125-gallon Peaceful Reef

Due to acquisition of two Marineland 125-gallon tanks, my build plan has changed significantly.
Current plan is to have a 125-reef with a 125-sump with the main chamber for a macroalgae display.
Screenshot of 3D-model of current plan (2021-10-04 16:06):

Spoiler: Previous post updates

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QT Update 2021-11-23:

Stand painted 2021-11-13 (now in my dining room 2021-11-20):

Living room FOWLR is being transferred to the basement:

Now for 90-Display/75-sump FOWLR for my basement fish room:

Spoiler: Basement FOWLR 90-Display 75-Sump

Last Update as of 2021-03-17 10:38
Floor drilled for plumbing down to basement "fish room" (2021-03-16 20:30):

Current FOWLR and in-progress setup photo from this morning (2021-03-10):

Backdrop outdoor posters received for mangrove lagoon and 90-gallon reef (2021-03-08):

Current Fish Stocking List as of 2021-03-11 17:42
Current planned fish list:
90-gallon reef:
1X Fiji Bicolor Foxface (Siganus uspi)
2X Darwin Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
2X Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
2X Sharknose Gobies (Elcatinus evelynae)
1X Rainsford's Goby (Amblygobius rainfordi)
1X Orangespotted Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris guttata)
1X Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
3X Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus cyanosoma) or Seal's Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus sealei)
2X Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris evides)
1X Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoerus melanurus)
1X Engineer Goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia)

75-gallon mangrove lagoon:
1X Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) [already in FOWLR]
1X Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) [already in FOWLR]
1X Snowflake Eel (Echidna nebulosa) [already in FOWLR]
1X One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1X Pink Streaked Wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia)

~40-gallon Sump Refugium Section:
2X Janss' Pipefish (Doryrhamphus janssi)
2X Spotted Mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus)

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Planned layout (shorter stand will be standard rather than custom-built):

75-gallon mangrove lagoon and 90-gallon display are both drilled for Modular Marine 1200gph overflows (awaiting setup and installation). (2021-01-21)

Stand Frame finished and awaiting skin, trim, and countertop (2021-01-04):

UPDATES as of 2020-12-07 13:00
Modular Marine 1200GPH overflows shipping soon, fish list being revised and researched, materials for stand are in my shop waiting for fabrication, most equipment is sourced and on-hand for progress over holiday break

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ORIGINAL POST
After being introduced to keeping a marine aquarium with the acquisition of a 75-gallon FOWLR from a co-worker as detailed in my post in the Meet & Greet forum, I am just starting the planning phase of building a 90-gallon peaceful reef tank.
Since I am new, I am planning to start with more hardy fishes, corals, and invertebrates. Research is one thing I enjoy doing, so I will be careful and patient in the planning phase to reduce likelihood of wasted expense and failures when I am starting out.

I already have the tank (48 inches long, 18 inches wide, 25 inches deep) and stand with an open base design that should allow for a sump. There are no holes drilled in the aquarium for plumbing, so I will probably need overflow over the top, unless drilling through the glass is a consideration I take. A sump with a refugium is very likely to be included (30 to 55 gallons, not sure how to size the sump? ...is bigger better?).
80-lbs of dry rock, 40-lbs of Caribsea Arag-alive Fiji Pink, and 20-lbs of Caribsea Arag-alive Special Grade are on order so I can get rockscape and substrate ready to begin cycling in the next month or two. I am in no rush, but I would like to have the materials on hand when I am ready to start this tank, especially if there is any pre-setup processing I need to do.

This is my initial fish list based on preliminary research, and recommendations for additions, subtractions, or changes are appreciated.
Listed in approximate order of preference:
2 of Black and White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 of Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) [I already have this ~4-inch fish that will be transferred over from my 75-gallon]
1 of Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) or 1 of Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
1 of Foxface Lo (Siganus vulpinus) or 1 of Bicolor Foxface (Siganus uspi) or 1 of One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1-2 of Engineer Goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia)
2-3 of Chalk Bass (Serranus tortugarum)
2-3 of Neon Goby (Elcatinus oceanops)
2-4 of Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus cyanosoma)
2 of Blue/Green Black-axil Chromis (Chromis sp.) or 2 of Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) or 2 of Blue Sapphire Damselfish (Chrysiptera cf. springeri)

Some items on this list are probably not subject to change. My favorite fish is the Black and White Ocellaris Clownfish, especially paired symbiotically with Rose Bubble-Tip Anemones. These two fish along with RBTA are surely on my list.
The Purple Tang came with the 75-gallon tank I got and is one of my most favorite fish, so I would like him to be in the 90-gallon reef (at least until he may grow too large?).
Fish from the genus Siganus I find particularly striking and interesting, so one will likely be included.
The Engineer Goby is one of my favorites also for its coloration and resemblance to an eel. I am not sure if it is better to include two or only one.
The Chalk Bass is my favorite small fish and would like to include more than one.
The other fish are just considerations for different colors or interests if they can be added without overcrowding the tank or overloading the biosystem.
I really like eels, and my 75-gallon aquarium came with a ~11-inch Snowflake Eel, but it seems they are not good to add to a 90-gallon reef. Since I also have triggerfish that are not compatible with the reef, I will probably leave the 75-gallon as a FOWLR in addition to the 90-gallon reef aquarium.

