240g lighting, skimming, and pump

[sablenine]

First things first. I tried using the search feature, but for the past 4 days the server has been too busy.

This is my first tank, (I had a 55g when I was a kid, but that doesn't count) and I want to get a 240g. Dimensions will most likely be 76Lx24Wx30 tall.

I've figured out that I should go with 400w MH. Which should I choose, double ended or the mogul type? And how many? And what type? There are a lot of different ones (Temperature, brand, type of starting) and I have been reading these forums day after day and I really can't find my answer.


I want to plan for all types of corals and fish in my tank, so that I won't have to upgrade later.

Also, how well do DIY skimmers work?

And I was told to get a Barracuda for my pump doing a closed-loop system. I was thinking of going with a dart, then getting a second dart later down the line when I needed it. That way it's quite, and more gph. How much flow should I have going in the take? I was told to use a barracuda at full force, but that seemed like a lot.

Or should I just go with 1 large pump, ankeep it toned down, throttling it up as I need it?

 

[kodyboy]

I have never built a skimmer myself so I don't know, but the DIY board has lots of people and their skimmers look good.
If you buy a skimmer look at the aquaeuro classic 400, a beast of a skimmer for a great price (reefnut.com)
I have been told that 250s and 400s are not that much different overall, but be sure to get a good reflector either way. Lumenarc minis would work well, and three 250 DEs on HQI ballasts would be great over your tank. I would supplement that with t5's, those need good reflectors too. (you could also go straight MH, and get 4 250s and use phoenix 14k bulbs, I saw a tank like that and it looked great)