FANTASY REEF BUILD

If we're still on lighting.....
I am newb who has already decided that I dont like MH at all. I had a 250w MH on my tank and yes it is deffinately superbright, its also a PITA. it has to be held farther off of the water and the reflectors are extremely obtrusive.

I am using a Nova t5 fixture now and am buying another in the future so I vote Nova 8x54w half actinic and half 10k. $449 bulbs included. I like it because it can sit right on top of the tanks "canopy" (Really more of and extended rim than a canopy..... ), looks nice if you were to hang it, has fans, It also has "integrated Moon White Lunar Lights " so Mr. and Mrs. Rock dont have to worry about getting those in the future.
Nova 8x54w
 
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Yes Paul, my mistake, why don't you guys/gals choose a T5 Fixture and keep in mind if you want a canopy or not. Choosing a specific T5 lighting system will be determined by whether it is an open top ( hanging fixture )or a canopy fitted fixture. Lets choose quickly so we can move on to #6.

Thanks
 
I like the aquatinics one above and I agree no canopy and hanging.

If the Rock's are concerned about jumping fish then they can search the DIY section on RC for the plastic mesh and steel frame cover for the tank.
 
What if we agree to go with no canopy, either fixture above will suffice.

On to # 6

Suggestions?
 
Since we are trying to stay within a soft budget, I suggest we keep a rough running total. I don't think we are going to go over, but just to keep things in perspective. I'm guess the build is around $950 so far.


Item #6, I vote for skimmer. It will likely be the next most expensive purchase and will dictate the sump to some extent.
 
Paul_PSU & carb850, regarding the skimmer, why do you feel this should be the 6th purchase? I'm not arguing agianst it at all, just wanted you to share with the forum your opinions why, thanks.

Mucho
 
I think the skimmer will decide the size of the sump or if they picked a HOB then they could possibly go with no sump. That was my main reasoning.
 
My reason goes along with Paul's. Also, if an external skimmer is chosen it would likely impact the sumps design as well. Money is a factor also but to a lesser degree. Skimmers can range from $200 - $1200 pretty easily.

BTW, the 3 more expensive pieces of my upcoming tank were my lights, powerheads, & skimmer.
 
As far as the lighting goes, on this size tank, with a center brace, I would suggest 2 24" 6 bulb ts's. I will have to do wome looking around for bulb suggestions.

As far as skimmers. Are we doing a sump??? Think the sump or no sump should come before the skimmer.

With a prodominately zoa tank, I would go hob refugium and hob skimmer (or 2)
 
I think if we are going with no canopy then we should avoid any hob items whether it be skimmer or fuge simply for aesthetic value. The purpose of having no canopy was for a clean look. I don't feel a fuge is a necessity especially if we are not having an sps tank. If we decide to go bb over dsb in the tank then I think we should have a fuge. With that being said the size of the sump will be determined by the skimmer if it is an external or in sump skimmer. The only other thing we will want in the sump is a couple reactors for GFO and carbon and maybe a filter sock and heater.
 
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