ADVISE NEEDED ON IN WALL SYSTEM

[Ikarus5150]

I would like start a new inwall system and need help to make sure if i am forgetting anything or misled by what i think i understand so far.
I would like to buy a 72 or a 90 gal tank. I would like to keep soft and stoney coral. Its working now in my 37 gal cube.
Ok... depending on what size tank i get (cost of total system and upkeep determines..but willing to save up!). I understand I will need
lighting: 3-5 watts per gallon. I would like to stick with VHO. (Icecap ballast)
sand: 3 Inch base min.
Liverock: 1-2 pnds of LR per Gal. (any thoughts on floridaliverock.com?)
Sump: I have a 30 and a 55 gal tank not being used, but dont know how use to either for a DIY sump. any directions would be appreciated. would like to eventually have a refugium.
Skimming: I would like to go with Aqua c or euro reef. Is one much better than the other? Is there anouther brand that is comparable but more cost friendly? Is it better to go online for this or buy local?
Flow Rate: Have Many power heads I understand I will need to cylcle the tank volume 10 times a day. Is this correct?
I would like to thank anyone in advance who may respond to this post.

 

[kevin b]

I would Make the 55 gallon aquarium into the main sump with all of the baffles and such. I would then have the 30 gallon be a refugium that would be fed by a mag drive 3 or 5 pump, and have the fuge slightly above the main sump, and have gravity pull the refugium-cleaned water into the main sump, again.

I think you should go with 4 110 watt vho's for the lights. By the way, watts per gallon is a very rough rule, because of the need for intensity, not the wattage. I would go with 2:2 of 10,000K, and Actinic.

Maxi Jet 1200's would make good powerheads, although seios are great as well. If you can, i would go with closed lopps so that you can attain the 10 x's per hour (not day) that i think you are looking for.

I hope this helps.

 

[kevin b]

oh, both of the skimmers you are looking at are great. I would choose an aquac model though, because you can get a really good ev 120 for 299. It would fit your tank perfectly.

 

[bleedingthought]

Originally, I was looking to get the EV 120 from AquaC (which are great!) but they will run for about $340 with the Mag 5. After much thought, many different opinions, and much recommendation, I went with an ASM G3 for $240 and I'm highly satisfied with it. It's doing wonders for my tank! Many people here will also recommend them. You could probably even just go with the G2 for $220 but why not pick up the next size up for the extra $20, right? :wink:

I'm all about supporting LFSs but get the skimmer online since it's usually such a big difference in price. If you go with the ASM, go to http://www.asmskimmer.com - Great service, best prices for ASM skimmmers, and fast delivery. And if you choose to go with the AquaC, Euro Reef, or others, check out http://www.marinedepot.com - Good prices and good service.

HTH a little!

 

[bleedingthought]

Actually, here's a list of online vendors: http://www.reefs.org/sponsor.html. Both MarineDepot and ASMSkimmer are on there along with many other good ones.

And: "Make sure that when you do business with our sponsors that you tell them that you saw their ad on Reefs.org." :wink: