Planning a 75 gallon....help!!!

[pallidamors]

Right now I have a 20 gal long that Ive had for about 6 months now and I love it!! I just graduated from college and looking to buy a house in the next 6 months or so. I want to set up a 75 gal in the house and start gathering some of the materials now. Here is what I have planned so far, but please feel free to critique.

Lighting: 48 inch Current USA 6x54W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 3-10k/3-460nm Actinics

Flow: 2 koralia 4 powerheads

Tank and Stand: pre-drilled tank

Now I have no idea whats a decent skimmer or return pump for the sump, or even how to make a sump. I want to do this build right and use good stuff in the beginning, not the best, but good. Any help/tips would be great!

 

[rbtwo4]

honestly go for the 125

 

[pallidamors]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11657277#post11657277 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rbtwo4
honestly go for the 125

why, Im thinking a 125 is going to cost alot more to set up....

 

[schigara]

I have a 75 now and am soooo limited with aquascaping and fish I'd like to keep.

A 75 or most 4ft tanks are right on the edge of what, I think, could be so much more but aren't.

The only extra expense for a 125 compared to a 75 would be just one more Metal Halide to handle the added 2 feet of tank.

If you like Tangs, as most do, spend a few hundred extra and get the 6 foot long tank! I wish I had from the get go.

What costs a lot more is when you quickly realize the 4ft tank is not what you really wanted and then have to deal with the switch to the 6ft tank.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11657295#post11657295 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pallidamors
why, Im thinking a 125 is going to cost alot more to set up....

 

[pallidamors]

can I run t-5's over the tank or is mh the only way to go?

 

[schigara]

You can run T5's but what coral do you want to keep? TOTM members have run full SPS systems with t5's but with just 18" front to back in a 75 or 125, it might not be enough for demanding clams or SPS.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11657387#post11657387 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pallidamors
can I run t-5's over the tank or is mh the only way to go?

 

[schigara]

Also, 2 54w T5's are not going to replace 2 250w metal Halides. You'll need 6-8 T5's with individual reflectors to even come close so there is not really any money to be saved by going with T5's.

 

[pallidamors]

this was the light I was thinking of for the 75

Lighting: 48 inch Current USA 6x54W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 3-10k/3-460nm Actinics

any good?

 

[Vinnie71975]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11657496#post11657496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pallidamors
this was the light I was thinking of for the 75

Lighting: 48 inch Current USA 6x54W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 3-10k/3-460nm Actinics

any good?

I have the 4x54 and i love it!

 

[Pheeshes]

with the right buld combination there are very few things that can't be kept under T-5s.

 

[dsn112]

The pro is nice, i just bougth the pro for my 70. It has individually bent reflectors and 6 bulbs. Nice unit.