Help planning my 180 gal.

[teamdulski]

Preface all of this by saying I'm a manager at the local LFS and a college student. So I do get a nice size discount on the brand name items, but I am also on a budget. I am upgrading from a 55g.

So far I have a AGA 180 RR(standard 72x24x24), with stand and a 40g breeder for the sump.



Looking to do a combo of softies and LPS. Possible SPS in the future.

I am not that handy so I am planning on buying the Coralife 72 inch fixture with 3x250w MH and 2x96w PC's.

So far this is what I am planning on getting:

2x Koralia 4's
ASM G2 skimmer (only thing I can find that will fit in the stand, with enough clearance to remove the cup)
2x mag 9.5's (too much? not enough?)

Planning on getting 100-150 pounds of marco rock, drilling them and doing the PVC column stacking trick.

120#'s of aragonite sand.


Looking for input on all aspects.

 

[thi7b]

I would go w/ Maristar light fixture. I had coralife,aquamedic and maristar. I like the maristar fixture over the other. I would also go w/ ASM G3. G2 may not be goood enough for a large bioload. I would add two more koralia 2 or 3 if you are going w/ SPS. It's fine for Softie and LPS. I would go w/ Mag 12 or 18 for return pump. This is just IMO.

 

[NYIntensity]

Ever thought about getting it drilled for a closed loop? You can add SO much flow with it; not cheap by any means, but will simplify your electric scheme, and once tuned with ball valves/etc, it won't be bad. I'm about to post my new 180 setup (just bought it, used, but had to redo the closed loop and love it), and I think the closed loop adds a clean look that's hard to compare

 

[Capt_Cully]

I second the maristar! and the G3 (at least). Understanding room is an issue, so you could be ok with the G2, but I think that's pushing it, depending on your bioload.

 

[teamdulski]

The G3 is too tall for the stand, that was my original plan. There is only 24-25 inches under the tank. Although I am planning on keeping the bioload low.

I'll have to look up the maristar pricing.

Any comments for the return pumps?

Thanks for all the help so far.