Help!!! Getting back in the game.

[Melt]

Ok my reefers, it's been a couple years I was out of the game of reef keeping. I decided to get back in, so I need your help.
What is a great tank? I had an oceanic 120 rr in the past now I am thinking of a 180 or so. What brand tank have a great record.

Do people still use CA reactor or do they just dose.
What's a good skimmer?
Finally, lighting. MH I use in the past. How is the LED on sps.

I am trying to make this tank as green as possible. I am plaining to install solar to help make it green. Ideas are welcome.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Hey melt welcome back and im not to big with tanks as i have a54 gal bowfront at the moment but i have seen oceanic tank like what. U had in a few himes as well as deep blues and marineland cubes , dosing is still a matter of preference and as far as lighting goes , i only have knowledge of leds and im currently using a.i. Module 12 inch

 

[Josh]

Oceanic Tech is a good choice.
Ca reactors are still the best bang for the buck.
LEDs can grow SPS but lack certain colors in their spectrum.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Welcome back Melt......................... Ummmm what josh said, I like the T5 lighting options on the market. Nano tanks are my only options, the Oceanic Tech series is nice.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

I would say LEDs are a viable option. I just spent the afternoon talking to Orphek about their lights because we are thinking of using LEDs on 3 reef systems for an aquarium (mixed reef 12'Lx5'Dx4'T/ stony tank 5'x5'x4'T/ giant clams 5'x5'x4'T). We're using the DIF-100s (100w pendants) but if you look around the PR-156 fixtures are being tested at some awesome PAR numbers. Sanjay has a few of their units or will soon, for testing so he'll have some info as well. I seriously hated LEDs until recently but after seeing their diodes in person, they're actually really good looking.
Orphek's Facebook page with pics

The tank at the top of their page is 4'x4'x21"tall and a single 100w with 120 degree optics covers the entire thing. They tend to be a little more expensive than some other companies but I think the units are of a much higher quality.


Oceanic doesn't exist anymore, they were reabsorbed by Aqueon (All Glass). For a regular 180 there are a few mainstream companies. Marineland makes a few really cool new tanks with odd sizes that would normally be considered custom. You should check them out.