New tank!

[sharkboy]

Well, I decided to temporarily downgrade a bit but keep two tanks running. I will be converting my present 215 reef tank to a fish only tank and placing the corals into a new 95 gallon reef ready tank that was ordered from glass cages. It will measure 36"x24"x25" and will have starphire glass on 3 sides. Not sure what type of lighting I will use but want to use some form of suspended lighting without a canopy. Lighting ideas? Oh yeah, will want to to be sps/clam mostly. If I get this tank drilled for a closed loop, what do you all suggest as far as number of holes, sizes, and placement? What kind of pump? Was planning on using 2 tunze 6055s to add turbulence...what kind of pump do you suggest as the main return? I am truly excited about this tank since I will now have 3 viewable sides. The 215 is presently in the wall so only one side can be seen through. Anyway, I am looking forward to everyone's help.

[sharkboy]

Do I need to offer free beer?

[erikharrison]

aquactinics with the icecap slrs!
https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55_90&products_id=604&osCsid=75c4a82659ac1975f7c65e6fc23c66fe
If you want the shimmer as well, maybe a giesemann?????
http://www.giesemann.de/11,2,,.html

Is the tank going to be a pvc bottom? :bigsmile:

[sharkboy]

No it isn't going to have a pvc bottom. Will a tank this size benefit from a closed loop?

[sharkboy]

Any ideas on pumps? closed loop?

[hobogato]

wish i could help ya, but i have never run external pumps or a closed loop. i do think it is funny how you say you are downgrading, but you are actually keeping the 215 and adding another tank :p :lauging:

[RayAllen]

LOL, when I bought my 210g I told my freinds I was down sizing pets and they said "You call the box down sizing", lol. I for one do not think fish are pets. I do not think any tank benefits from a closed loop. Its more of a benefit to you not having to put any powerheads in the tank. I dont think you need closed loop for a 36" tank unless you dont want to tunze or hydor #4 pumps in the display.

[erikharrison]

You could get a wavemaker or do some koralias. Depends on what you want to spend :)

You should also match a controller to your needs first. After that you can determine wether or not a closed loop will really benefit your situation.

[erikharrison]

Also with a controller and something like a T5 setup, you can simulate storms etc. Profilux has an attachment with a flash on it, so it would look like lightning! :bigsmile:

[Bill S]

My tank is in the wall between the Master and the Dining room. I flash my fish and corals all the time, and it doesn't seem to affect them...

The benefit to closed loops is the lack of powerheads/Tunzes/Seios in the tank itself. My 215 has 2 closed loops at 1200gph each, and I still added a pair of Seio 2600s.

[sharkboy]

Thanks all for the tips. I am thinking no closed loop and since I already have 2 tunze 6055s, I will probably use those...still don't know what kind of return pump i should use. Oh yeah, the downgrading thing was just a spin at getting a new tank :)