40 Gallon Custom, looking for feedback...

Well I went ahead and got a 15W UV Sterilizer... Price was just too good of a deal to pass up, still looking for a 50mg/hr Ozone unit though. Prefer a Red Sea unit so I will probably end up buying a new one. The Chiller should be here on Monday (I can't wait!) and the tank should start construction next Saturday (1 week from today). Still need to buy my sump 10 or 15T (guess I can go to PetsMart???) The Stand and Canopy can't get started until the tank arrives, plus I'm still working on the final design... I still haven't ordered my lights, keep tossing around the color. I've got a 250W SE 14K on my 23, but my Dad's got dual 250W DE 10K's w/ actinics and I think the color just shows more on his tank... I'll post more pics on Monday when the Chiller get's in. :)
 
Here it is!!!

DSCN1321.jpg
 
Okay, I need some suggestions for lighting... for about the same money I can either go with a 250W SE 10K MH with VHO Actinic's or I can go with a 250W HQI 14K without VHO's... Will a SE bulb be enough or should I need the HQI for this tank? I know 1 MH for every 2 ft, well the tank is 2ft x 2ft... Thoughts? Opinions?
 
Eric,

nice setup, good job on getting it put together.

Are you going to run a canopy on the system? If so, eight bulb would be fine, but if not, most HQI's run their own mini setup which usually lookd pretty nice.

I have used both and think much of the spread is based upon your reflector. If given a choice though, I like the HQI as its output seems higher than its single ended cousin.

Kip
 
Thanks Kip, I plan on building a canopy, and install the lighting/pendant within it. The top and back would be open for air circulation and I was leaning towards the HQI from the begining. I'm just feeling unsure it will be enough PAR for SPS and Clams if I went with a 14K bulb. I'm just looking for other's opinions. Anyone know the PAR rating on the Hamilton and EVC 14K HQI's?
 
Eric, According to Sanjays website, the EVC 14k on an EVC ballast is 55. No info on the hammys though. Thats PPFD. I think the par translation would be 278. Heck, my 150 hqi with xm 10ks put out a bit more than that. If your going with 14ks, the phoenix is 77 ppfd or 389 par. Much better with the Phoenix.
 
I just wish the Phoenix was available with where I'm getting the HQI setup... :( I guess I might just have to buy the bulb and then sell the one that comes with the light to off set the cost of the Phoenix. Anyone interested in a 250W HQI bulb? Either a EVC 10K, 14K or Hamilton 14K, or Ushio 10K, or Aqualine 10K, 20K?
 
Well, how high do you plan for the lights to be? I assuming your going with the OC special hqis? Those PFO minis scored pretty nicely on Sanjays testing. The RO III is slightly better. Your tank is only 20 inches high. IIRC I think JBNY says that anything over 250 par is fine. Thats just thinking way back though. I could be wrong. Just go with the EVC 14ks for now at no extra charge. See what sps will do with them lamps. Just like T5s, reflectors will be the key on how well the hqis lamps will perform.
 
You know me too well Russ. :) Guess, I'll quit worrying about the VHO's. Let me know if you think the Reef Optix 3 is worth 15 bucks more?

See ya tomorrow bud. ;)
 
Yep! :) Scott told me yesterday that he has everything he needs and expects it to be done this weekend. :) I can't wait!
 
Yah baby! I bet you would rather work on the new tank than shoveling river rocks like you were doing yesterday when I came by. LOL!
 
Well, I didn't even start the cabinet, but I did build a proto-type Kalk reactor and set it up on my Dad's tank to test it out. Looks good so far! I'll get some pics of the design when I build mine. :) Sorry.

But here are some new pics for ya, the tank is almost completed, Scott has a very ingenious idea on his over flows to help control the water level in the display tank without having to rely on increasing the return flow. He's designed an adjustable baffle on the overflow box (will be on the two outside walls of the overflow) a quick twist of a hand screw and the baffle and can raised or lowered to change the display water level. :) Hopefully the picture helps explain.

All 4 walls glued up
shell-1.jpg


Overflow cut and layed out
overflow-1.jpg


Overflow assembly
overflow-2.jpg


Overflow installed
overflow-in.jpg


overflow-side.jpg


corner-view.jpg
 
Adjustable Baffle in the down position (from the inside)
baffle-view.jpg


Adjustable Baffle in the up position (from the inside)
baffle-up.jpg


Adjustable Baffle in the up postion (from the ouside)
baffle-up-outside.jpg
 
Excellent! I really like the adjustable baffle. You have got to be so excited to see your carefull plans taking shape.
 
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