looking for input on new setup

[matt21ocean]

i know its better to get the largest one i can afford but... i wanted some input from others about what size chiller i should go with i am upgrading to a 120gal with a 75 or 90 gal sump so the total water volume would be around 200gal i dont know if i could use a 1/4 chiller or if i should get a 1/3 chiller the thing is i dont know if the 1/4 would be overworked or not being that the price difference is about 200$ also whats the best make/brand chiller

the next question is about the lighting configuration would 2x 400w MH, 4x 250w MH or 4x 175 MH be best

thanks for your input

 

[gasman059]

Re: looking for input on new setup

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9937371#post9937371 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by matt21ocean
i know its better to get the largest one i can afford but... i wanted some input from others about what size chiller i should go with i am upgrading to a 120gal with a 75 or 90 gal sump so the total water volume would be around 200gal i dont know if i could use a 1/4 chiller or if i should get a 1/3 chiller the thing is i dont know if the 1/4 would be overworked or not being that the price difference is about 200$ also whats the best make/brand chiller

the next question is about the lighting configuration would 2x 400w MH, 4x 250w MH or 4x 175 MH be best

thanks for your input

1-1/3 hp for 200 gallons its about right
2- 4x250 is overkill-forget about the 175's unless u are doing some sort of T5 arrangement.
It truly depends on what are your goals and what u plan to keep in terms of critters.
But IMO 1/3 +3 250 mh with some sort of supps-should be just fine.

 

[ReefWreak]

On a 120, I think your best bet for lighting would be 2x250w with Luminarc III Reflectors, then either T5 or VHO supplemental lighting (with reflectors if you go with T5s). Get a 75w halide for your sump so you can grow cheato like crazy.

I've got a 1/4hp chiller for my 120 + 29g sump and it comes on maybe 2 times a day, so I figure its about the right size for my tank, but you probably want a bigger chiller like Manny said.

 

[matt21ocean]

ReefWreak what’s the make of the chiller? thanks for the input i was going to sup with 4 VHOs and yeah i have a 70w MH over my sump and i grow cheato and other like CRAZY i know what you mean

 

[jeffbrig]

I use a 1/3hp chiller on my system. Tank is 250g, sump is 90g, in theory. Actual water volume is ~260g. Some will say the chiller is slightly undersized, but I only need a couple of degrees pulldown and the price was right (bought it used).

On lighting, if the tank is a standard 4x2x2, I would just get two 250s and maybe some actinics.