help me spend some money!

[Alaskan Reefer]

For a 120 with sump, I'd get an ASM G-3 if you're looking for a skimmer you won't outgrow that's a good value. If that won't fit then a G-2. I personally have a Euroreef CS-180 on my 125, but it's overkill and most who own ASMs say they work just as well.

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/protein_skimmers/104776.html

As for the lighting, I have the Sunlight Supply Tek T-5 8X54W over 2/3 of my 125. I have seen T-5 without individual reflectors and the difference is dramatic. Your call of course, just wanted to make sure you knew that the option for considerably more light output for the same wattage / electric bill existed. The Tek 8X54W would fit better on your 120 than it does on my 125, and you wouldn't need any more light at any point.

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104194.html

I'd just put a snail or crab in the tank after you think it's cycled. They'll let you know better than the fish will, and they're a lot cheaper than cleaner shrimp. After a week or so, the rest of your existing livestock. Then, add your other fish as slowly as you can, preferrably at least a week between each individual addition -- I've been stocking this 125 at one fish per month.

Make sure you post some pics!!!

 

[yogisfriend]

Lyscer, beautiful tank! Thanks for the heads up on the gobies. I'll wait awhile.

Alaskan Reefer, Thanks. I like the tek setup. You went with just 8 lamps? I ordered an additional set of4; guess I can save some money! BTW, I spent a summer in Eagle River way back when--actually, I used it as a base while I traveled around Alaska. Beautiful country.

 

[Im14abeer]

Alright, so since this thread was about spending money...
An upgraded protien skimmer is on the list, I'm not knocking the Remora, it may be a shade undersized though. And since you have a sump, there's several better choices. And while we're at the sump, Nemo's fuge suggestion was very good. No one has yet asked what you're going to do about flow. Maybe a set of Tunzes and a multicontroler. Hmmm... was going to try to save a little for livestock, oh well, time to sell the Remora on the seller's forum. Or you could save it in case you get the 80 running again. Oh, do you have an RO/DI filter? I probably wouldn't buy that at the LFS, but thought I'd mention it.

 

[Lpsfanatic338]

What is the lfs called? Just wondering.

 

[Lyscer]

I agree with Im14abeer about the RO/DI unit. It will save you a ton of money in the long run if you consider topping off your tank and doing water changes. Also in order to get the maximum performance out of a skimmer the water level needs to be pretty consistent. www.airwaterice.com has a compact reefkeeper unit for $139 and they have excellent customer service.

Do you have pictures yet?

 

[yogisfriend]

The LFS we go to is called Red Sea Aquatics in Marysville, CA. They have healthy stock and I like the fact that I can see everything together. It helps to see them that way in order to judge compatibility.

I'll check sites for pricing on the skimmers. I already have an RO unit. I also got a phosban 150; thinking about getting another for carbon.