Setting up a 90 gallon for smaller Geos. Input/ critique appreciated.

[aussieman57]

Decided to jump back into the hobby after a long hiatus. Here is what my local fish store is suggesting for a setup.
* Aqueon 90 gallon (black sealant) tank
* Aquaclear 110 ( 2 of these for tank)
* Fluval M200 heater
* Glass Canopy
* Fluval Planted Light 48-60
* Tank Stand they make which I am going to go get a better look at today. Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 36.
Prices are comparable to Amazon and other big box stores for most of the setup. My only concern is the stand which is priced @ $500 and the light is $219. Like I mentioned I have been out of the hobby for over 30 years so maybe these prices are OK and I just have old man syndrome. I am in SW Florida and this store does free local delivery so that is a plus. I would like to do some smaller Geos like the Redhead Tapajos, maybe a Gymnogeophagus balzanii, Electric Blue Acaras and some dither fish for top half of the aquarium. Was originally going to do live plants but may opt for artificials, driftwood & rocks. Could use suggestions on lighting, substrate. Also wondering if there is a better filtration option & stand options. Thanks in advance.

 

[C. Breeze]

I use a mix of pool filter sand red garnet sand 36 grit and red garnet 16 grit aka 12-20. I like the red garnet by itself but it starts looking “red and white” real quick with the PFS so mix too taste.

I keep a few differnt acaras, geos, and gymnogeophagus in tanks planted mainly with Anacharis and corkscrew valisneria due to there temperature and light requirements and use no special lighting- just FluvalSky I believe and a little sunlight that the tanks get. The plants that get uprooted, I let float plus I add some floating plants.

I don’t mix my subtropical species (gymnogeophagus) with tropical and equatorial species. Due to different seasonal requirements.

Without anything to go off I’d say $500 is remarkably expensive for a stand. The light seems like it’s probably in the ballpark for 48” “name brand” plant light

 

[aussieman57]

I went and looked at the stand today and it’s well built framed out with 2 x 4,s and all solid wood (pine). Soft closing doors and furniture build quality. Wood is also sealed after staining in various colors with waterproof sealant. I could build my own stand but it will not look as good as theirs. Need to keep the wife happy. Where could I get the garnet sand?

 

[C. Breeze]

I order it from zoro dot com. Free shipping in orders over 75$ the garnet sand I use is there brand I believe and works out to about 1$ A pound if you get 2 boxes/bags due to the free shipping.

sounds like the stand might be worth $500 to you…

 

[aussieman57]

Thank.