questions about starting a 180

[cpl40475]

hello everyone
I just bought a 180 and am getting ready to set it up
i would like some input on what type lighting and filtration to run on this tank. I have a 75 reef running as of now but am truly fascinated in the larger tanks.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
It will be a mixed reef sps/lps fish etc.

 

[jgs107]

i have a 180 with a 55 gallon sump split up with baffles.the first section is where the water enters from both overflows into my fuge,then it goes into my skimmer and then through another set of baffles which have filter media in and back into the tank.as far as light goes ive got quite a bit.i have 4 6' VHO's powered by 2 icecap 440's,2 400watt MH on the outside and 1 250 watt in the middle.this gives me just under 1600 watts of light.the look is awesome.ill try and get some pics of the tank up later on tonight.

 

[cpl40475]

ok thanks alot
any other ppl lend there advice?
Tracy

 

[KurtsReef]

Unless you want power heads in the tank you will want to think about having it drilled out for an inline (closed loop) system. I like the inline setup with a pump and ocean motion 4-way underneath the tank, makes for a cleaner look inside the tank.

For lighting, I have 3-400w MH lights and they seem to be almost too much light on a bit larger tank than what you picked up. Have scorched a few corals putting them in the system...250w may be enough as well as cheaper to run. Most of the LFS seem to run 250w bulbs on their systems.

 

[cpl40475]

ok kurts thanks for your input also im just trying to find diff
ways of stting one up and some of the equipment others use
i was kind of thinking 250 m h or lower myself. I really dont want any power heads at all so i will look into the OM.
thanks alot.
any others out there?

 

[masharp1126]

Unless it's a deep tank, go with 250w lights. Closed loop is a good idea and maybe run your sump return lines through a couple of wavy seas or something similar.

 

[masharp1126]

Oh, and invest in the best skimmer you can afford. And check out modifications that can be found here on this site for skimmers. Some of them will improve the performance of your skimmer a lot.

 

[cpl40475]

thanks masharp
yeah ive been reading alot lately about skimmer on here
and i think the word skimmer in the reef dictionary is a BAD BAD word lol
thats why im trying to get a much input as possible before i get this tank up and running
truthfully i dont think i did this much reading in High school
thanks alot
Tracy

 

[cpl40475]

anyone else have any suggestions
including sump layout (size and design)
Tracy