Does this seem way too heavy a bio-load for a 90-gallon tank (probably with a 30-to-55-gallon sump)? Should I remove fish or can I add fish (either more quantity or more types) to the list? What sequence should I add the fish to best aid success?

I am not really sure which corals to include, so I am open to suggestions. I want hardy beginner corals at the start and will see where I head from here in the future.
My initial research has me considering the following, though much more research and recommendations are needed before adding any:
Mushroom Anemones, branching Sinularia, Porites, Leather, Acropora (maybe too difficult?), Star Polyps, Euphyllia (especially ancora)
Corals are one category where I am very open to recommendations.

Other invertebrates, such as hermit crabs, snails, shrimp, starfish, urchins, conchs will be included for clean-up, though I am also very open to suggestions in this area and will refine considerations as I make a more specific plan for the fishes and corals that are to be included.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations, especially initial reactions to my considerations. I know this is broad right now, but I will get more specific in considerations and schedule as I progress in my research. I have been reading a lot about reefing and marine aquariums online and in books and will continue to do so in conjunction with recommendations on R2R for a practical education towards a successful reef.

Current Aquascape awaiting cementing (2020-12-07):

Cemented Aquascape (2021-01-23):

33-gallon Brute can ready for pre-cycling rock, sand, and aquascape (2021-01-23):

Aquascape start-cycle in progress (2021-01-28):

Kind Regards,
Soren

 

[sp1187]

I wish I had another 2-3(or 50) weeks off work to really make some progress, but I guess I have to earn the cash for the system somehow...

a tank designated credit card is a beautiful thing.

 

[Soren]

a tank designated credit card is a beautiful thing.

I only use a credit card as a digital extension of money already in my bank account, but I could probably just name my savings account "For Saltwater Aquarium" right now with my current plans!

 

[sp1187]

just a thought, I like my damsels. have had three for over a year just added two more.
scissortail/lyrtail damsel. no issues between them or with the other tank mates.

 

[Soren]

just a thought, I like my damsels. have had three for over a year just added two more.
scissortail/lyrtail damsel. no issues between them or with the other tank mates.

Thanks for the input on damsels @sp1187! They are not likely to make it back on my list, since I already am considering a heavy load with other fish I like better, but I appreciate your advice.

Also, I really like what you have done with your tank and think it looks amazing! (I actually found and read your build thread today, though I could have checked it out before using your build thread badge link)

 

[sp1187]

Thanks for the input on damsels @sp1187! They are not likely to make it back on my list, since I already am considering a heavy load with other fish I like better, but I appreciate your advice.

Also, I really like what you have done with your tank and think it looks amazing! (I actually found and read your build thread today, though I could have checked it out before using your build thread badge link)

thanks for the kind words and thanks for visiting

 

[Soren]

75 and 90 were both successfully drilled last evening for the Modular Marine overflows!
...but I forgot my camera at home with the pictures, so I will have to update later.

I am glad this is over now so I no longer have the stress of potentially breaking the tanks while drilling glass for my first time. It was very simple for this glass thickness, especially since Modular Marine included a template that is used as a guide for the cutting head on the drill.

 

[Soren]

...and as promised, pictures from the tank drilling:

 

[sp1187]

...and as promised, pictures from the tank drilling:

braver than me.

 

[Soren]

braver than me.

My experience was that this was actually quite simple for these tanks, since the walls are relatively thick on 75 and 90-gallon aquariums. With the bit guide template that Modular Marine included with the overflows, there was almost no chance for the bit to wander after clamping the template to the tanks.

By using clay to build up small walls and keeping a trickle flow of water into the hole while drilling, there was little risk of tempering or other heat damage. I made sure to take it slow and easy and let the drill bit do the cutting without applying much pressure. Right as the bit began to cut through the glass completely (noted by water trickling inside the tank), I really eased off all pressure and took it very slow to avoid torqueing the bit and cracking the glass. Never in the process did I feel like there were any signs of notable concern that I would break the tank. The only downside is that there is chipping around the holes, both inside and out (very minimal, but some chipping none-the-less).

Now, there is no question in my mind that my best route was to drill the tanks to avoid over-the-top overflow siphon issues. I highly recommend drilling tanks to avoid potential flood issues due to loss of siphon.

Small tanks are probably more prone to cracking when drilling due to thinner glass.

I also got both tanks pretty cheaply, so I considered the risk worthwhile. Finding the 75-gallon at a local PetCo on the $1-per-gallon sale (actually $105 for 75-gallon) really helped me out here so I can avoid a double tank transfer with the existing 75-gallon FOWLR into the mangrove lagoon. Now, I still have an extra older 75-gallon that will not be used in this setup (...and I will have to hold back the dreams of using it for another reef tank!). I was planning to move the contents and occupants of the 75-gallon FOWLR to the old 75-gallon so I could drill the FOWLR tank to use it for the mangrove lagoon. Then, after transferring occupants and contents back over, the old 75-gallon would have been the sump. With the new tank, it was no question for that price, since I just drilled the tank while empty, plan to move the current FOWLR into the drilled tank once set up, and will use the nicer FOWLR tank for the sump instead of the old one. This also gives the benefit of not having a soon-to-be mangrove lagoon that has a badly scratched front viewing pane. I hope to flip the FOWLR tank around for sump use to see if the back panel is less scratched and would make a better viewing pane for a display sump.

