56 Gallon Ideas

[PumaKrieg]

Hello. I just bought a 56 gallon aquarium, dimensions are 30x18x24, along with a stand. I already have a sump and a Remora Protein Skimmer set up. I've never used Metal Halide lighting before, however i am very keen on setting it up, because i want this to be a reef tank. Would the SunPod HQI Metal Halide Fixtures with Lunar Lights be a good choice? I want it to be a bit of a overhaul, so the corals grow and flourish, which they do not seem to do under Compact Flourescents in my other tank. The fact that LiveAquaria.com stated that the SunPod was perfect for small aquariums threw me off though? If the SunPod is not a good choice what other Metal Halide Lighting fixures do you suggest? Furthermore, what online store sells great live rock? I'd like it to have nice polyps and shrooms, and inverts in it. May i also cure the rock in the tank, as long as it and sand are the only things in at the moment? Also would these fish work in the setup?

2 True Percula Clowns
Royal Gramma
Six Line Wrasse
Pygmy Angelfish (Reefsafe)
French Angelfish (I know where to get them 2 inches or less)

What other fishes are good choices? I know the French is a bit of a gamble, but i already have a Pygmy in a 30 reef that i was thinking of moving over. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome to RDO, PumaKrieg!

I am going to move your post to the New Reefkeeper Forum, where it will be better to get your questions answered.

 

[PumaKrieg]

Any ideas anyone?

 

[ChrisRD]

I have no experience with the SunPod fixture but any metal halide fixture should be plenty of light over that tank and a noticeable improvement over PCs. If you're interested in higher light species go for a 250 watt fixture, else a 150 or 175 watt will do.

Your fish list looks fine except for the French Angel. They get WAY to big for a tank that size no matter how small they are when you buy them. If you're looking for a reef safe dwarf angel, something like Centropyge argi would work, although they are aggressive and it would be best to add him last.

HTH

 

[PumaKrieg]

Yes, however i have a 250 gallon tank also being set up after i get new carpet, which i was planning on moving the french over after a few months.

Thanks for the advice, i'll glady take anyone elses advice still upon this topic. I appreciate it, Chris.

 

[PumaKrieg]

What are some good examples of some Metal Halide 250 watt or 175 watt fixtures that would work in my new tank? If i were to have Metal Halides should i also purchase smaller coral frags in hope of them growing or choose larger ones?

 

[PumaKrieg]

Also, would a Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse get along fine with a Six Line Wrasse?

 

[ChrisRD]

Never tried to keep those two fish together although I suspect the six line could be a bully. You might want to start a thread in the main discussion forum to get some feedback from people who've tried it.

As for corals, I prefer to buy frags. Many people feel frags are easier to get adapted to your system and less likely to die on you. Also, if you lose one, it's not as expensive! Plus there's the satisfaction of watching them grow. :wink:

As for fixtures - for Mogul type lamps I'd prefer to build my own canopy and install reflectors/sockets (aka a retro kit). If I was looking for a factory made light fixture or hanging pendents I would probably opt for a DE setup from Sunlight Supply, AquaMedic, Giesemann, etc.
Several examples here:
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_lighting_metal_halide__subindex.asp?CartId=
and here: http://www.reefgeek.com/categories/lighting.html

JMO & HTH

 

[PumaKrieg]

Thanks again Chris.