Marineland 300G DD Equipment Help

So how would I set up these T-5s, and what would be the best thing. I mean, I"ve heard of retro-fit or retro-kit, but idk what the hell that is. So with a canopy you can just have the T-5's basically screwed into the canopy top or something. Idk, I'm confused as hell as I've never used a canopy.
 
A retrofit kit would probably work best. A retrofit kit is basically the T5's without the bulky plastic unit that houses the bulbs and ballast. Just the reflectors and endcaps, so you mount them as close, or as far apart as you would like. They can mount directly to the inside of the canopy, although with a tank that deep I would probably make some type of rolling rack so you could have easy access when changing bulbs.

will16 did something with a rolling rack on his tank, you may want to check it out.

I believe the marineland canopy opens 2 ways. It has flip open doors on the front, and also the front 1/4 raises up on a hinge for more access.
 
Yeah...where would be the best place to get one of these retro fit or retro kits, and what is the best one (if there is such a thing), also how many bulbs do you think I could use? Lastly, what type of bulb order, I asked before in the equipment forum but nobody really answered.
 
I'm basically a sped with building things, and I had trouble building the sump for the 55 (like leakage and all), so is there another option besides a rolling rock? Could I take the canopy off whenever I wanted to change bulbs?

Oh and can you show me a picture of how this retro thing is set up? Thanks,
Steve
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13615173#post13615173 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveJakubiec
Yeah...where would be the best place to get one of these retro fit or retro kits, and what is the best one (if there is such a thing), also how many bulbs do you think I could use? Lastly, what type of bulb order, I asked before in the equipment forum but nobody really answered.
Click to expand...
I would ask Grim... he'll definitely respond if you post.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1495464&perpage=25&pagenumber=3
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13615176#post13615176 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveJakubiec
I'm basically a sped with building things, and I had trouble building the sump for the 55 (like leakage and all), so is there another option besides a rolling rock? Could I take the canopy off whenever I wanted to change bulbs?

Oh and can you show me a picture of how this retro thing is set up? Thanks,
Steve
Click to expand...
Taking off a canopy that large would be quite the process.

A rolling rack is easy to build, or you could probably have someone build one for you for cheap (the materials needed shouldn't be very expensive).

I would post in the DIY forum, and ask about some recommended designs for one.
 
Also, about the skimmer, people have been telling me that the MSX 300, wouldn't suffice, got any advice on a different skimmer?
 
I would do 60" 80 watt lamps ran on Ice Cap ballasts. I would order the Ice Cap 60" retrofit kits from Reefgeek with lamps minus the reflectors. Aquarium Specialties from the sponsors page has 60" RG reflectors which are only 2.5 inches wide. Depending on what you want to raise I would get 9 or 12 lamps.

Front

ATI Blue Plus
GE6500K Daylight
ATI Actinic 03
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
ATI Aquablue
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

for 12 add
ATI Actinic 03
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Remember to add a fan at each end blowing in from the back down the rows of endcaps to cool the lamp ends.


Is what Grim suggested. Oh, boy, that was a little confuising, but I think I understand it actually.

Yeah i think I"ll go with the MSX 300.
 
$15.00 x 12 = $180.00 - New Endcaps & Standoffs
$155.00 x 4 = $620.00 - IceCap 660 Ballasts
$20.00 x 12 = $240.00 - Estimated bulb prices
$24.00 x 12 = $288.00 - 60" Reflectors

$1,328.00 Total for 12 bulbs

$15.00 x 9 = $135.00 - New Endcaps & Standoffs
$155.00 x 3 = $465.00 - IceCap 660 Ballasts
$20.00 x 9 = $180.00 - Estimated bulb prices
$24.00 x 9 = $216.00 - 60" Reflectors

$996.00 Total for 9 bulbs

Now that you know the equipment you would need, you can shop around for some deals to try and reduce the cost.

If you're planning on a reef, then I would do the 12 bulb unit. If you're doing a FOWLR, the 9 bulb setup spaced appropriately across the canopy should light the tank fine.
 
Last edited:
MSX 300 it is then. Tswifty, where would be the best place for me to order all of those lights from? Ya think my LFs would be the best?

Also, do you mind if I ask you opinion on my tank stock for the 300, as people don't really post in the FOWLR forum.

