New Tank Advice

[lakers10]

Hi yall i been in this amazing hobby for two years now so i am basically still a newby at it, i had a 55g tank for two years before i had to tear it down due to a move because of school. so now im back in san antonio and ready to start up again. i am getting a 150g tall the specs are 48x24x31.. ive never had a tank this big i was just hoping yall would help me out on some recommendations on the lighting and equipment i will need for this tank.. i have no equipment yet just a stand and i will get the tank this weekend idk what kind of livestock goin in yet.. but coral wise i think just softies..

[ramsey]

If you're going to keep just softies, T5's or CF's should work just fine. Just research what you want and see what they're lighting requirements are. If you're going to keep clams or things that require high lighting, I would go with metal halides or LEDs (expensive and still new technology but should work just fine). T5's would be fine for light demanding creatures but since you have a 31" deep tank, I would go with something that penetrates a little better (MH's). Note, if you go with MH's, you may need a chiller. Also, I wouldn't go with anything less than 250w, 400w would be even better. You'd probably want two.

I'd also recommend adding a sump that has a refugium so you can grow macro to keep your water quality good. You may also want to consider a protein skimmer and a powerhead or two.

[lakers10]

Thanks ramsey i was planning to add a sump never had a refugium so i think someone if yall ca help me with that when the time comes.. yeh i know my tank is deep so maybe MH's i dont think i am goin to have clams but not sure well thanks again keep the advice coming : )

[deadliestcatch]

You will need a good step stool to get to the bottom of your tank. Those tanks are deep so you will need to go past your arm pit to reach the bottom. Start looking for one of the grasper type things to help you when a coral falls or you need to get something from the bottom but don't want to go swimming. ; )

[lakers10]

YEA YOUR RIGHT I WILL BE LOOKIN FOR 1 SOON CAUSE I AM GOIN TO NEED IT TO AQUASCAPE....