New Reefer

[sticky]

Well I decided I needed a new hobby and for the longest time(since I was a kid) I wanted a salt water tank. I finally made the jump and I am starting to get things setup.

Currently I have:
55G Tank open top
High Impact Coral Lighting 2X65
Marineland Penguin 350 BIO-Wheel Filter 350GPH (rated 75G)
Tronic 60Hz 60G Heater
Salt/Water Mix that is correct
Puka Shell/Puka Sand Mix

No Fish/LR/Coral at this time

The tank is setup, however my water is ?still murky?.

Where should I go/start from here as far as how much LR/Coral/Starter Fish to begin the cycle.

Thanks for any advice/tips/help

[perpetual98]

Welcome to the board!

Sounds like a good start so far. Ditch the Bio part of that filter, as you don't need it for saltwater tanks. Now begins the cycle. You'll want to pick you your live rock now and get it into the tank. Also, pick up some test kits because they are critical during this time. Get at minimum a Nitrite, a Nitrate and an Ammonia test kit, and you should also get a pH kit too. After the rock is introduced, you'll see a rist in the Nitrites, Ammonia and Nitrates. The Nitrites and Ammonia will disappear after some times, and the Nitrates will become very low, the lower the better. It may take two weeks, it may take 6 weeks, you just have to be patient. Any time you add anything to the tank, especially more LR, you'll get a small cycle. If you can, get all of your LR and put it in the tank at the same time.

Down the road some things you might consider are more lighting (at least another 2x65W setup) or different lighting. A skimmer is always a plus and there are several good ones that will hang on the back (HOB for short) and you might need a couple more powerheads. Water movement is critical in SW aquariums.

As always, ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. That's what we're here for. There's plenty of knowledgable people on this forum.

Eric

[sticky]

The Store I am using here has a guy that has a 6 year old Reef tank who wasn't in last night. I talked to him and have already made some changes.
I swapped out the old light for a new one.

What has changed

48" 260 Watt 4x65 Double Strip set on a timer day/night power strip
25 pounds of LR

Current filter is still in place he suggested leaving that in place.

Thursday of this week I am taking in water, they do free testing on tank water
If everything looks good I plan to pick up 3 Damsels and 2 Red Leg Hermit Crabs
After 2 weeks of that setup I am picking up a Aqua tank.
> It includes a bio-tank w/bacteria balls with a protein/algae Skimmer all in one.
He suggest it not only for the price but functionality since this is what he uses.

After a week of running with the new Fish/Crabs and filter system I plan to add some more LR and then let it set for a couple of weeks and then go from there.

Does this sound like a good plan/setup?

Thanks again

[jerryc]

If it was me id get all my live rock first let it set for at least
four weeks before i done anything.
If you add your live rock a little at a time you will have a new
cycle ever time you add it

[maxfischer]

i am also new to this but i will tell you this, dont put anything live in your tank for awhile, let it cycle on its own with the live rock. If the guy at the LFS is telling you to put damsels in the tank its cause he wants the sale. Just the LR will be good, also you might want to try some raw shrimp from the market. thats my 2cents

[perpetual98]

Exactly. I mentioned that in my post earlier. Get the foundation set up first, then start adding stuff after you have all of your LR in there. If you keep adding LR little by little, you're going to have an endless cycle and you'll never be able to start adding nicer fish and corals.

Oh yeah, you'll probably want to skip the damsels. They tend to be bullies to other fish and you'll end up ripping everything apart trying to get them out after the LR is all aquascaped.

[ReefNeck]

The Store I am using here has a guy that has a 6 year old Reef tank who wasn't in last night. I talked to him and have already made some changes.
I swapped out the old light for a new one.

What has changed

48" 260 Watt 4x65 Double Strip set on a timer day/night power strip
25 pounds of LR

Current filter is still in place he suggested leaving that in place.

Thursday of this week I am taking in water, they do free testing on tank water
If everything looks good I plan to pick up 3 Damsels and 2 Red Leg Hermit Crabs
After 2 weeks of that setup I am picking up a Aqua tank.
> It includes a bio-tank w/bacteria balls with a protein/algae Skimmer all in one.
He suggest it not only for the price but functionality since this is what he uses.

After a week of running with the new Fish/Crabs and filter system I plan to add some more LR and then let it set for a couple of weeks and then go from there.

