New tank set-up ?'s

[crab0000]

I have a 65 that I am going to set up for LPS and zoos. I already have a 6 bulb T5 retro and a EuroReef CS6-1. I've been keeping SPS for a while and have only been worried about what kind of husbandry I need for them. Are there any specific things I need to look out for? What kind of flow do I need? I know SPS need a ton of flow, but I'm not sure about LPS. Will 6 T5's be too much light? What mix of bulbs would you recommend? Also, should I use substarte or go bare bottom? Is this as debated in this forum as it is in the SPS forum?TIA
Steve

 

[blange3]

Hey Steve,

In general LPS like moderate flow. I like to keep a lot of the Euphyllia species and they do best when the current is just enough to sway gently. On my 75g tank I have a Mag7 for my return pump and a Mag18 on a SCWD / closed loop. The SCWD reduces the Mag18 flow quite a bit.

Check out the Lighting and Equipment Forum on the T5's. There have been some discussions about T5's and LPS recently. 6 is more than I would use, especially if you are overdriving on IceCap ballasts. I use VHO's on my LPS tanks.

Also check out the thread below.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=906803


I believe in feeding LPS actively and passively, so I encourage a lot of life in the tank, which includes a 3" sandbed. I cycled for 5 months before adding corals to encourage a healthy pod population, and I routinely dose phytoplankton to keep them fed.

As a result, I do not have crystal clear water, there is a lot of life in it. I target feed 2x a week. Feeding LPS will trigger some discussions here, but nothing like the SPS bare bottom wars!

I'm sure the real LPS experts will chime in soon!

 

[Justin74]

Good info Blange. If you think about it, zoos like alot of flow, like sps. So your kinda at two ends of the spectrum with that, but if you manipulate your flow so the heavy currents on your zoos youll be cool. Having a healthy colony of zoos next to predominantly low flow liking LPS will be a challenge.

-Justin

 

[crab0000]

Thanks for the info! I was thinking of getting an Eheim 1260 for sump return and maybe two Seio 600's for flow. I was thinking of pointing them at the front glass so the flow would be dispersed a little more. The T5's will be driven by standard SLS ballasts. I have the 24" retro's, so I was going to offset them from side to side. Thanks again for the info. It gives me more to think about

 

[blange3]

Thanks Justin,

I overlooked the zoos, and I agree with you. I started out with a mixed 55 and wound up moving my LPS to a 75 as described above. My zoos and softies were left to take over the 55 and I have a lot more flow there.

Steve, the Eheim and the two 620's should be OK for a 65. If Seio ever releases the speed controller I would get that to vary the flow. Depending on what LPS you get, you may want to adjust the flow on the 62o's to the minimum.

 

[crab0000]

Thanks! I thought I may mount the 600's with the flow diveter on them instead of Tunze style. Then if i need more flow I will just change the way they are mounted. This tank is still a month or so away, but I want to try to have the set up in mind before I get to it. Thanks again,
Steve