AugustWest
Premium Member
I'm on the verge of purchasing one of these set-ups and have a few questions for those of you that run one.
I'm debating whether to buy the complete set-up with all equipment from Artisan or buying the tank seperately and changing a few things.
I definitely want the tank,stand and sump. On the fence with the lighting they offer ( If I went with their stuff I would get the HQI/T5/LED light) The skimmer (Bubble Magus NAC6) and their return pump.
If I didn't go with their light I am considering either an ATI 6x24 watt powermodule OR Sunpower 6x24watt T5 lights. If I go that way I would still purchase Artisan's lamp tree. Anyone forsee any problem with hanging either of those fixtures from the lamp tree? I imagine they are quite a bit heavier than the Artisan light.Also I'm a little worried about heat. Will the T5's run cooler than the Artisan HQI ? I plan on a SPS dominant reef with some LPS down low in the tank.
For the skimmer I would go with the SWC 160 Xtreme. Eddie from Cadlight's says this will fit , no problem. Is the Bubble Magus comparable to the SWC ?
Lastly i would get an Eheim 1262 for the return. Anyone using Artisan's pump that comes with the system?
If I make these changes it looks to be between 400-600 dollars more ( depending on which light I go with) than the whole set-up price.
Is it worth it ? Opinions please.
I'm debating whether to buy the complete set-up with all equipment from Artisan or buying the tank seperately and changing a few things.
I definitely want the tank,stand and sump. On the fence with the lighting they offer ( If I went with their stuff I would get the HQI/T5/LED light) The skimmer (Bubble Magus NAC6) and their return pump.
If I didn't go with their light I am considering either an ATI 6x24 watt powermodule OR Sunpower 6x24watt T5 lights. If I go that way I would still purchase Artisan's lamp tree. Anyone forsee any problem with hanging either of those fixtures from the lamp tree? I imagine they are quite a bit heavier than the Artisan light.Also I'm a little worried about heat. Will the T5's run cooler than the Artisan HQI ? I plan on a SPS dominant reef with some LPS down low in the tank.
For the skimmer I would go with the SWC 160 Xtreme. Eddie from Cadlight's says this will fit , no problem. Is the Bubble Magus comparable to the SWC ?
Lastly i would get an Eheim 1262 for the return. Anyone using Artisan's pump that comes with the system?
If I make these changes it looks to be between 400-600 dollars more ( depending on which light I go with) than the whole set-up price.
Is it worth it ? Opinions please.
