Thanks for all of the replies. I got out of the hobby due to 2 moves within 4 months which I lost 50% of my stuff on the second move. The second move was going to be temporary (had to move due to mold issues) until I found a much better paying job in Houston (meaning another move). So instead of risking it all once again knowing I'd lost most of my stuff again I just sold everything and cashed out. It was too hard lost stuff from the hurricanes of 2004 in Florida. Then building it back up just to lose it again during the moves was difficult.
We decided not to go to Houston and the wife (interior decorator) wants "something of interest" next to the tv so that the tv doesn't demand attention like it does in most living rooms. That "something of interest" can be a reef tank or a terrarium. Well, you don't have to tell me twice!
So I'm trying to budget a complete zoo/ric/shroom/few lps tank for $1500 (not including livestock of course). Electricity is an issue which is why I'd like to go T5. I left the hobby about 6 months into the T5 debate where some were having problems with too much lighting which is why I was considering only 4, but it is a 24" deep tank. I will definitely go with a Tek retro kit with the individual reflectors.
I will admit, that when I first came into the hobby Mucho had just won TOTM and I was so inspired by that tank. I'd like to recreate something similar with my own little slice of flare. I will be asking many questions as far as a softy only tank is concerned. You know...flow, skimmer, setup, etc. Thanks for all of the help!
