Building my 180 Gallon

[Chriscro]

This is my first post on this forum so i'll state a few facts...
Im currently in the process of building my 180 gallon tank/stand etc..

My sump has been completely which is 65 gallon baffels sponge and eveything is complete i just need to drop some hardware in it...

Im looking for educated opinions on both skimmer and return pump. Now i haven't purchased the tank yet but im going to aim for a drilled tank with an already present overflow. Any idea for the rating on these overflows is there a standard number of gallons? Basically im wondering because i want to purchase my return pump and skimmer..

The tank will be a marine with mostly soft corals.

Recommend:

1. Return pump
2. Skimmer (im leaning towards an extreme octopus)
3. Lighting (LED is too expensive and im leaning towards MH)

 

[BigAirHarper]

Welcome to reef central and the most addicting hobby on the planet! So now to your recommendations. Standard overflows have a general max flow rate of around 650gph. You want to avoid maxing them out for obvious reasons but a 180 should have at least 2 overflows. I have had good experiences with the octopus brand skimmers. And as far as lighting goes I would re look at LED. MH will cost more to replace bulbs and run electricity than a solid DIY led light. If your handy, you could easiy fabricate one that shouldn't cost too much. Also, e shine systems is selling what I think is some of the best "Chinese" lights on the market that people are giving favorable reviews and the prices are great for those of us on a budget. HTH

 

[Chriscro]

bump