...maybe my old 75-gallon will end up being a quarantine tank in my basement instead of the 55-gallon I was considering for this purpose.

 

[sp1187]

my lfs buys there "tanks for sale" from a local builder. when I bought mine, it still had to be made. I have a Reef Savvy Ghost overflow. template came with it, so I was able to hook up with the tank maker and have him do it.

 

[Soren]

my lfs buys there "tanks for sale" from a local builder. when I bought mine, it still had to be made. I have a Reef Savvy Ghost overflow. template came with it, so I was able to hook up with the tank maker and have him do it.

That is certainly a nice option for security if you know someone to do it for you. It is easy to assume that your tank builder has much more experience with glass than I do!

I am just glad my first experience was a success and is no longer a stress to consider in my build process.

 

[sp1187]

That is certainly a nice option for security if you know someone to do it for you. It is easy to assume that your tank builder has much more experience with glass than I do!

I am just glad my first experience was a success and is no longer a stress to consider in my build process.

I just figured if he cracked it it was his problem, as I bought it through the lfs.

 

[Soren]

I just figured if he cracked it it was his problem, as I bought it through the lfs.

Yeah, that was what I meant. I decided to take my own risks after good deals on the tanks. Plus, I like learning new crafts, so this was an experience I wanted to have for myself at some point.

 

[Soren]

Small update: Aquascape is cemented and ready for initial cycling. Brute can is filled with 1.018 SG saltwater at 82-84°F with heaters to maintain temperature and a powerhead to maintain flow. Now I just need to get the aquascape sections and some sand as well as the extra sump rock transferred into the can so I can add the bacteria and ammonia to start cycle.

 

[Soren]

Update: Aquascape is in the start-cycle water and bacteria and ammonia are added.
I hope to be able to get these rocks cycled and maybe get the coralline algae to start in this bin while I am working on the rest of the setup.

 

[Soren]

Another small update (too busy remodeling the house to make much aquarium progress...):
I considered painting the backs with a gradient, but decided instead to research posters printed from reference images from actual photographs under water. After researching and selecting the images I wanted, I ordered some garden posters from nikkel-art.com for backdrops on my two display tanks. These are supposed to be weather-resistant prints for outdoor use, so they will hopefully hold up as aquarium backdrops. They arrived yesterday and look quite nice. I went with mostly neutral backdrops that are very dark blue (near black) at the bottom with a blue gradient up to a sunshine spot near center at the top. A few sunrays, a bit of rippling, and a few bubbles are visible near the top. They are both similar but from different original images.

I am so far very pleased with the results, though not as much with my abilities to photograph the empty tank with the backdrop added. The lights offset white balance to create glowing spots that are not the same in reality. The backdrops are also darker than the appearance in the photograph of the one on the back of the mangrove lagoon.

This has me quite excited to see how the tanks will look finished! ...now, on to the pictures!
On back of mangrove lagoon tank, photographed through the tank with a fluorescent light over top:

Just the backdrop for the 90-gallon laid on a table:

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Now that you are a Frank Misfit......












WHAMMO SPBLAMO MISFITO!!!!!

 

[DiefsReef]

Great start! Looking forward to watching the progression.

 

[Soren]

Now that you are a Frank Misfit......












WHAMMO SPBLAMO MISFITO!!!!!

Always glad for inspiration on what I aspire to have, @Eagle_Steve ! I am partial to tangs, foxfaces, and euphylia!
Welcome to my build thread, though you will find much less activity here than on Frank's page...

Great start! Looking forward to watching the progression.

Welcome, @DiefsReef ! My progress is very slow right now (since I am remodeling my house at the same time, which takes time and money away from the reef), but I hope to make some jumps soon. The stand is framed but still needs counter top, skin, doors, and finish. Electric layout still needs to be done, but I should have all initial equipment ready (though huge lack in automation that may be added later). Plumbing is in-process but held back at this point until tanks are in-place.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Always glad for inspiration on what I aspire to have, @Eagle_Steve ! I am partial to tangs, foxfaces, and euphylia!
Welcome to my build thread, though you will find much less activity here than on Frank's page...


Welcome, @DiefsReef ! My progress is very slow right now (since I am remodeling my house at the same time, which takes time and money away from the reef), but I hope to make some jumps soon. The stand is framed but still needs counter top, skin, doors, and finish. Electric layout still needs to be done, but I should have all initial equipment ready (though huge lack in automation that may be added later). Plumbing is in-process but held back at this point until tanks are in-place.

You say less activity, but being a misfit means daily spam and random tags of others to spam you also.