Am I forgetting anything & Lights opinions

[hkgar]

Thanks so much for the information. I am going to go with the 8 bulb T5 fixture for sure. I had a tank years ago but it was long before, ATO's, Led's, etc. so with my limited experience I'm going to go with the KISS method lol.

To clarify on the canopy. It's actually more like a skirt. The top of the canopy is open and so is the back. There are two divider braces that I can just set the light on so won't actually have to have it "in" the canopy but rather "on" it. I have no doubt it will be a pain to work around and take on and off when needed, but I do like the look of it (for now).

I did go ahead and order the ATO unit. I'm not going to do a wavemaker yet as it's going to cycle for a bit so will get it on my next order.

I'm continuously researching and wondering if I am missing carbon in my list? Do I want/need it?

Great, the open "canopy" changes everything. Personally, I would not do a wave maker but rather go with VorTech MP40's. You still might need fans but cheap clip on 7 inch from a Walmart would be just fine.

Here is a link to ATI for suggested bulb arrays to get the kind of light you want.

http://atinorthamerica.com/faq.php

 

[madweazl]

I ran VHO and subsequently T5s on every tank I had until about five years ago when I switched to LED and I never needed a chiller (I had a 120mm fan in the canopy with the VHOs); almost 11 of those years were spent in Yuma, AZ (only a couple places hotter on this planet...). This talk of chillers with T5s is ludicrous unless you keep your home at a ridiculous temperature to start with.

 

[zeemofree]

I ran VHO and subsequently T5s on every tank I had until about five years ago when I switched to LED and I never needed a chiller (I had a 120mm fan in the canopy with the VHOs); almost 11 of those years were spent in Yuma, AZ (only a couple places hotter on this planet...). This talk of chillers with T5s is ludicrous unless you keep your home at a ridiculous temperature to start with.

With an enclosed canopy?

 

[dkeller_nc]

I'm continuously researching and wondering if I am missing carbon in my list? Do I want/need it?

There's a good bit that's left off of your list with respect to water chemistry management. Specifically, most folks run GAC (granular activated carbon) and GFO (granular ferric oxide - for phosphate removal), and then some way of maintaining the calcium and alkalinity levels in the tank water. On this last part, most start with so-called 2-part dosing, and then if necessary, move on to a calcium reactor.

But the need for all of this is well down the line. For now, I'd just concentrate on the basics - lighting, temperature control, circulation, salinity stability, and skimming for nutrient export.