OMG!!! I think I've been reading for days and now I have more questions than I initially thought I would. I assume that's because the people here are so meticulous about their tanks 
. I'll try to break each of my questions down as simply as possible.
First of all, I'm looking at a display tank of 72'' x 18'' X 20'' (or up to 24''). The height is still up in the air but if possible I'll go with the deeper so we're talking roughly 125 gallons. I plan on having a three separate containers for my sump, refugium (approx. 60 to 70 gallons) and return area. I'm hoping the sump and return area can be approx. 20 gallons each.... I'm looking to make as much total water volume as possible. I'll be honest with you, I haven't a clue what my goals are with this tank other than a peaceful reef. I know I will be using live sand and live rock. Beyond that I'm just looking at getting into easy to care for coral and fish. I definately want one or two clowns with an anemone (or two) and I'd also like eight Tangs, all yellow.
I'm kidding. I really don't think I'll end up with any Tangs..... Sorry, I just think they are kinda ugly.
After hours of reading I have a few questions.
1. I've narrowed down the Protien Skimmers to ASM G Series or Berlin (both 250 gallons). The ASM is approx. $270 or the Berlin for approx. $240. The $30 dollar difference isn't an issue but if the quality of the ASM is better I would prefer to go with that. Which is better?
2. I've read countless threads that talk about the Mag 9.5 and 12. I've also heard using more than one pump is a better option in case one fails. That being said, where exactly are you supposed to install two pumps? I assumed I could use one on my skimmer (or is the skimmer self powered?) and obviously I need one for my return but I don't see how the system could continue to run (albeit very weak) if say only the return pump continued to work.
3. I also want a CL but i'm trying to figure out what the best setup would be. I've read numerous threads that discuss one drain (or intake) with two outputs. I've seen some that go as high as four with one intake. Assuming I go with four outputs, how many drains would I need? What size drain(s){bulkheads} would I use and what size output piping and bulkhead would I need? What type of wavemaker would be ideal? And what pump should work well with this setup? (Mag 12 comes to mind but I want to be clear about my setup before I decide what pump I need).
4. Lighting-------- I'm just lost on this one. I know MH is the best for all reef life. But what is T5, HVO, actinic (sp?)? I can't even figure out what all these lights are for let alone what setup would be the best for me. Could someone at least explain what all the different lights are, what they are used for and which ones are a must?
And thanks so much for all the advice. This place is fabulous!!!!!!!
. I'll try to break each of my questions down as simply as possible. First of all, I'm looking at a display tank of 72'' x 18'' X 20'' (or up to 24''). The height is still up in the air but if possible I'll go with the deeper so we're talking roughly 125 gallons. I plan on having a three separate containers for my sump, refugium (approx. 60 to 70 gallons) and return area. I'm hoping the sump and return area can be approx. 20 gallons each.... I'm looking to make as much total water volume as possible. I'll be honest with you, I haven't a clue what my goals are with this tank other than a peaceful reef. I know I will be using live sand and live rock. Beyond that I'm just looking at getting into easy to care for coral and fish. I definately want one or two clowns with an anemone (or two) and I'd also like eight Tangs, all yellow.
I'm kidding. I really don't think I'll end up with any Tangs..... Sorry, I just think they are kinda ugly.After hours of reading I have a few questions.
1. I've narrowed down the Protien Skimmers to ASM G Series or Berlin (both 250 gallons). The ASM is approx. $270 or the Berlin for approx. $240. The $30 dollar difference isn't an issue but if the quality of the ASM is better I would prefer to go with that. Which is better?
2. I've read countless threads that talk about the Mag 9.5 and 12. I've also heard using more than one pump is a better option in case one fails. That being said, where exactly are you supposed to install two pumps? I assumed I could use one on my skimmer (or is the skimmer self powered?) and obviously I need one for my return but I don't see how the system could continue to run (albeit very weak) if say only the return pump continued to work.
3. I also want a CL but i'm trying to figure out what the best setup would be. I've read numerous threads that discuss one drain (or intake) with two outputs. I've seen some that go as high as four with one intake. Assuming I go with four outputs, how many drains would I need? What size drain(s){bulkheads} would I use and what size output piping and bulkhead would I need? What type of wavemaker would be ideal? And what pump should work well with this setup? (Mag 12 comes to mind but I want to be clear about my setup before I decide what pump I need).
4. Lighting-------- I'm just lost on this one. I know MH is the best for all reef life. But what is T5, HVO, actinic (sp?)? I can't even figure out what all these lights are for let alone what setup would be the best for me. Could someone at least explain what all the different lights are, what they are used for and which ones are a must?
And thanks so much for all the advice. This place is fabulous!!!!!!!