Does this sound like a good plan/setup?

Thanks again

I started to skip this and not chime in but it's bugging the devil out of me.

The guy at the LFS is telling you alot of wrong things! (Most LFS people do to make sales).

Your Live Rock alone can do the cycle as stated by the others here!

The lights you have listed here are "Better" than what was in your first post but will not be good enough for Clams, Anemones and or all SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals and even most LPS (Large Polyp Stony) Corals. For these you would need T5 HO's, VHO's or Metal Halides"!

Also, The Bio portion of your existing filter he told you to leave in....WRONG. This type of filter is a Nitrate factory! It needs to come off!!

As for your water testing....YOU need a kit to test it! People at the stores will tell you anything to make a sale! And I like to test mine sometimes if I suspect something is not right at 3AM.....Will the LFS be there for you then?

And this Filter with BIO media and a skimmer built into one unit.....Sounds like a Skilter to me. Complete garbage! You need a real Protein Skimmer and NO BIO media at all in any filter!

Sorry to come off so harsh but LFS employees that spew this garbage really burn my backside! :roll:

[sticky]

So could someone post links for
Lights
Filtration
Skimmer

So that I could take a look at it. I have already spent quite a large amount trying to get the right equipment I need, but yet it sounds like from what I read nothing I have is what I need accept the tank itself.

[ReefNeck]

So could someone post links for
Lights
Filtration
Skimmer

So that I could take a look at it. I have already spent quite a large amount trying to get the right equipment I need, but yet it sounds like from what I read nothing I have is what I need accept the tank itself.

I'd be glad to help you with links and all but a lot depends on the type of things you wish to keep. Do you want Clams someday? Do you want hard corals or only soft? Anemones? These things will help determine your lighting.

Filters....Also depends somewhat on what you keep. Refugium is best in a Reef system unless you spend the big bux and go with the Ecosystem method using Miracle Mud.

Skimmers depend on your wallet. Want the best? Look at Deltec or ASM. Euro Reef is another option a little less expensive. If you are limited on funds, Look at the Coralife Super Skimmers. I'd go with the 125G model on your setup.

Tell me more of where you want to go with your tank and I can give you a list of good options and then let you decide which way you want to go.

:)

[sticky]

What we are shooting for is LR(not hard to keep that) Some corals, Anemones, and Some fish. We aren't looking to fill our tank to the max, just build a nice aquascape, have some corals, pick out the Anemones we really like the best and have a few fish/inverts to finish off.

[ReefNeck]

Ok, But what type of Corals is what matters. If just Soft Corals and mushrooms the 4x65W PC light will be fine. Only if you want the hard corals (SPS) and Clams and even some Anemones would you need more.

A Bubble Tip Anemone will be fine with those lights. I know I have one under 4 x 65W.

So check out the Coralife Super Skimmer 125 and let me know the type of corals you want. Also, If you have any plans for a Mandarinfish then a Refugium becomes a must have.

[sticky]

As far as Corals goes I guess what would be the differences in Anemones that you can use (any photos or links). As for the refugium I have heard of it, but do not fully understand the importance and use of it if you could help me out with that.

The decision between hard/soft corals is based on Anemones

Now I know some of these photos may be improbably, but this just shows what Anemones we like

http://www.seait.com/images/anemones.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/wildlifeweb/invertebrate/anemone/anemone05tk.jpg

http://www.gulfofme.com/images/northern%20red%20anenome1.jpg

http://www.internetstart.se/download/bakgrunder/anemones.jpg

http://jhearst.typepad.com/photos/ptlobos/anemones.jpg

I know there are tons of Anemones out there to choose from, and a large variety to choose from. I am trying to look for guidance, tips, help, and to learn the different abbreviations I see :mrgreen:

So far I appreciate all the great help and information I have found on this site.

[ReefNeck]

Ok, With those Anemone choices You will need more than PC (Power Compact) lights can provide.

Have a look at this page http://www.specialty-lights.com/teklightaqua.html for lighting. The more bulbs you can afford in the fixture, The better. I would go 6 Bulb but 8 is even better if you can afford it.

