48"x30"x11" (deep) SPS frag system questions

[keh9qd]

I currently have a 48"x30"x11" SPS frag system that has been running awhile with a few pieces. I want to run my setup by you all to see where I can make improvements. Of course there is always room for improvement . Aside from water quality my system is primarily SPS with a few zoos and a couple of fish.

Lighting: Im running 2 48" Aquatilife 4x54w fixtures totalling 8 bulbs. I'm looking to swap the bulbs over to ATI. First question, for balanced growth and color which bulbs configuration would be a safe bet? I also thought about retrofitting some LED's but not sure yet.

Dosing: currently dosing kalk with supplemental two-part as I am still slowly getting kalk dosing down.

controller: running a reef angel controller so I have control over ATO, PH, Temp, powerheads, etc..

powerheads and pump. Running mag 7 return and Koralia 1400 and 1050. I have another 1050 Im hooking up. I like vortechs but dont know a good configuration or if they would make that much difference. Im guessing two MP10s would be a good upgrade.

Skimmer: I am running a Reef Octopus NWB 110 but have a ASM g1-X or SWC- 120 sitting around if either would be better. My total system is around 85 gallons tops with sump volume.

Reactors: BRS carbon and GFO run separate

I guess my main questions above would primarily be bulb configuration and powerhead upgrades. I just dont know if spending $450 on powerheads would be worth it.

 

[BuckeyeTodd]

I'd run 3 aquablue 4 Blue Plus and one GE daylight. MP40's are great if its in your budget, if not many people do just fine without them.

 

[chefzif]

I would add a 454 and a purple figito replace one aquablue and one blueplus! IMO

 

[keh9qd]

I have seen some nice setups on only aquablue and aquablue+

Its not that I couldn't come up with the money for vortechs, Im just not sure if the investment is going to make a $450-$900 difference. I'd imagine do to a more realistic flow pattern growth rates increase but is 5% more growth (or whatever it is) worth that kind of money.

My only issue is that my 3 koralia Evo pumps don't like the wavemaker. I would be interested to find out if there is a similar pump more reasonably priced that is wavemaker friendly (can stand constant "turn on" "turn off")

 

[theronsta]

I have the 2 koralia 425s and 2 750s on my tank with the koralia wavemaker. Koralias are made to be timer friendly. If youre experiencing them spinning backwards then you might have the older model. Give them a call and theyll have you send them an email and theyll help you figure it out. Great service. I only needed 2 front cap assemblies with new bushings and they sent me 5!!

For the lighting, if its going to be somewhere not mean to be a "display" then forget the fancy color enhancing bulbs and go for the ones that optimize growth. JMO