Debating on Trading and/or Selling 65g RR tank

[ChristianJock07]

I purchased this tank used from Gary (Tiki G.) early last month and thought it would be a great tank for myself. However, after thinking about it I think it would be easier to maintain a 75g with the longer length and shallower depth. Basically I'm just trying to save money on lighting because the wife is already upset over the minimal amount of money I've spent thus far only 3 months into the hobby.


Can anyone offer any suggestions for me or whether I should attempt to trade or sell the 65g and go to a 75g or keep what I have and attempt to find a very cheap lighting setup. I'm not planning on keeping LPS, mainly just mushrooms, zoo's and livestock.

I been told by numerous people that I need to have at least 250w MH x 2 on this setup and it's ridiculously overpriced for me at this time. Especially when I'm just starting out and don't know how long this hobby will last for me. With the 75g I could drop down to the 175w MH and or just go with T-5's for the softies I plan on keeping.


I'm pretty much at a loss to what to do at this moment and would love some feedback from various folks and idea's to help my decision on this.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Discdogge]

bio reef had full retro kits for 250w mh for 159$ each

Although I dont know how much lighting you need for your tank ( I dont do equipment) you shouldn't have to go too exspensive if your not keeping sps.
Maybe one 250w mh and some cheaper supplemental lighting.
Although, if bio reef still has those lights for 159$, you might not be able to beat that.
we bought 3 for our 180 and they look really nice.
Rob at robs reef is using them on his 120 display tank also.

HTH

 

[Discdogge]

also, if she is already upset, you might as well get out of the hobby lol.

I have over 2k in my 24 g nano.

(sickening lol)

 

[ChristianJock07]

Although the tank has been modded with a clear acrylic divider instead of the black I would still have to go with 2 MH's. I supposed I could temporarily make due with just 1 MH and add another later on. I plan on also having actinic's with my setup and maybe some lunar's but the lunar's are still up for debate.

As for the money the wife is upset about atm, she's just mad because of not letting her know firsthand. Darn I'm still in my single man mode and think I don't have to consult anyone else. I curse thee marriage! :lol: :lol:

It's still going to be a long while before I'm ready to really get the 65 up and going and want to see what direction I'm headed first and whether or not the 65 is going to work for me or go with a shallower/longer tank.


Thanks for the info though DD.

 

[Discdogge]

Np, Im sure you'll get some good advice, I don't know very much about equipment, Niko takes care of all that for me lol.

Lol, you better get out of single guy mode soon!

 

[naterealbig]

Christian Jock -

I have a 65 gal. It's 36" long, 24" high and, 18" deep right? I have a coralife aqualight pro fixture with 1x 250 watt 10k metal halide, and 2x96W actinics, and I'm keeping sps and clams all the way down to the bottom. I'm pretty sure all 65 gallon tanks are the same dimensions. Anyone that tells you that you need 2x250w MH's for this tank is out of thier mind - for 2 reasons; one, you just don't need 2x250watters to light this tank- I know from experience. Two, with 2x250's your begging for temperature control issues. During the summer time I can just barely keep the tank under 81 degrees. More light and I definately would need a chiller. 1x150 MH with some supplimentation would be FINE for what you want to keep. I know a guy that lives off of kingsley in Orange Park with a 42" tall aquarium with zoanthids at the very bottom of the tank and he only uses 250 watt MH's. Yes, I actually saw this tank.

Hello lights are selling retrofit kits. A 150watt MH starter (yes probe - but bullet proof), reflector, and wiring/plug for $79. For like $6 more you can get a 250 watt MH retro. Although if bio-reef is selling the retro's at that price with a bulb included then I would go with that. I noticed it said that your occupation is woodworking so building a small canopy or fixture shouldn't be a problem.

hth

 

[naterealbig]

Also check this out. Probably not the BEST light, but its got EVERYTHING you need and not at a bad price. You should be able to keep softies, even at 24" tall. I keep softies in my 30gal with a 130 watt Jebo PC fixture. The tank is 18" tall and I even have a clam (although its in the top 8" of the water column). Should be fine, and you wouldn't have to spend a bundle.

 

[naterealbig]

p.s. - don't trade or sell your tank. Tall tanks rock. :thumbsup:

 

[DrHank]

Lighting shouldn't be a problem but you need to be looking at 400w MH not 150. Anything less isn't going to give you the PAR that you need.

You're also going to need a quality long grabber and avoid anything (like urchins) that tend to move the rockwork. If it were mine I'd build the rockwork like a wall/cliff, keep my fish small and concentrate on corals that are found at mid levels.

You won't have much floorspace which will be good since you won't want to be working on the tank bottom anyway. Finally, I'd run pump return lines (probably 2) with three wide fan jets each at differant heights to allow for good circulation from behind the rockwork.

You've got a challenging undertaking but can wind up with a spectacular results. Also, I would not allow any Navy personnel inside the tank. You don't need any Squids in your tank. Trust me, I spent over 20 years in the Air Force!!