I finally got the 90G tank setup. Took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with the plumbing and then I got side-tracked with my LED lights. FINALLY, I have water, rock and sand in the tank. Still working with thecowkid on the overflow box and then I can run it full speed!


(Wide shot, the LEDs in the center aren't on, hence the dark area.)

Plumbing
I decided to drill the back wall of the tank for my drains. The bottom wasn't predrilled and it has a sticker that it's tempered. I've got two 1.5" drains, 4" from the top, one primary and one backup. Calcs show that each should be good at about 1200 gph. I'm shooting for 15x turnover rate so that should work nicely. Got the hole saws and bulkheads from http://www.diamondbitsusa.com, great guys to work with if you need stuff! 1.5" PVC drains down to 30-something gallon sump. Went with the external durso-style drain. SUPER QUIET.


Dual External Durso Drain

Sump
The sump isn't anything out of the ordinary. Split into three sections, left is the fuge, center is the return pump, right is the primary drain entry. The drain is split to have a slow feed into the fuge. The fuge has its own drain into the return section. The fuge is about 10g I would guestimate.


Sump

Aquascape
I bought my LR from http://www.premiumaquatics.com. Got 40 lbs of cured fiji and 40 lbs of cured fiji base rock. They gave me exactly the kinds of pieces I asked for. Unfortunately with how cold it's been here in NJ, the rock is pretty bleached and unhappy looking. I wanted to make an arch and it turned out that I could make several! I'm really happy with how this turned out. I have another 30lbs from my other tanks that will go in here once I make the transfer. I also have 80lbs of LS.


FTS


Right Side

Nice looking tank. Im planning on drilling the back of my 75 when I move. Gonna get rid of my 55g FW cause the gf doesnt like it and I just wont need it. So that will be my nursery until 75 is all drilled and ready to go.

Good job

Thanks, I'm happy with how it came out so far. Can't wait to stock it! Drilling was easier than I thought, just went slow and used lots of water. I'm swapping my 10g FW into my 24g NC once I transfer the other two tanks into the 90G.

Good luck on yours.

Did a quick water test last night. Nitrite = 0, Nitrate = detectable, but low. pH 7.8, added buffer.

I'm a bit perplexed about the results, no way I'm that far into the cycle already. I'm going to say I'm still on the other side of the hump and haven't started up the hill yet.