Tank Setup Help

[Reefer_Addickt]

Thanks in advance for reading my post and offering advice. As I delve deeper and deeper into the many options found through RC research. I find myself needing some advice on equipment and tank setup.


The tank is a Sea Clear System II 36" x 15" x 20"H :

The sectioned off sump in the back is where my questions lie.

The return into the tank is 3/4 and outlets in the front about 2.5 inchs above the bottom. Which leaves me out of the running for a DSB I believe.

Questions:
Should I get a mag 18 and attach it directly to the 3/4 return into the tank, then get an in sump skimmer for section 2?

or

One pump/skimmer for section 2 grow macro aglae in section 1?


What is a good skimmer for that setup in the 150-200 range, can I use in sump or does it have to be HOT? Ive been reading that octupus skimmers are good, is that made by corallife?

My lighting is going to be 2x175watt 10k MH with 2x55watt T5 20k

 

[Keith Le]

Skimmer...
I think your space is kind of limited, your going to have to do a HOT skimmer. Maybe the Aqua C Remora Pro, its in your price range? I haven't used a HOT skimmer since CPR was the only game in town but a lot of people seem to like like the Remora. I don't know the dimensions of your filter chamber but it look similar to a TruVu aquasystem and you can't cram much into those things.

As far as the lower return...
You can always but an elbow on it and kick it up and out to effectivly raise it. Then you could do a DSB if you wanted.

Lighting...

Did you mean 2x175 MH and 2x55 PC actinics? 55watt (54watt, I think) T5s are a foot too long for your tank. You'll need a chiller by the way. I've nuked a few tanks with MH when I refused to drop the cash on a chiller.

Hope this helps
-K

 

[Reefer_Addickt]

Keith thanks for answering.

The outlet on the front of the tank from the return feeds about 20 little holes arranged like an L. I think I would have to plug about half of the returns to have a DSB.

Do you think 2x 175w MH 10k, and 2x T12 F30 20k' is to much light?

I was thinking I could put some sort of stand in Section 2 and then place a sump skimmer on the stand, as section 2 has the largest dimensions.

Trying to shy away from HOT skimmers because in the past I had a red sea crapism. I see ramora pro's on CL often for around 100-150 and have heard lots of good about them.

 

[Reefer_Addickt]

I dont plan on keeping what i believe are SPS corals acropora etc.. I like soft corals, and corals that move in some sort of way.

 

[TimTen]

I will be sell a 2 X 150 MH DE with LED lunar lights soon.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CU01063

Not sure if your interested in used Equipment or not. I was able to keep SPS and Softies under these lights. I switched out because I'm getting more interested in SPS.

I was able to keep my tank cool with fans controlled by a Aqua Controller. Probly one of the better purchases I've made.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=NS1155

 

[raddogz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10055937#post10055937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefer_Addickt
I dont plan on keeping what i believe are SPS corals acropora etc.. I like soft corals, and corals that move in some sort of way.

This tank is looks like the Uniquarium I used to have.

I kept all kinds of softies and zoas on nothing but pc's. It originally came with a rio 1700, and I think I was able to fit (barely) a mag 5 into the last chamber. I put a Aqua C Remora on the first chamber and this system did okay for a number of years.

 

[Reefer_Addickt]

Thanks I think I will do similar Eileen.

Put a Remora pro on chamber 1

Try to fit a pump of some sort in chamber 2 with a plastic tube to pipe it to the 3/4 return.

 

[Reefer_Addickt]

Can anyone recommend a really good high gph not super noisy that will fit in the center section (2). 4x 10

Not so sold on a mag pump as main return.

 

[Reefer_Addickt]

10 x 4 sorry