Stunning 90-Gallon Reef Tank by Morten Nordby | ReefKeeping
Tank Specifications
Volume: 90 Gallons / 337 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
29.5" ×
23.6" ×
29.5"
75.0cm ×
60.0cm ×
75.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Tropic Marin
Frequently Asked Questions
What water parameters should I maintain in a reef tank?
For optimal coral and fish health, maintain the following water parameters: Temperature around 27°C, Specific Gravity of ~1.026, pH between 8.15 (night) and 8.3 (day), Calcium levels between 390 - 420 ppm, Alkalinity at 9.6 - 10.0 dKH, Magnesium between 1350 - 1400 ppm, and Strontium levels between 16 - 22 ppm. It’s essential to keep PO4 and NO3 levels at 0.
How often should I change the water in my reef tank?
Perform a 10% water change every week to keep the water clean and maintain stable water parameters.
What type of water should I use for my reef tank?
Use RO/DI water mixed with Tropic Marin PRO REEF salt to ensure pure and high-quality water for your reef setup.
How can I control algae growth in my reef tank?
To control algae, keep nutrient levels low by proper filtration, utilizing a good skimmer, performing regular water changes, and using carbon. You can also employ a UV sterilizer and a phosphate remover like ROWA®Phos to help maintain low phosphate levels.
What type of skimmer is recommended for a reef tank?
A quality protein skimmer is crucial for maintaining water quality. For this particular setup, a Deltec AP902 skimmer is used, and an upgrade to a Deltec AP1004 is in progress for better performance.
How do I maintain my lighting schedule?
Implement a systematic photoperiod using your lighting system. For example, start the T5 actinic lamps at 11:00 AM, followed by the second T5 bank at 11:30 AM, and the metal halides at noon. Turn off the metal halides at 11:00 PM, with T5s off by 11:30 PM, and ensure complete darkness by midnight.
What role does the IKS Aquastar play in my reef tank?
The IKS Aquastar computer serves as the 'brain' of the system, monitoring temperature, pH levels, salinity, and controlling ORP, lighting, and top-off water. This ensures consistent water quality and stability.
What types of corals do best in a 90-gallon reef tank?
In a 90-gallon tank, small-polyped stony corals like various Acropora, Montipora, Pocillopora, and Seriatopora thrive best due to their growth habits that require less space compared to large-polyped species.
How can I ensure healthy coral growth?
Maintain stable water parameters, provide sufficient lighting, and ensure low nutrient levels in the tank. Regularly feed corals with appropriate compounds and maintain good flow to help distribute nutrients.
What should I do if I encounter pests, such as red bugs, on my corals?
To treat red bugs, use Interceptor™ as recommended by experienced aquarists. It's essential to monitor your corals closely and react quickly to pest outbreaks.
What feeding regimen is best for reef fish?
Feed your reef fish a varied diet three to four times a day in small amounts. Use a combination of pelleted food like Ocean Nutrition's Formula One and Two, as well as frozen foods to ensure balanced nutrition.
How many fish can I safely keep in a 90-gallon tank?
Stocking levels depend on the species and compatibility. In this setup, a mix of different species, totaling 10 fish, works well. Monitor for any aggression or competition for resources.
What is the best way to introduce new fish to the tank?
When introducing new fish, acclimatize them slowly to minimize stress, using quarantine tanks if possible. Monitor the existing fish for any signs of aggression during the introduction.