How Much Light & Filter

[caymanlovers]

I know, this question has no correct answer but I would like some recommendations.
Have a 70 gallon tank coming. It will be FOWLR with deep live sand bed (@4")and a REmora Pro skimmer. What kind of lights would be appropriate for this? I am looking at the 35" JBJ Formosa with 4X36 Watt bulbs, the JBJ with 2x96W. Also looking as CSL 36" with 2x96watts or the 36" SmartLite with 1x96watt bulb.
With LR and LS should I still run a mechanical filter? I have a Fluval 304 already.
Thanks for your help.

 

[fixitdude2001]

Hi, have you thought about a 175 watt MH or 250mh 12000 k. I know mh is not needed since you only want fish, but the 12000k is an awsume spectrum. you wont be dissapointed. How much LR are you talking about? 11/2 to 2lbs per gallon you can probly get away with it. If you add the fluval or a wet dry with media in it you will most likely have a nitrate problem even with live sand and live rock. I have used both and now in my reef only use sump with overflow sponge and small piece of pad for large material, clean them every couple of days and replace pad weekly. Another thing will depend what kind of setup, piecefull,or aggressive. The LR and LS takes care of your biological if you have proper amounts. If you were running just reef I would say you could get away with no mechanicl but with fish I think you will need some form,jmo...fixit

 

[caymanlovers]

Thanks Fixit - I am planning on using the Fluval with just the sponge and floss to catch crud that the skimmer doesn't suck up. We have the nitrate problem right now due to UGF and that is what we want to get away from.
On the light fixtures I mentioned, any recommendations/preferences?
Thanks!

 

[fixitdude2001]

Hi, caymen, I would pick the JBJ If I were going to pick.You could go one daylight and one attinic, that would give you dawn,daylight,dusk,cya...fixit