90 GAL Progress...

[Mikef1]

I have finally purchased almost everything I need for my 90 gal setup. I just ordered my bulbs from Hellolights.com, I went with 2x400w XM 10k and 2x110w VHO Super Actinics. Hopefully I will be happy with this setup. I am going to try and mount the lights in an open top hood with spider reflectors I have left from the prior setup. The halodes will hange from a 2x4 mounted in the top of the canopy leaving the rest open. Hopefully I will be able to keep the heat down with a combo of fans and AC. I currently am just running a mag 12 as a return but am planning on adding either a closed loop with a mag pump or one of the tunze steams, I havnt decided yet. I was thinking of doing the closed loop with 2 returns coming off a mag 24 but have seen a lot of tanks just running the tunze streams. Anyone have any experience with these? I just also added 130LBS of live rock to the tank so it has begun its cycle finally . I guess my biggest concern is circulation at this point I think everything else is taken care of(Skimmer, cal reactor, lights, etc...).

 

[ChrisRD]

Personally, I like propeller type pumps like the Tunze Streams. They're a bit bulky but easy to setup, energy efficient and versatile.

If you take the time to conceal them well, closed loops can be well hidden, but they're a lot more work to setup, not all that energy efficient and IMO less flexible for future configuration changes (due to coral growth, rearranging rockwork, etc.).

In your case, your lighting is going to produce a lot of heat, so I would be looking for ways to minimize other heat sources. The VorTechs might be an appealing option for you. They're pricey but the motor is outside the tank which could be a major benefit in your case as they will basically add no heat to the system.

JMO & HTH

 

[ChrisRD]

Almost forgot to mention...
...post some pics for us as things progress! 8)

 

[Len]

Personally, I like using Vortechs or Tunzes over drilling for a closed loop. The aforementioned devices have a nicer flow pattern and presents one less failure point for the tank. I have used all three and right now am using Vortechs.

 

[Mikef1]

I went ahead and purchased a tunze 6080 for now and will probably add on more later once I begin stocing the tank. I know this unit doesnt have the controller ability but thats ok I will plan on running it wide open for now and later add an additional unit that can be controlled. Thanks for all the input it is appreciated .