*BlueThroat Triggerfish
*7 Flame Wrasse Harem
*Personifer Angelfish
*Scribbled Angelfish
*Sohal Tang
* Orange Shoulder Tang
*Desarjardini Sailfin Tang
*Semilivartus Butterflyfish Group of 3

Advice? I most likely would get bashed anyway, so bring it.


Thanks,
Steve
 
I wouldn't go through your LFS... they'll up the price a TON.

Bulb prices don't vary much, neither do endcaps or standoffs, and the site Grim listed is for the reflectors he recommended. I would try and lump as much as you can together on one site so you save on shipping. Also, look around for places that offer free shipping over a certain $ amount.

The area where you should be able to save some cash is the ballasts. Their prices can vary quite a bit online. Search around for the best price, or you can browse the used selling forums. Going rate for a used Icecap 660 is $100.

If cost doesn't matter than much, then just go through one site. It's up to you. I usually search around quite a bit, and make a spreadsheet listing the different prices of the items I need at all the different sites, then add up various combinations to see which saves the most $.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13619372#post13619372 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveJakubiec
MSX 300 it is then. Tswifty, where would be the best place for me to order all of those lights from? Ya think my LFs would be the best?

Also, do you mind if I ask you opinion on my tank stock for the 300, as people don't really post in the FOWLR forum.

*BlueThroat Triggerfish
*7 Flame Wrasse Harem
*Personifer Angelfish
*Scribbled Angelfish
*Sohal Tang
* Orange Shoulder Tang
*Desarjardini Sailfin Tang
*Semilivartus Butterflyfish Group of 3

Advice? I most likely would get bashed anyway, so bring it.


Thanks,
Steve
Click to expand...
A 300g tank is massive... there's not much you CAN'T put in one of those. :lol:

As far as the Angels go, talking to someone who has housed multiple large angelfish with success would be your best bet.

That's what I do. When I have my eye on a particular fish, epecially if it isn't a common one, or is prone to issues... I look around for members who have had success with them "long term."

I find it's better to do that, otherwise you're just getting opinions... which may or may not be accurate.
 
But you think the stock is allright?

*BlueThroat Triggerfish
*7 Flame Wrasse Harem
*Personifer Angelfish
*Scribbled Angelfish
*Sohal Tang
* Orange Shoulder Tang
*Desarjardini Sailfin Tang
*Semilivartus Butterflyfish Group of 5


Meant to change the 3 to 5, but didn't write it down. That is the Final Stock. I really love all those fish in there, and am happy that I can house them to sucess.

Thanks,
Steve

P.S. Any input on other equipment?
 
• 300g FOWLR Notes
• 300g Display Tank AGA (72"x36"x27") Dual CornerFlows
• Marineland Deep Dimension Stand/Canopy
• 55g Quarantine Tank/300g Rubbermaid QT as Backup
• Oceanic Sump
• AQUA FX Barracuda Ro/Di
• Aqua Controller Jr
• Lighting: See Below
• MSX 300 Skimmer
• 3 Vortech Mp40ws
• Vita-Chem
• Selcon
• Prazi-Pro
• Refractometer
• JBJ Auto Top-Off
• Heaters: Visi-Therm or Jager
• Maxi-Jet 606 Pump for TLF Reactors
• 2 TLF Reactors
• Carbon
• Phosban
• Maxi-Jet 1200 Powerhead (Mixing Salt)
• Black Background
• Battery Pump for the Powerheads Incase of Blackout
• Brute Trash Can x2 (One for Ro/Di Water/One for Mixing Salt)

Lighting
$15.00 x 12 = $180.00 - New Endcaps & Standoffs
$155.00 x 4 = $620.00 - IceCap 660 Ballasts
$20.00 x 12 = $240.00 - Estimated bulb prices
$24.00 x 12 = $288.00 - 60" Reflectors

$1,328.00 Total for 12 bulbs

Tank Stock
*BlueThroat Triggerfish
*7 Flame Wrasse Harem
*Personifer Angelfish
*Scribbled Angelfish
*Sohal Tang
* Orange Shoulder Tang
*Desarjardini Sailfin Tang
*Semilivartus Butterflyfish Group of 5


That's basically it for now.
Thanks,
Steve
 
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