Here we go again

[fast lane]

Well after bailing out of the hobby for a few years I have decided I have been out long enough. It's amazing how much you forget and also how much comes back to you when you start digging again. I have decided to do this process in three different stages (app 3 month period) to make sure I have enough funds to do it right instead of taking shortcuts to get it all done at once (one of the things that I do remember from earlier mistakes ). Here is a breakdown of what I want to accomplish, any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

1st stage.

120 (48x24x24) gallon tank with twin overflows and stand.
30 gallon aquarium used as sump
2 ebo jagar 250 watt heaters
Iwasaki or Sequence external pump w/ a flow rate of around 900 gph at head
4" DSB

Everything will be plumbed and the tank will be filled and checked for proper operation.

2nd Stage

80 lb's +- live rock uncured (tank will sit another 3-4 wks for cycling before stocking)
PFO hood with 2 250 watt Iwasaki mh and 2 VHO actinics. (maybe HQI)

3rd Stage

Euroreef protein skimmer
3 or 4 Maxijet powerheads
Reef Fanatic wavemaker
Start of gradual stocking

Again, if anyone has a recommendation for different equipment, or order to go about it please chime in. The only thing I might switch is the order of the live rock and lights. I figure a ps is more important than lighting when curing lr. TIA

Travis

 

[Anonymous]

Have you considered a closed loop instead of 4 powerheads for added circulation?

 

[Len]

If you're going with Iwasaki, I'd strongly consider two more actinics. Iwasaki's are really yellowish white and you might not find it aesthetically pleasing. Two more actinics will help. Otherwise, consider XM 10KK. They produce a lot of PAR that gives the Iwasaki's a run for their money.

 

[fast lane]

Have you considered a closed loop instead of 4 powerheads for added circulation?

I am actually starting to lean towards a seaswirl setup. The more I think about it the more I remember how much ph's don't stay stuck, lol.

I had Iwasaki's in the past but would certainly consider another bulb. I will have to look into your suggestion. If I do any acro's they would be towards the top.

 

[Len]

An alternative to seaswirl is Ocean Motions Squirt or Super Squirt (www.oceansmotions.com). Use that on a closed loop and you have an elegant, variable flow circulation system.

 

[melas]

you may consider moving the purchase of the skimmer from stage 3 to stage 2 . . . you could have a stinking mess if you have uncured rock in your tank with no skimmer. . . sounds cool otherwise though. have fun! post lots of pics!

 

[Carlos Torano]

Have you considered not setting up a tank?


I can't remember the freedom of not having one. What's it like? :lol:

 

[fast lane]

Believe me, that thought has crossed my mind a couple times. Reef tanks are a lot of work, but then again so is anything worth doing. :wink:

 

[Carlos Torano]

Believe me, that thought has crossed my mind a couple times. Reef tanks are a lot of work, but then again so is anything worth doing. :wink:

I think there are a lot of things worth doing that are almost no work at all.

:wink:

 

[fast lane]

Believe me, that thought has crossed my mind a couple times. Reef tanks are a lot of work, but then again so is anything worth doing. :wink:

I think there are a lot of things worth doing that are almost no work at all.

:wink:

The only thing I can think of is sleeping.