Let me begin with an introduction,
My name is Darrel and I live in southern Louisiana. While I may be new to the marine aspects of aquatics, I have successfully built, maintained and enjoyed tropical freshwater tanks and koi ponds.
Currently I have a 30 gallon community tank and a 2000 gallon koi pond, both active and healthy.
I have long wanted to venture into the marine side, and finally decided to take the plunge if you will.
I am currently researching all aspects of a successful reef tank, as with anything knowledge is power, but experience is best, so that is what compels me to make this post.
Due to space and budget constraints, I have decided that a 55gal. Main tank and a 29/30 gal. sump/refugium will be set up.
The sump will be located in the display cabinet. Live rock and live sand will be utilized to the fullest.
I have several concerns as to equipment sizes and brands. And although I do trust the owner of the local shop (been dealing with him for years), he is indeed still a business owner and the only one in town. So that poses a mild dilemma.
In regards to skimmers, what brands would you recommend as well as sizes for the above capacity? Also what styles (spray induction, counter flow, etc.)? This even takes precedence over lighting at this time for me.
Next would but lighting, I am currently leaning towards T5 vho due to heat issues with the ballast, also due to the fact that I will custom build the display cabinet an am unsure of the hood design at this point.
Any and all advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated, even contradictory arguments, as this is still in the learning / research phase of the project and is still capable of being changed.
Thanks,
Darrel
My name is Darrel and I live in southern Louisiana. While I may be new to the marine aspects of aquatics, I have successfully built, maintained and enjoyed tropical freshwater tanks and koi ponds.
Currently I have a 30 gallon community tank and a 2000 gallon koi pond, both active and healthy.
I have long wanted to venture into the marine side, and finally decided to take the plunge if you will.
I am currently researching all aspects of a successful reef tank, as with anything knowledge is power, but experience is best, so that is what compels me to make this post.
Due to space and budget constraints, I have decided that a 55gal. Main tank and a 29/30 gal. sump/refugium will be set up.
The sump will be located in the display cabinet. Live rock and live sand will be utilized to the fullest.
I have several concerns as to equipment sizes and brands. And although I do trust the owner of the local shop (been dealing with him for years), he is indeed still a business owner and the only one in town. So that poses a mild dilemma.
In regards to skimmers, what brands would you recommend as well as sizes for the above capacity? Also what styles (spray induction, counter flow, etc.)? This even takes precedence over lighting at this time for me.
Next would but lighting, I am currently leaning towards T5 vho due to heat issues with the ballast, also due to the fact that I will custom build the display cabinet an am unsure of the hood design at this point.
Any and all advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated, even contradictory arguments, as this is still in the learning / research phase of the project and is still capable of being changed.
Thanks,
Darrel
