Need your input...........

[ereefic1]

Ok, here's what i'm thinking. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
I have a 12 gal. going right now. Well, i'm laying in bed looking at it (After getting back from seeing a beautiful 180gal with softys, LPS and SPS) and it hit me. Turn the 12gal into a sps only tank. Not a lot of room but a way to get my feet wet with SPS. Here come the questions:
1. What is the lowest wattage MH that would work for this tank (20x10x14)?

2. I see people make there own calcium reactors, could one be made scaled down to the size of this tank and would one even be necessary?

3. Same as above, just with a protein skimmer? I know it would be necessary.

4. Would a small sump be necessary? The tank is not drilled or anything.

Is this idea to far fetched? What do you all think? I thought this would be pretty cool. I really don't see any reason this wouldn't work. Thanks in advance.

 

[Anonymous]

i would forget the calcium reactor, sump, skimmer idea. it's real easy to just change out the water as needed. a gallon a week is good if you aren't keeping fish.

a skimmer would be easy to construct for a project like this but i don't see the point really.

i wouldn't do MH either, VHO will keep "SPS"s alive and well if you have enough and PC may be a better option considering the sizes available. two 55w of 50/50 actinic would do fine. i have seen "SPS" kept in a ten with this lighting.

if you must do MH i would consider a solitary 175w or one 150w. preferably a 6500k or higher temp. i will warn you of the potential overheating now.

 

[ereefic1]

Thanks podman, I thought a skimmer would be needed but I guess not. I wouldn't want to go MH, just thought for best growth. VHO's or PC's will be good for growth?

 

[Anonymous]

VHO's or PC's will be good for growth?

yes indeedy.