125 Gallon Reef

[cweber]

Im going to start a new project soon. Im planning my 125 softie tank for now. I would like to upgrade to higher light corals later but not for a while. I need to keep cost down as much as possible. Im debating between VHO, PC, T5s. I might talk myself into MH but im not sure yet. For flow i would like to use about a 1000 gph pump with a scwd and eductors on two outlets, and my 300gph pump for my sump fuge return. Any advice or opinions are appreciated.

[Whoyah]

I tried the scwd and I would recommend skipping it. Your money is better spent on sea swirls or tunze PH with a controller. I would alos recommend you go with T-5 over PC and VHOs. If you went with a retro-fit set-up you could use them later in combination with MH bulbs.

[stevebla]

I started my 100g with 2 X 54 watt t5 1 10000K and 1 actinic. you could try 2 80W t5 to start and add more t5 or metal halide as money allows. two t5 is enough light to see in your tank as it cycles. A very flexable start do you have a canopy?

[spookey]

i would go with t-5

chris

[cweber]

Thanks for the input guys. I figured everyone would say t-5 or halide. :)

Steve i do not have a canopy at this time. But i started my stand yesterday and when i bought my paneling i got enough to build one. How long is an 80 watt t-5? I havnt heard of one. That is my concern with t-5 (atleast with my research) is that a crap load of 3 or 4 foot bulbs to replace every year at 20-25 bucks a pop. If you have a link to an 80 wat lmk, and i will search right now as well. Thanks


PS I will be starting a new build thread with a few pics soon.

[stevebla]

54W are almost 48" and 80W are almost 60" I have 2 54W 4 foot lamps on my 5 foot long 100g. The shadow at the ends is only apperent at the top of tank, and isn't a big deal to me. I am leaning towards two 250W metal halide lights to finish off lighting. Allowing me to run t5s for 12 hours and MH for a bit shorter duration. If you make a canopy you can add lighting as money allows. I will post update pics on my 100g start to finish thread tonight.

[cweber]

Cool thanks. The only 80 watt t-5 seemed to be over seas. Does it cost a lot to buy from them and have it shipped here?

[cweber]

Does anyone think i will have heat issues running this? Also would i be able to keep a clam or nem?

3-150 watt halides 14000k
4-96 watt pcs or 4-39 watt t-5s

It will be all diy.

[stevebla]

What you list above will be good maybe add so 60" t5 X 2 with the metal halide

The best Ice Cap slr if you go with t5 make sure you get SLR = Single Lamp Reflectors.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/60_inch__2x80W_SLR_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/60_inch__4x80W_SLR_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap

[iVgOnMaD]

an 8x t5ho with individual reflectors will rival or will be better than any MH. and will be much cheaper to run :)

[hummer]

wheres the pics...lol it was nice chating with you :):):)

[cweber]

Hey hummer thanks for your time. I started a new project log
http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=4880
Its going to take me a while. As funds arent readily available and patience is key. (i learn fast) But plan on having the thing wet as soon as the stand is finished.