Change in plans

[mhossom]

I have been planning the installation of my 120 for a couple of years now (life always seemed to get in my way). I am finally ready to start setting things up but with a small change. I have decided to install a 90 rather than the 120. The 90 fit in the space I have much better. I have two questions as a result of my decision.

1. Lighting - I have 3 2x54 Sunlight Supply T5 retro kits that I was going to install in a hood that sat right on the top of the 120. I suspect that this will be far too much light for the 90. I am looking to to go high tech. Would I still be in the high light range with 2 of the 2x54 T5 retros?

2. Filtration - In planning for the 120, I bought 2 Filstar XP3s. Will 1 be enough for the 90 or should I use both and dial back the flow?

Thank you in advance for any feedback you have.

[ingg]

1. Not sure you'd need it all, but better to have and not want than want and not have. Allows for more flexibility in noonbursting and such for high tech.

2. I'd use both, and odds are, depending on scape, you won't have to dial it back.

I use an XP3 on a 75 and needed a Koralia for additional flow - 90 is even taller...

[chris_todd]

+1 to what Dave said. My xp3 isn't enough for my 75, but two should be about right for a 90.

So are you selling your 120? I might be interested, I've always wanted a tank that size...

[mhossom]

Sorry Chris. the 120 is already gone. I am going to pick up the 90 today after I call around and find my best price.

What are your thoughts about the lights?

[Cristy Keister]

I'd install all the lights, set them on a short day (~9 hrs total) with half the lights on for a half an hour on each end of the day. CO2 turning on with the first lights on, and off with the first lights out.

[chris_todd]

Cristy and Dave have good suggestions on the lights, I'd go ahead and use all three fixtures. I have a 4 x 54W TEK with good reflectors over my 90, with two bulbs on for about 12 hours, and two bulbs on for 4 hours at midday. Then again, I only have swords and crypts, and the crypts are a bit leggy. If you want to do high tech with stemmies and a nice foreground, you'll do well with 6 x 54W - 90 is a deep tank.

[Ben Belton]

How deep is your 90? I'm a high light person. I'm about to start looking at getting my 75 back going.

[mhossom]

A standard 90 is 48L x 18W x 24T

btw, thank you all for the feedback. I am getting pretty psyched about this.

The custom doors for my cabinets came today. I will post pics of the stand once the doors are painted and installed.

[PaulS]

I have a 90g with a 6 X 54w fixture. I run 4 lights most of the day with a 60 minute mid day burst with all six lights. I use pressurized CO2 and have an Eco-Complete substrate. I have two Eheim 2026 filters, which are excelllent filters, and one powerhead for added circulation.

This setup has been very successful for me. I suggest installing all six lights.

Paul

[mhossom]

Paul - How high off of the water are your lights? Mine will be fairly close so I may need to adjust how many lights are on at one time. I will be using an AquaController Jr and should be able to do some neat stuff with the timing.