FANTASY REEF BUILD

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13660525#post13660525 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MUCHO REEF
This thread is going to take of sooner or later if it's the last thing I do, LOL.

If we focus on every minute detail we will never get to the end of this build. For the sake of moving this thread along, I think everyone agrees that a predrilled system associated with a future fug/sump if you guys want one, is the type of tank we'll have here. If we discuss and debate who makes it, what sight it comes from etc, this thread will take forever. So, lets put this thread in over drive.

So far we have,

#1 Read, research, purchase some good books, join a reef club.

#2 Purchase a tank, in this case you've chosen a 90 gallon predrilled, placed against a wall.

#3 ?


Lets move on to # 3. Any more ideas on the next decision the Rocks should make?

Mucho
 
#1 $1000-$5000 ( 3 votes )

#2 $5000-$7500 ( 2 votes )

#3 $7500-$10,000

#4 $10,000-whatever it takes


We decide Wednesday evening.

Thanks all
 
#1 Read, research, purchase some good books, join a reef club.

#2 Purchase a tank, in this case you've chosen a 90 gallon predrilled, placed against a wall.

#3 Budget, $ 5,000 or less

#4 ?


Now on to #4.

Anybody?
 
A 90G All-Glass Reef Ready tank with overflow kit will run roughly $325. So that leaves $4675 I suggest moving onto the light.

I would go with a T5HO setup on a softy tank. Halides are nice, especially if you want a LOT of light which dual 250W can provide but I don't think that is necessary for a softy tank. Power Compacts would probably be cheaper than the T5HO but you will need to run more wattage to get the same par, you get less color selections, and the bulbs don't last as long.

Fixture
I think an Aquatinics TX5 ($560 w/bulbs) would be a good fixture.

Retro's
If a canopy was preferred then I would go with a retrofit kit from reef geek. I imagine 4 bulbs kit ($300 w/bulbs) would be plenty but going with the 6 bulb kit ($450 w/bulbs) would give more headroom for more demanding corals if desired. To be a more equal cost comparison with the fixture, the cost of the canopy and cooling fans would need to be factored in as well.
 
I agree with lighting for #4. T-5's are a great idea. A fixture would be nice looking, simple and allow the top to be open for cooling. However by doing a retro the bulbs could be spread out, this would allow for better reflectors and coverage.

Ron
 
I think we need to add cost of stand and canopy if we need one, to the price of the tank. Don't know if the Rock's can do their own wood work.
 
The stand/canopy definetely needs to be factored in but the lighting decision could dictate whether a canopy is needed. Once lighting is picked, then a cost should be worked up for the stand IMO.
 
Okay, so my next thoughts would be going SPS, soft, a mix? DSB no sand at all? Skimming, not skimming? sump, no sump?

then lights cause you dont necessarily need MH or T5s for softies.

I assume a mixed reef with capacity to keep anything.

Just a couple thoughts.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13818030#post13818030 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capture
Okay, so my next thoughts would be going SPS, soft, a mix? DSB no sand at all? Skimming, not skimming? sump, no sump?

then lights cause you dont necessarily need MH or T5s for softies.

I assume a mixed reef with capacity to keep anything.

Just a couple thoughts.

In the first post it said.

They have the spare time, the money and limited knowledge of reefing, but they want to build/buy their first zoanthid/palythoa reef tank

So I was going on the assumption of softies only.
 
Glad someone resurrected this, I wasn't going to do it after being accused of "preordaining" the outcome with how I wanted the system built.

Lights, canopy, lets decide tomorrow evening. If anyone else has any ideas, we'd love to hear them.
 
way more than I can read tonight but I will reply in a few days. good luck everyone and have a very safe and blessed Thanksgiving!!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13817984#post13817984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KafudaFish


How about cost of stand and pendant vs. stand, canopy and retro kit?


Option 1
$330 - TEK 4 bulb 48" light w/ bulbs $330
$25 - Hanging kit
or
$58Legs to sit on tank
Price range of $355-$388


Option 2
$565 - Aquatinics TX5 fixture with bulbs
$25 - Riser or Hanging Kit
Total $590


Option 3
$299 - Sunlight Supply 4 Bulb 48" Retro Kit
$125 - Factory Pine Canopy
or
$290 - Factory Oak Canopy
Price range $425-$590


Option 4
$449 - Sunlight Supply 6 Bulb 48" Retro Kit
$30 - Fan for canopy
$125 - Factory Pine Canopy
or
$290 - Factory Oak Canopy
Price range $604-$769
 
Option 5
$470 - TEK 6 bulb 48" light w/ bulbs
$25 - Hanging kit
or
$58Legs to sit on tank
Price range of $495-$528




BTW, my prices are just a quick sampling. I"m sure they can vary greatly based upon where your looking. Also, I just sort of picked the two canopies at random assuming the 'Rocks' have as much talent as I do when it comes to building furniture. So I picked 2 of the more common canopies that people go with.
 
FANTASIES

FANTASIES

I havent read the thread yet, but after seven pages has there been any conclusions or agreements with a basis to build on? I have always been under the assumption that wether it be 29 gallons or 300 gallons it can be percieved as somebodies " Fantasy Tank" And oddly enough, after all the computers and gadgets and chemicals, I've regressed to try and maintain a reef system as natural as possible. But thats another thread. Starting tomm. I'm going to read this whole thread and try and see if theres a direction. I'll be back.........
 
Just to recap if I remember correctly, we have a 90 gallon against a wall. We set the budget at up to 5K. We have done our research and learned what we can before starting on buying the tank. We are now working on picking a light.

Option 5
$470 - TEK 6 bulb 48" light w/ bulbs
$25 - Hanging kit
or
$58Legs to sit on tank
Price range of $495-$528


This is my vote. I think the extra bulbs will be helpful in setting color and allowing possible additions of higher light corals.
 
Hey Ron, glad you stopped by. Lighting and canopy are only the choices that have been offered up for # 4. If lighting is the consensus for # 4, then we can choose what type of lighting shortly there after.

What we have so far.


#1 Read, research, purchase some good books, join a reef club.

#2 Purchase a tank, in this case you've chosen a 90 gallon predrilled, placed against a wall.

#3 Budget, $ 5,000 or less

#4 ?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13821261#post13821261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ron S.
I like the idea of lighting being #4. If we decide on a nice fixture I don't see the need for a canopy.

Ron

I agree. We can then move onto skimmer as #5. I feel the skimmer will determine what size sump we will need.
 
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