New Reef...

T

the gift

Guest
Hi All...
It's been a while since I have been in the hobby but I just can't take it anymore...ha. So I have decided to start a larger reef...(I used to have a nano). What is a good size. Filtration? Sump/Refugium? Lighting? Metal Halides, PC's what types? So I need ideas...
Thanks,
CB
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
What livestock are you wanting to keep?
I'm fond of tanks that are at least 2' front to back and no more than 2' tall.
Are you looking for a 4' tank or something that can keep a Tang (6' or 8').
 
shogun323

shogun323

Active Member
Hey there. As far as tank size go I say go as big as you can afford and have room for. For lights I am in the process of changing over to T5's from Power Compacts. They are cheaper than halides and strong enough to support whatever you want to put in your tank. They also don't put off as much heat.
Welcome back to the addiction................ I mean hobby!!

~Wade
 
T

the gift

Guest
Bang- Im thinking a 90 gallon...and am thinking sps, clams, anemone(s)...full blown if you know what I mean...
Shogun-Thanks
TX-Im in Dallas...
 
fedukeford

fedukeford

Active Member
If your thinking to go around a 90, then you should really go with a 180 , since its double the size it should keep you from upgrading (at least for a year or two)
 
T

the gift

Guest
Duke I really would love to get a 180 if not bigger but I cannot fit it anywhere...
 
ci11337

ci11337

Active Member
Originally Posted by fedukeford
If your thinking to go around a 90, then you should really go with a 180 , since its double the size it should keep you from upgrading (at least for a year or two)
, My dream is a 120, not huge but plenty of room for a tang or two and lots of corals...Someday :thinking:
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Tell you the truth, I prefer a 75 over a 90 for a reef tank. The 90 have a much larger viewing area but I really enjoy the deep perception that you can get from looking into a 75 gallon reef. They have the same 48" X 18" footprint but the 90 is taller. For fish only I think the 90 is better though.
My preferred lighting would be 2 - 4 URI SuperActinic VHO's running off an IceCap 660 Ballast and a pair of 250 Watt DE HQI 10K XM's off a PFO Ballast.
Just opinions of course, your tastes may vary.
Take a serious look at the 120. It's still 48" long but the added 6" of front to back has a dramatic effect on the look for a reef tank. The price is very similar to the 90 and it will probably fit in the same spot. It would take the same lighting and other equipment as well.
 
rusting

rusting

Member
Originally Posted by The Gift
Hi All...
It's been a while since I have been in the hobby but I just can't take it anymore...ha. So I have decided to start a larger reef...(I used to have a nano). What is a good size. Filtration? Sump/Refugium? Lighting? Metal Halides, PC's what types? So I need ideas...
Thanks,
CB
I love my 120, with 6 light t5, and two- 250 mhs.
 
T

the gift

Guest
Originally Posted by Bang Guy
Tell you the truth, I prefer a 75 over a 90 for a reef tank. The 90 have a much larger viewing area but I really enjoy the deep perception that you can get from looking into a 75 gallon reef. They have the same 48" X 18" footprint but the 90 is taller. For fish only I think the 90 is better though.
My preferred lighting would be 2 - 4 URI SuperActinic VHO's running off an IceCap 660 Ballast and a pair of 250 Watt DE HQI 10K XM's off a PFO Ballast.
Just opinions of course, your tastes may vary.
Take a serious look at the 120. It's still 48" long but the added 6" of front to back has a dramatic effect on the look for a reef tank. The price is very similar to the 90 and it will probably fit in the same spot. It would take the same lighting and other equipment as well.
Thanks all...
Bang I was thinking a bowfront...?thoughts on this?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
I have a 155 Bowfront and I enjoy it a lot.
The 72 Bowfront is just way to skinny for my tastes at 18".
A custom bowfront that had more depth would be awesome.
 
T

the gift

Guest
Thanks for the quick repsonse...Ok I need some help...not "skimping" on anything this time around. 90 gallon bow...I know this is alot to ask but the lights you suggested could you give me a place to buy them online and also plans for a diy ballast? Also do you possibly have plans for a diy refugium maybe a 20 gallon long I dont know thats why I am asking the Godfather
 
T

the gift

Guest
well here is the final plan...im getting a custom 48 x 24 x 17... Also the lighting im looking at is a 48" enclosed fixture with 2-250 W 10,000K metal halides and 2-96 W True Actinic 03 Blue Compact Flourescent with built in fans...how does that sound for keeping any coral i want? Yes im going to build the canopy...
 
wangotango

wangotango

Active Member
if the tank is only 17" tall, you could probably get away with 175watt halides imo, but with the 250's you would be pretty much limitless with coral selection.
-Justin
 
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