also just purchased a new fish tank about a month ago. I paid 650 for a 90g reef ready tank with nice black stand and staind black glass door, also included a t-5 light. I think going used is a better way to go but i figure it was a good deal so i brought it. hope this helps.

* edit * it was a aga all glass tank.

[WILLIAM1]

I would check out the atlanta reef club we are always selling tank and good equipment there and it does not seem like your to far if you had a truck. a guy in woodstock was selling a nice set up. Good A#$ prices too.

Atlanta Reef Club

[WILLIAM1]

Heres a couple tanks for sale if you dont mind a drive swear you will save big $$$$$$$ this is factual.
135 gallon $1500..
135gal for sale - Atlanta Reef Club Forums
75 gallon $950.00
75 Gallon Tank, 2 sumps, T-5 light, stand, hood, etc for sale! - Atlanta Reef Club Forums
Everything for Sale! Tank, Equipment, Etc. - Atlanta Reef Club Forums
220Gal w/ ALL equip............. Make me a reasonable offer - Atlanta Reef Club Forums

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I would recomend a sump/refugium.If you buy a used tank and do the build yourself you can get it done for 50$'s or so as opposed to the 2 or 300$'s to buy the wet dry.

[zoalord]

nativevaman: thx for your help. You will probably hate me for asking all of these stupid questions.

I plan on getting Aquarium Filtration: All-Glass Aquarium MegaFlow Sump Filter Wet/Dry Filter

Megaflow Sump/Filter Model 3

Do i also need to purchase a protein skimmer as well as the above sump/filter? If so what do you recommend?

Finally can I turn the sump part of that megaflow into a refugium like you are talking about or should that be a whole different section?


My knowledge is very small as the only tank I had before this was a 30G with a skimmer hang on and a filter hang on. I had lots of algae problems probably for lack of water changes.

I would like to be as proactive as possible so that it doesn't require as much maintenance.

I've heard the bigger you go in salt water the less maintenance there is.
True/False?

Thx!

[Jason L]

make sure you get a biger skimmer get one for like a 125 gal tank if you are getting a 90 gal tank. I use the wet/dry to and have had no problems.Plus for another 100 in change I would get a uv.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

It seems the best skimmers on the market today are either ASM or Octopus,lots of good bang for the buck.A lot of people will tell you that bio balls are a problem when it comes to nitrates.Either by creating them or putting them in the tank by disturbing them.I will tell you that in most cases they are more expensive than live rock by the pound.Refugiums,even the small ones are of great benefiet to a reef tank.They cant be beat for nutrient export and added stability from the extra water volume.I truly see no logic in spending 180 extra dollars to buy the trickle filter system when you can build one for 50$'s.If you have 1.5 pounds of live rock and a sand bed of 4 inch's or so along with a good skimmer the bio balls become useless.Add to that a good sized refugium and you will have cleanest water possable.UV filters are indiscriminate killers,they kill everything that goes thru them,including copapods.I could see having one for disease outbrakes as a "just in case" thing.I would not consider using one 24/7 or during a tank cycle.Here is a drawing of a simple sump/fuge that will work in any size tank and make a great pod farm for free food.

[zoalord]

how many pounds of live rock should a 90G tank have.
Ive read that a lound per gallon or sometimes 1.5lbs per gallon

[DEWAYNE]

well, just keep in mind that the more live rock you add, will take away from your over all gallons of water in the tank, live rock is a great filter, I think you could do 100lbs with no problem, or you could do less, also add live sand this will help the tank in filteration.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

With 100 pounds of live rock in 90 gallon tank it will look empty.

[aquasalt]

Honestly, don't spend the money on that tank! Take your time, read read read, study some build threads and get inspired to DIY. It's much more fun and rewarding that way! As you go, I would check craigslist, the forums, and newspapers for nothing less than awesome deals. You don't want to be cheap, but there are plenty of way to save money. I set up my 90G for $400 second-hand and have been very content with it. It came with a wet/dry that I replaced last weekend with a "simple sump" consisting of a 20 gallon long aquarium, and some glued baffles. It's soooooo much better! Whatever you decide, best of luck!