Need help choosing equipment for sps dominant tank

marino420td

Premium Member
I'm in the process of upgrading to a 120 gal (48X24X24) which will be sps dominated. Here is my progress so far

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787189

While in the construction process, I figured I might as well start planning what additional equipment I will use.

Lighting:
I'm considering two 400 watt MH on electronic ballasts. Probably 20k bulbs. Will these be sufficient on this tank? Will I also need VHO for supplementation?

Skimmer:
I'm open for suggestions on this one. As I understand, this may be the single most important piece of equipment that I buy. I want something that will efficiently do the job. I plan on having an additional 80 gallon sump so total volume will be approximately 200 gal. I don't really want to spend a fortune on one piece of equipment but I'm open to suggestions.

Calcium Reactor:
As of now, this is foreign to me. I have never used one nor have I read up on them much. Open to suggestions on both the need and brand.

Substrate:
I was thinking of going barebottom on this with starboard to protect the bottom. I'm just not sure I'll like the look. What is recommended.

Closed Loop:
My tank is drilled with a closed loop intake. What pump could I use to avoid having any powerheads in the main tank? Quiet and efficient are important factors.

Is there any other necessary equipment I left out? I have some sps in my current tank but this will be a whole new level. Suggestions are welcome.

Thanks.
 
lighting- just fine, I have 20k and still added VHO for the actinic viewing.

Skimmer- Buy the biggest one you can fit in your sump. ASM IMO best bang for the buck. ASM G4 or G5 for you.

substrate- Barebottom, I put about 2" of sand in just the front of my tank and blowing sand is a pain. I feel I made a mistake and keep trying to work the flow in my tank. BB would of been the right way. just use Zoa's or other corals to fill the bottom in.

Calcium Reactor- korallin 1502 the reactor for dummies. IMO

Closed loop- I have yet to find or hear a quiet pump. you find one let me know.

I hope I helped a bit. BTW nice wood work.


Eric

just for fun , picture of my SPS tank.
PC190149.jpg

11-6-2005007.jpg
 
id say save some money on the electricity and go with just 2 - 250W DE's 20K Helios bulbs with PFO mini pendants and ballast works great on my tank and love the color no actinics needed 400 might be a tad too much u can keep anything u want with what i mentioned

i just purchased a ASM G4 for my new 180G sps reef tank im setting up to cross over from my current 100 g reef

MRC "My Reef Creations" makes a good one get the CR-1 should be fine for your size tank with a 5lb co2 bottle some ARM media a dual guage with solenoid and a pinpoint Ph monitor or controller if u want to make sure Ph never goes abover a certain point... Precision marine makes a good one too but a lil more pricey

substrate is debatable i personally like the more "real" look so im adding LS to my new 180

good pumps are Sequence Reeflo Dart or an Dolphin amp master 3000 both have lots of flow and low energy draw and are quiet for an understand pump ive got a Dart thats going to run an Oceans Motion 4 way

maybe think of getting a UV sterilizer and Ozone ... also the OM 4 Way is a great product designed to give your tank random flow and make a nice current in your tank
 
So far this is what I have purchased for this tank:

2- 250 watt Coralvue electronic MH Ballast with Lumenarc Mini reflectors

H&S A150-2001 external skimmer

100 gallon rubbermaid stock tank for sump

Still need a return pump and a pump for my closed loop.
 
Personally, I find the compromise of having to hide powerheads [and dig them out for cleaning every couple months] to be worth the electrical efficiency and absolute silence I can get out of them. I know I saw a minor [big enough to make my wife happy] drop in power consumption when I went from my closed loop to Seios + streams moving the same water. Quieter, too.

Good choice on the 250's, IMO ... though I find supplimental actinic tempting [not too big into 20k bulbs personally, feel they lose a few colors that whiter bulbs show better].
 
The tank is drilled for a closed loop and the pump will be in another room, so noise should not be a problem. I at least want to try it since I have never used one before.

I will probably add two 48" 95 watt VHO actinics to the lighting setup.

Any other suggestions?
 
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