Here is the #1 filtration method, A little pricey but worth it. http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/ecosystemMethod.html

And for information on Sumps/Refugiums Visit here http://www.melevsreef.com

Check those out then fire back any more questions you may have. )[/url]

[sticky]

Right now I am just going through the lights portion, my question is.. and this may seem odd, but is there any better looking lights out there? The reason I ask is my tank is sitting in my living room as I want it to be the first thing people see and the center piece. However I have vaulted ceilings in there, and having lights hanging down from that would look rather ?odd?

http://www.specialty-lights.com/960202.html

This would be a possible option, but I have no clue on how to set that up with the tanks location?

I will post again after I get through the filtration system.

Thanks for the links

[ReefNeck]

Ask and you shall receive! http://www.specialty-lights.com/tek-bracket.html

Tank mounting legs for the same lights. They don't HAVE to hang. :)

Or you could get a Canopy (Or build one if you are skilled) and build the lights into it to hide them. ;)

[sticky]

Actually I could, but it would probably come out awkward, but I have a friend who does word working and have him build something or go with the mounting brackets either way the hutch I would like built would be able to hide the lights and give more storage for items.

At least with the brackets I could get the light mounted and up while the hutch was being built.

On to the next part .. filtration

[sticky]

Alright, well that raised more questions than it really answered for me??

http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/reefugium.html

That doesn't tell me too much and that picture has me confused?
Does the refugium go under my tank for plants/mud and that soft to supply nutrients to the system?

It says add to your existing filter.. so do I need to get a filtration system and add the ecosystem to that?

All I can say is wow, I am excited, but all so lost. Any help on this one?

[ReefNeck]

There is an Ecosystem that can be added on to an existing sump. There is also one that is the sump and system all in one.

The last link I posted is a site that will show you how you can build your own sump/refugium and save a lot of cash.

This is the Total Package of the Ecosystem. http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/sumps_kits.html

Look at the other link first and decide if you can do it yourself and save (or want to) or if this link fits your plan better.

The Mud is the best method but not absolutely needed. You can build a nice Refugium and be almost as good.

[sticky]

Could you kind of break down the exacts on a refugium on what it does, it's exact purpose, and any tips to build one correctly that works good?

[ReefNeck]

Could you kind of break down the exacts on a refugium on what it does, it's exact purpose, and any tips to build one correctly that works good?

Well, That is what Melevs site does. Has all that info but I digress. ;)

A Refugium can be your sump, With a small section set aside for the "Fuge" part. In this "Fuge" you can opt for a deep sand bed or a Shallow sand bed. A DSB is generally preferred to help break down organics. You can have different types of Macro Algae in the Fuge. These are the good Algae that resemble plants and help keep nitrates down. You can also have Live Rock Rubble (Small pieces) here which is where "pods" will reproduce and grow. The pods will make their way into your tank via the water flow and provide food for many different fish including the beautiful Mandarin fish.

The Sump/Fuge also provides a place for your skimmer & heaters to keep the clutter out of the tank. You can build one to house whatever you want. As Melev shows, He has some really nice ones and it's not real hard to do.

I just made one last week for my wife's 29G tank out of a 10G tank. I built "Baffles" into it which serve as a Bubble trap to keep any micro bubbles (Like from your skimmer) from getting into the tank. Micro bubbles are bad in SW tanks. It took me less than an hour to make the simple one I made and it's working great. Used a Deep Sand Bed (DSB) and has Caulerpa & Cheato Macro Algae in it.

[sticky]

Ok here is where I am at now.. one of these times I will get it nailed down and get it right.

First
Return Base Stand
Return Lighting - HAVE QUESTIONS!!

Second
I am having a custom stand/top built for my tank so that I can mount the light to the top
While that is being built going to build a Sump/Refugium
Tons of questions below!!


Ok
Lighting I am going to go with
http://www.specialty-lights.com/960202.html
Now my old hood has Blue/White light with 4 LED blue lights to simulate night/moon
All of this I have hooked on a timer to basically simulate day/night for the tank
The light I am opting for supports the coral and anemones I will add later, but how do I go about setting up a day/night cycle for the tank with the new light?

Second
55G tank, approx 50-54" from base to top of tank.
What size sump/Refugium should I shoot for building?
http://www.melevsreef.com/55g/55g_sump.html
Is this an appropriate size?

I am trying to get the correct base/top measurements since it will be custom built it gives me some flexibility on what I am doing. Any photos. images, tips would be helpful on what I should have done.

Also does the weight from the top w/ lighting and some storage pose a danger to the tank from added weight?

