Building my first Reef Tank

[jumbostink]

Hey everyone,

I am new to this forum and have been reading a bunch of the threads but still have some questions.

Right now I am in the process of building my first reef tank. The tank I have is a 56 gallon acrylic tank. 48Lx18Dx15W and underneath the tank i have a 20 Gallon long tank I am using as a sump. I have decided to attempt to use an algea turf scrubber only. I basically have it built, just have one cut left to make and glue the pvc together.

Anyways, my biggest question is what type of lighting to buy. I was thinking a 48" 2x175w Metal Halide Fixture with t5's if I could find a decent priced used one. My other thoughts were buying a 6 bulb t5 ho fixture. I have been looking at the Current Nova Extreme Pro 6 bulb fixture for about 380 on marinedepot.com

Would a 175w be enough for a tank that is only 18" deep or would I need to bump up to a 250w bulb? Or would I be better off with a T5 fixture. If I go metal halide I willl be looking for a used one becuase I don't want to spend $1000 on lighting right away.

Any suggestions (especially brands, models, places to buy, etc,) would be appreciated

Thank you for any and all help.

 

[frodaddy]

With metal Halide on a tank like that you will probably need to run a chiller so T-5's may be the better choice .. I see you live in rancho cucamonga !!! you can always talk with Jason @ T.R.F.S !!! He is a great guy and will help to point you in the right direction ... Good Luck with your choice and Welcome to So.Cali

 

[toomuch420]

I have a 24" deep tank I currently run
Two 175 MHs
And two ati blue+ t5s
Awesome color & growth.
You have a canopy?


*rAzOr*

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Honestly I would never recommend running metal halides to anyone. IMO T5s are way better. OR if u want to run led hit up Toromp and he will build u a custom fixture for prolly $250-$350. Depending on what u want. He uses bridgelux 3w LEDs and Dimmable drivers. He can build u a custom heat sink out of aluminum c channel. I am currently running bridgelux LEDs on my 180g tank and I'm saving tons of money on electricity and on top of that the color is completely custom to what u want.

Also I would def recommend running a protein skimmer with ur scrubber. If not then I hope u plan on doing weekly/biweekly water changes. I personally do not believe there is any substitute for a skimmer.

Any questions on LEDs or lights hit me up.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[jumbostink]

I don't have a canopy so any lights I get need to be some sort of fixture.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Toromp has fixtures that he can build the LEDs in. You won't even know it. Trust me. LEDs are the way to go. Only thing I have ever heard bad about LEDs are that they can bleach your corals because they are so strong.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[jumbostink]

I will get in touch with toromp. but appearantly I cannot send a private message until after I have 5 posts.

 

[jumbostink]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to buy equipment? Which websites have the best prices and selection or what are your favorite stores? I have been to the tropical reef store off of Foothill in Rancho, but it seems like they don't have a very good selection of dry goods. The prices on livestock look decent though when I get to that point.