I am in the process of researching and planning a 75 gal reef for the second time. First time around I came to the conclusion that my house and budget were too small to do it right so I sidelined it for a few years. I am back in the game now and I have a ton of questions I was hoping someone could help me with. My first questions have to do with lighting.
I know this is very general but as far as the stocking goes I would like to start out with some easier, low light corals and a few fish and then gradually move up to some tougher species that require a lot of light. I am going to have a cabinet maker build me a custom stand with canopy. For lighting I am thinking about going with a retro kit containing 2x175w MH's and 2x110w VHO's. My questions are:
1) Will this be sufficient / appropriate lighting for this size tank for most corals. Too much too little? Will it fry low light corals etc.?
2) How high should I keep the lights off the water? I have heard 8" - 12" is usually a good estimate.
3) Will fans be necessary to help deal with heat? If yes how many?
4) I have read that a piece of UV glass should be placed between the lights and the water to protect your eyes from the MH's and to prevent water from splashing the hot glass. I have also read that any kind of glass top over the tank will restrict gas diffusion. What would you suggest I do?
I have a lot more to ask but I will save those ?'s for another thread. I really want to design this system for where I want to be in the hobby eventually so that I am not constantly upgrading. Any help you guys might have for getting me there would be much appreciated.
I know this is very general but as far as the stocking goes I would like to start out with some easier, low light corals and a few fish and then gradually move up to some tougher species that require a lot of light. I am going to have a cabinet maker build me a custom stand with canopy. For lighting I am thinking about going with a retro kit containing 2x175w MH's and 2x110w VHO's. My questions are:
1) Will this be sufficient / appropriate lighting for this size tank for most corals. Too much too little? Will it fry low light corals etc.?
2) How high should I keep the lights off the water? I have heard 8" - 12" is usually a good estimate.
3) Will fans be necessary to help deal with heat? If yes how many?
4) I have read that a piece of UV glass should be placed between the lights and the water to protect your eyes from the MH's and to prevent water from splashing the hot glass. I have also read that any kind of glass top over the tank will restrict gas diffusion. What would you suggest I do?
I have a lot more to ask but I will save those ?'s for another thread. I really want to design this system for where I want to be in the hobby eventually so that I am not constantly upgrading. Any help you guys might have for getting me there would be much appreciated.