I know these seem like a lot of questions, but my goal is avoid saving a few extra pennies in the short run. I am trying to build a "lower" maintenance system by spending some extra money up front to set the tank up correctly, create a better environment in the tank, and to avoid several months of work being wasted for something I could have done from the start.

I thank you for all your help as so far it has saved me multiple mistakes that would have cost more in the long run than up front.

[ReefNeck]

Ok here is where I am at now.. one of these times I will get it nailed down and get it right.

First
Return Base Stand
Return Lighting - HAVE QUESTIONS!!

Second
I am having a custom stand/top built for my tank so that I can mount the light to the top
While that is being built going to build a Sump/Refugium
Tons of questions below!!


Ok
Lighting I am going to go with Glad you asked first! go with THESE lights, Not grow lights http://www.specialty-lights.com/960040.html

Now my old hood has Blue/White light with 4 LED blue lights to simulate night/moon
All of this I have hooked on a timer to basically simulate day/night for the tank
The light I am opting for supports the coral and anemones I will add later, but how do I go about setting up a day/night cycle for the tank with the new light?

Ok, This fixture has 2 cords. One controls the middle 4 bulbs, The other the outer 2 bulbs. You will want the outer 2 bulbs to be Actinics (Blue). As for moonlights, That is 98% for your pleasure.....You can add them separately into your canopy when complete but you don't have to have them. That is your choice.

Second
55G tank, approx 50-54" from base to top of tank.
What size sump/Refugium should I shoot for building?
http://www.melevsreef.com/55g/55g_sump.html
Is this an appropriate size?

That would be the Ultimate Sump in that link. You don't have to go that elaborate if you don't want to. I built mine out of a 20 Gallon Long glass tank., Just had glass baffles cut to size and siliconed them in place. If I had not had the 20 gallon given to me I would have wanted at least a 30 Gallon Sump. If you can build the one in that link, I would.

I am trying to get the correct base/top measurements since it will be custom built it gives me some flexibility on what I am doing. Any photos. images, tips would be helpful on what I should have done. Use the pics/info/tips on Melevs site and just size accordingly. He shows all the tools needed and step by step how to build them. Just make sure you size it so it fits 100% underneath your Cabinet stand.

Also does the weight from the top w/ lighting and some storage pose a danger to the tank from added weight? No! Consider making your canopy tall enough so that if/when you want to move to Metal Halide lighting you can build them into the canopy and have 6 inches of clearance above the water to the base of the MH bulbs.

I know these seem like a lot of questions, but my goal is avoid saving a few extra pennies in the short run. I am trying to build a "lower" maintenance system by spending some extra money up front to set the tank up correctly, create a better environment in the tank, and to avoid several months of work being wasted for something I could have done from the start.

I thank you for all your help as so far it has saved me multiple mistakes that would have cost more in the long run than up front.

I am glad I could help. You will have an incredible setup that will be easy to maintain. If you go with that larger sump in your link it makes things easier because the more total water volume you have, the easier it is to maintain. Let me know if you need anything else.

[ReefNeck]

I know someone reading this is dying to tell you that you could get a "Retro" kit for the lights and save a lot of money. A Retro kit consists of the ballasts, Reflectors and sockets and then you mount them yourself into the canopy over the tank eliminating the "Fixture" that houses them. The reason I have not mentioned this is because you said the tank will be up and running before you build the canopy. That makes a retro almost impossible to do.

You could always sell the fixture once your canopy is done and you should get more than enough to grab a Retro Kit and build them into your canopy.

Just a thought I wanted to add. :)

[sticky]

This is where my tank is right now

20LB of LR with salt water.
Today I am draining out some of the water and moving the tank to the floor so that I can return the base when I return the light fixture.

I am having the stand/top custom built, so if you could post links to the retro kit, or anything important I am going to need (outlets, wiring, etc).

What I plan to do is get to work on a sump/refugium and give rough estimates of a size to my friend building the stand/top. So when the stand is dropped off I can put the sump/ref under easily and then I Plan to put the tank on top. since the tank is just at a cycle state with the LR I don't consider the tank at a critical stage yet with risk of losing anything. I would rather go ahead and get the lighting and setup I need in the canopy rather than tear stuff out later and redo it.

[ReefNeck]

This is where my tank is right now

20LB of LR with salt water.
Today I am draining out some of the water and moving the tank to the floor so that I can return the base when I return the light fixture.

