is this a good setup?

[Newflavor]

I have a 55 galon tank right now 48 by 13 by 20. I want to use the lagune pwerjet3000 as a return pump from the 20 gallon sump but its rated at 1110 gallon per hour. Is this too much power for the tank. I am also gonna add two maxijet 900 power heads in the tank. Would this be too much for the tank. I am thiking of filling my substrate with mushrooms. I will also be taking care of sps corals.

 

[Hop]

Way too much through the sump there. Factor in your headloss and look for a return pump that will give you 3-5 times the system turn over per hour. Then add powerheads or a closed loop for the rest of your flow

 

[Newflavor]

what do you mean by 3-5 times the system turn over per hour? Another question I have is if its also ok for a 75 gallon tank to have the tek t5 with 4 lamps. This 55 gallon tank may be upgraded next year for the 75 gallon I am setting up for my new house to be. Thanks

 

[Hop]

Well you add the total system volume... A 55 gallon tank plus 20 gallon sump is 75 gallons. 75 X 3 is 225, and 75 X 5 is 375. So you want a pump that minus headloss is cranking between 225 and 375 gallons per hour.

1110 gallons per hour would be less efficient for your skimmer and most likely cause a huge microbubble problem

and the T5s should be fine as well...

Good Luck!

 

[BLockamon]

Are you planning on using Tek retrofit or the full fixture. A 4-bulb kit over a 75 might be a tad light for a heavy SPS tank. If you're looking mainly softy and LPS, then is should be fine.

Of course, if you're talking a retrofit kit, you can allways add another two bulbs later when you upgrade.

 

[mg426]

Good sound advice.

 

[Hop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7406767#post7406767 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BLockamon
Are you planning on using Tek retrofit or the full fixture. A 4-bulb kit over a 75 might be a tad light for a heavy SPS tank. If you're looking mainly softy and LPS, then is should be fine.

Of course, if you're talking a retrofit kit, you can allways add another two bulbs later when you upgrade.

Good point. Here is a former tank of the month with a guy running only T5s. 6 may do it for a 75...

 

[BLockamon]

That tank makes me jealous. As soon as I get my nutrients down a little (new filter system in progress), I plan on switching to T5.

 

[Newflavor]

thanks guys. I am buying the hood so I can clamp it on the sides of my tank. I'll probably get the 6 lamps now but just use four until I upgraded to a 75 gallon tank. Thanks for the advice guys.

Would you guys recommend a calcium reactor as well? I am thinking of just buying the additives

 

[Hop]

You may need it in the future, but for now a two-part or kalk drip may be all you need.

 

[BLockamon]

Second that, with a 55 kalkwasser should give you all the calcium and alk you need. I would keep some 2-part on hand for small adjustments.

Just remember that 2-part adds trace elements (particularly magnesium and strontium) while kalk doesn't. So, if you use kalk as the main additive, you may need a trace element or mag/str suppliment as well.

 

[Newflavor]

can I use the kent liquid reactor?