Back in the Hobby-- SPS 50 gal plans

[andyeig]

Hi everyone,

After 5 or so years and a trip to planted discus tank land, I have decided to start up a 50 gallon or so cube tank. I am loving the new trends towards less energy consumption and using frags. My plan would be to use an all-in-one tank set up like cad lights with their upgrades on a skimmer and led lighting. Some sort of nitrate removal would also be employed. I have spent many hours getting updated. Now I would like all of your opinions. CAD light set up or something else? T-5 or LED lights? Vortechs? WHich live rock? Anything else I am forgetting?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Brian Chong]

cadlights has improved in their tank builds now after making some real crappy ones about a year ago. i'd ditch the BM and get an swc if youre on a budget. better build quality imo and it kicks arse. just put chaeto in your refugium before jumping into all that complicated reactor dosing stuff.

 

[Brian Chong]

Vortechs is more a luxury item but i dont regret dropping the cash for mine

 

[AugustWest]

I'm in the same boat as you are right now after a year and a half without a tank

I'm considering getting an Artisan 50 cube also ( among a couple of other options, the Marineland 70G cube also being considered)

If I go with the Artisan I'll probably forego their lighting and go with T5 (ATI Sunpower 6x24W or powermodule)

Also, i'm going to use a SWC 160 instead of the Bubble Magus they have with their set-up. Do a search there's a couple of build threads on here, they seem pretty happy with their tanks

The price is right too for a Starphire Rimless cube.

 

[Brian Chong]

Dont get the cadlights stand!!!!!!!!! trust me, i have the artisan set-up and its one of the crappy ones. Ha ha

 

[andyeig]

Thanks everyone for the info.

 

[karsseboom]

mh for the win man. led is waaay over priced

 

[andyeig]

with mh, I will need a chiller, plus energy consumption would be crazy. With T-5's I could prbably get away without the chiller.

 

[lolgranny]

with mh, I will need a chiller, plus energy consumption would be crazy. With T-5's I could prbably get away without the chiller.

I don't need a chiller with my mh and I have that plus 2 t5 bulbs. Problem with the t5 s are buying bulbs and replacing them adds up quite quickly. I've been thinking of swapping to T5's but had a bunch talk me out it lol.

I have a BM Nac6 and love it. I've had no issues with it. I would also say skip all the dosing and ect for now and just toss a ball of cheats in there.

Vortech,,,mmmmmm if u have the$ to drop on them I would say do it. Can't go wrong with the sleek and effective design. It will make your tank look much cleaner imo.

I bought my live rock from dr mac. Came with a abundance or Coraline, very nice pieces and no pests.