I am having the stand/top custom built, so if you could post links to the retro kit, or anything important I am going to need (outlets, wiring, etc).

What I plan to do is get to work on a sump/refugium and give rough estimates of a size to my friend building the stand/top. So when the stand is dropped off I can put the sump/ref under easily and then I Plan to put the tank on top. since the tank is just at a cycle state with the LR I don't consider the tank at a critical stage yet with risk of losing anything. I would rather go ahead and get the lighting and setup I need in the canopy rather than tear stuff out later and redo it.

Ok, Here are a few Reto kits. You can add more than one kit to get the amount of bulbs you want. I'll give you several options here.

http://www.sunlightsupply.com/aquarium/products/lighting_fixture.shtml#bw5

http://www.hellolights.com/48vhoretkit.html

Here is another way to do the retro piece by piece. http://www.icecapinc.com/aq.htm

While more expensive, This brand is known as one of the best if not THE best. http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ICE-T5-6X48R&Category_Code=IcecapT5

[sticky]

I am leaning towards
http://www.hellolights.com/4lamvhoretki2.html

Now how should I have the bulbs configured, and should I get 2?
and set up to run like 8

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Sorry for the poor image here, if so, how should I configure the bulbs, or will just the 1x4 be enough for the tank?

[perpetual98]

Wow, that 6 bulb IceCap retro at Premium Aquatics is pricey, but it would throw some serious light! I can supply you the parts to bulb that for less than $600 too. I can probably get VHO setups too, but I haven't sourced the bulbs yet. 6 T5 bulbs is about all you're going to be able to squeeze over you tank. and I don't think that you'll be able to get 8 VHO bulbs over the tank, and I don't even think it would be in your best interest to try. If I was going to set up a 55G tank, I'd got with 4 or 6 T5 running off of an IceCap 660 ballast.

[sticky]

I still think I prefer
http://www.hellolights.com/4lamvhoretki2.html
Over the premium aquatics, not to mention the large price difference.
So with the 1x4 my question becomes
Bulb setup for the 4 bulbs
Should I pick up the 660 IceCap
http://www.icecapinc.com/aq.htm

Also what purpose exactly does the IceCap serve?
I am assuming it is to power the lights, but is that all the IceCap does?

[perpetual98]

the IceCap 660 is probably hands down the best ballast on the market for running fluorescent bulbs. You can run Normal Output, High Output and Very High Output bulbs on it, even all at the same time. It would be a waste of money to but the Hello Lights setup AND an IceCap ballast. You'd be better off sourcing the parts by themselves and building it yourself. If you want VHO, I can throw together a quote for the components for you because I've got an online store that I"m setting up. I'd have to check on the bulbs for you.

[sticky]

Sounds great, if you could price out what that light setup would cost with a 660 IceCap. If you want you can send the quote in a PM on the board or email.

[perpetual98]

In my honest opinion, I think you'd be happier with a T5 setup. I've got a 4x54W T5 setup over my 120G tank and I've got SPS corals and anemones as well as shrooms/rics/plate corals/zoos in there.

One of the best kits out there is the ReefGeek 4x54W IceCap T5 retro and their price is $395 shipped.

I can do the same package for you with CoralVue bulbs for $385 shipped if you're interested. If you really want VHO, I'll work up a quote for you.

Eric

[perpetual98]

For what it's worth, this is my 120G tank that has teh 4x54W setup with the IC600:

http://ericfeige.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/FTS1.jpg

[ReefNeck]

It seems to me that perpetual98 has you on the right track for lights so I'll let you guys work that out from this point. Anything else I can do, Let me know.

Keri

[sticky]

One of the best kits out there is the ReefGeek 4x54W IceCap T5 retro and their price is $395 shipped.

I can do the same package for you with CoralVue bulbs for $385 shipped if you're interested. If you really want VHO, I'll work up a quote for you.



I am curious what the difference is between that and
http://www.hellolights.com/4lamvhoretki2.html
with a 660 IceCap.

As well what is the VHO for/do for the tank and is something that is really needed?

[perpetual98]

You'll have to get someone with some VHO knowledge to chime in on that. I've never used VHO, so I personally don't know. I know that the bulbs are larger and they don't have the super-efficient parabolic reflectors for each bulb like the T5 setup.

