Upgrading Lights and Equipment, Advice from the Pros Appreciated!

[gemmy]

The time has come for me to change some of my equipment and I would like some help choosing what is best for my tank. The goal is to make the tank more electrically efficient and to simplify my equipment.
Tank Stats:
55 gallon mixed reef
Fluval 305 (a sump is simply not an option for me, my landlord will evict me if I bring any more tanks to my complex)
AquaC Remora HOB protein skimmer
4 PH's assorted brands and strengths
48" metal halide (2 bulbs) with pc lighting and moonlights
2 heaters one hydor one marineland (these need to go).
First thing I want to upgrade are my lights. I am considering these https://www.saltwaterfish.com/Marineland-Reef-Capable-LED-Light-48quot--60quot_p_5185.html. Yay or nay? Will one be good enough for my tank? I have heard good things about these lights and corals expanding. I am not a candidate for a DIY project (no tools or space or knowledge to do this). I would like to do LED's.
Next, I want to replace the powerheads. Will an mp40 be overkill? Or should I get 2 mp10's?
Finally, my heaters need to go. I plan on getting on getting one Finnex 300 watt heater.
Any other upgrade suggestions appreciated!

 

[blackjacktang]

overall it already sounds like a good setup! IDK about LEDs, i have heard mixed things about them. An LED expert should help you there...i could recomend a T5 fixture for you if you would like.
An mp-40 will do fine. After all i have an 800gph Korolia 3 in my 28g reef.
If your getting new heaters then get Metal, NOT GLASS...i think it was Flower that said she lost all her inverts after she broke a glass heater in the tank and it zapped them.

 

[geoj]

Instead of PH what about an over the top closed loop ran by a Eheim Compact+ Pump, with loc-lines

 

[acrylic51]

I would if I was upgrading opt for 2 MP 10's over 1 big MP 40. Simply put more control over your flow vs just 1 big monsterous PH.......Sometimes smaller is better. I think PH's would serve you slightly better vs the CL idea with the Eheim compact with nozzles. The Eheim isn't a pressure pump, and doesn't need to be, but nozzles will add some pressure to the pump.
Lighting I would look into the LEDs as you've already mentioned. Not sure about the Marineland fixtures though. I know if you check around they have kits that can be built and I'm pretty sure someone could help you out if needed. AI is another solution, but more costly, but very well worth it IMHO.....
Heaters, you know what I'd suggest. Either a titanium heater or EboJager for replacements.

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///forum/thread/383835/upgrading-lights-and-equipment-advice-from-the-pros-appreciated#post_3360002
I would if I was upgrading opt for 2 MP 10's over 1 big MP 40. Simply put more control over your flow vs just 1 big monsterous PH.......Sometimes smaller is better. I think PH's would serve you slightly better vs the CL idea with the Eheim compact with nozzles. The Eheim isn't a pressure pump, and doesn't need to be, but nozzles will add some pressure to the pump.
Lighting I would look into the LEDs as you've already mentioned. Not sure about the Marineland fixtures though. I know if you check around they have kits that can be built and I'm pretty sure someone could help you out if needed. AI is another solution, but more costly, but very well worth it IMHO.....
Heaters, you know what I'd suggest. Either a titanium heater or EboJager for replacements.
Thanks, I will get the two mp 10's, since I was more leaning to that and since you confirmed that for me.
I am going to get the Finnex titanium heater with controller.
As for the LED's, I'm just not sure what direction to take with them. I think I have someone that will build them for me. Off for more research on this one.

 

[acrylic51]

Hey Gemmy just thought of another option as far as lighting!!! Have you checked out the lumenbright/led combo setups? They are a retrofit kit.

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///forum/thread/383835/upgrading-lights-and-equipment-advice-from-the-pros-appreciated#post_3360282
Hey Gemmy just thought of another option as far as lighting!!! Have you checked out the lumenbright/led combo setups? They are a retrofit kit.
I'm not finding them. Could you shoot me a PM about them? Also, which brand of titanium heater would you recommend? Is finnex good?
Also, each Marineland fixture is equivalent to 2 T5's, so I decided against them.

 

[acrylic51]

I use both the Finnex and the Jali titanium heaters with no issues from either......The LumenBright I was talking about is in the works and here is a bit of information about them.........
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1641716

 

[gemmy]

Thanks!