Help starting 300 gallon tank

[johnnyroastbeef]

I'm setting up my new 300 gallon reef tank (96X24X30), and I need some equipment advice. I am planning on creating 3 small reef areas within the tank, by piling rocks on both ends and in the middle, all towards the back of the tank. I want to leave as much room as possible for larger fish.

What would be good power heads to provide enough circulation. I definitely plan on doing sponges, and I know they need quite a bit of flow. Also what should I do about lighting. I'm inclined to do t5s but I dont know how much light I need. At 96" do I get 2-48" fixtures, or just one longer one?

I could do a combo MH and T5 but again dont know where to start. I dont want to buy lighting that cant reach the bottom of the tank.

One more question, I see most reefers leave the top of their tanks uncovered. Why is this. I keep mine covered to reduce evaporation and keep the fish in the tank. Do acrylic covers prevent much light penetration.

thanks
jrb

 

[wils_25]

Covers can get dirty so you don't get the most out of your lights unless you want to clean them every other day.

 

[dean1977]

Glasstops make the tank hot too, besides the dirty thing. Need more info on what you plan on keeping i.e. types of fishes?, SPS?, clams?. And what climate do you live in? Do you have the tank already?

 

[zlwags85]

I'm putting two Koralia Magnum 8's on my 300 and then will add some smaller MJ's on the back to kill deadspots if needed.

 

[dean1977]

How thick is that glass on the 300?

 

[johnnyroastbeef]

I get the tank this weekend. It's a ******* acrylic tank- I dont know thickness. I will definitely be keeping sps, anemones, no clams - I havent decided on the fish yet.

 

[dean1977]

Ok. I was asking the thickness of the guy with koralias because they only stick to half inch or less.
If you live in a warm climate I would lean towards T5. If your tank is real deep(30+) you prolly need 400watt halides to grow sps on the bottom. For me lots of water flow is really important. Powerheads or closed loop?

 

[strayvoltage]

Is 30" the height of the tank? I have a 300 and it is 96x30x25. Your lighting will depend greatly on knowing the correct height. I have one Vortech mp40w in the tank and a second one on the way. These pumps can do anything you want them to do.

 

[Finsky]

The new Hydor Koralia Magnum 5,6,7, & 8 work on glass 1/2" to 13/16" of an inch.

I am thinking of a 210 AGA aquarium and I wonder how my two fixtures with 322 watt compact flourescentsin each would do for my LPS, anemones, & live rock