[sticky]

One of the best kits out there is the ReefGeek 4x54W IceCap T5 retro and their price is $395 shipped.

I can do the same package for you with CoralVue bulbs for $385 shipped if you're interested. If you really want VHO, I'll work up a quote for you.



I am curious what the differences is between the light fixtures/lights from ReefGeek and this one
http://www.hellolights.com/4lamvhoretki2.html with a 660 IceCap.

If you had a link to what the kit includes or something that gives more information so I could see the differences that would be help full in comparing the pros/cons and which one is best for what I need.

Sorry for the questions I am just trying to learn what I need, what is good to have, things I don't really need, but is nice to have and things that are not required (AKA the BIO-Wheel filter I got, but they made a mistake on and didn't charge me for)

[sticky]

Ok my wife and I went to a couple of stores around the area to look at Corals and we have decided to go with Soft Corals, Anemones, and Fish. I hope this helps with my decision on the lighting.

If you could send me some price ideas for various things perpetual98 I would appreciate it.

As well VHO = Very High Output a normal 40 Watt bulb with VHO can produce 110 Watt output, if I understand everything correctly.

[dakar]

The differences between T5 and VHO tubes are pretty significant, VHO's have an internal reflector (actually part of the tube), they are T10s, the number following the T is the diameter of the tube in 1/8" increments... ie T5 is 5/8".

If my memory is serving me right, VHO's are effective but not nearly as effecient as T5's and suffer from a shorter lifespan. On the other hand overdriven T5's (using an IceCap or WorkHorse7 ballast) with quality reflectors T5's will reach near VHO outputs without dramactiaclly shifting the color output or sacrificing bulb life.

[sticky]

Is this the kit you are talking about
http://reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104434.html

Also my only question is with this setup how hard or is it possible to wire to a timer base for different light combinations for a dawn/day/dusk type of setup for the Corals?

[perpetual98]

That's the kit I was referring to. With the IceCap 660 and the ARO ballast in that VHO link that you had, that ballast will turn all 4 lights on at the same time and you won't be able to do a dawn/dusk effect. You need multiple ballasts to be able to run timers for the dawn/dusk effect.

[AquaSquid]

In the beginning of a new set up you need to invest alot of time and patience. Definitely start out with LR and substrate only, at first. Good strong circulation and skimming for a few weeks, with frequent testing of water quality. Don't add anything until your ammonia and nitrite start to drop close to zero. If Algae becomes an issue get a clean up crew started. I personally wait until my water parameters are stable. Think twice about using Damsels. They are nearly impossible to kill, true, but they are very aggressive and impossible to catch in a reef tank. You may be stuck with them. Also if you have access to another reef tank, get a small cup of sand to inoculate your tank.

[sticky]

That's the kit I was referring to. With the IceCap 660 and the ARO ballast in that VHO link that you had, that ballast will turn all 4 lights on at the same time and you won't be able to do a dawn/dusk effect. You need multiple ballasts to be able to run timers for the dawn/dusk effect.

I don't plan on going with the VHO from the suggestion above, and would like to be able to setup 2 ballasts if possible that way I can have 1 come on first(blues) then have the whites come on then kick off then have the blues shutoff.

Would that setup work??

[sticky]

That's the kit I was referring to. With the IceCap 660 and the ARO ballast in that VHO link that you had, that ballast will turn all 4 lights on at the same time and you won't be able to do a dawn/dusk effect. You need multiple ballasts to be able to run timers for the dawn/dusk effect.

I don't plan on going with the VHO from the suggestion above, and would like to be able to setup 2 ballasts if possible that way I can have 1 come on first(blues) then have the whites come on then kick off then have the blues shutoff.

Would that setup work??

Also what kind of mounting system does it use/need? Direct mount to surface or does it need a bracket setup. This is very important since tomorrow evening I am sitting down with the guy building my base/canopy so I can give him measurements and I need to know how tall to make the canopy so I have the light 6 inches from the top of the tank.

Also roughly what time or how long would it take to get the lights and setup if the setup mentioned above with 2 ballasts would work take to get to me?

I am trying to put together a time table on roughly when my parts start arriving and when my stand will be ready so I can put it together and set the stand up at one time. I don't mean to rush you I am just trying to avoid saying one thing then a few days later telling him the canopy needs to be taller.