new tank questions...

[princer7]

I agree, 2-250 watt halides with the T5s should be plenty. Lumenarc reflectors would give a more broad coverage. Lumenbrights give deeper penetration into the tank. With the later, you would need to mount them at least 14" above the water. Keep your lighting in mind when designing your canopy.

[glennr1978]

I don't know man, it still seems likes it a bit of an overkill. I think you would get virtually the same effect with just the T5's and and 2x's 250's or 400's. You could set them to turn on and off in a somewhat similar fashion as what you have described in your original post, just not quite as complex. Not to mention the coin that you would save w/ just two halides. Replacing all of those lamps would get pricey!!

[glennr1978]

When is the E.T.A. of this monster? Sounds cool, I would definitely like to help out in any way that I can!! Also, what skimmer are you planning on using?

[aggman]

i am planning this all out before i buy the stuff. a plan i am finding real hard to stick to...

since the dude i was going to buy the last 120 from flaked, i am going to be completing this around august. that should give me enough time to decide on everything, change my mind, then decide again. you know how i am, lol.

for the tank i am probably going to go with glasscages, i am about 90% sure. i was going to go with A.G.E. but i am not going to spend $3,000 on a glass box. i would rather spend that money on what is going in it. i really am not too familiar with any other custom tank builders. any ideas would be great.

as for the skimmer i was considering an ATI BubbleMaster 200 or 250. still looking at a few different models.

~alex

[glennr1978]

I'm planning a new tank myself. A member here has a 100g that has the exact dimensions I want. I should be getting it in a few months.

[aggman]

cool let me know if you need any help. you've helped me tons and i will be looking for you when my new tank gets in...lol

~alex

[ErikH]

Oh, My halides are on 12 hours per day. The T5s are on for 10. I like the shimmer effect in the morn and at night, it looks very natural.

"i do not like automatic systems, so i will be following a strict regimen as to maintaining/monitoring the system." PITA!!!!
As for automation.....
I run no skimmer with a heavy bioload. I have been for about 6-8 months. The colors of my SPS are outstanding and have only gotten better. I run a 29g tank under the 75 with 1 1/2" sandbed in it (about two bags). There are no baffles, the return is submerged and surrounded by rocks. There's approximately 70 lbs in the sump. I have no filter socks, nor a sponge filter on my return. I have my floats on the lowest setting (hang on floats) to allow for enough water in case of a power or equipment failure. The excess space in the sump, around 1 cubic foot, is used for macro algaes. I have three different types. I assume that different types absorb different nutrients, so that's my logic there. IT ROCKS. I leave my fuge light on 24/7. I use a tall saltbucket for my ATO reservoir.

The cool part???
This system really runs itself, aside from adding top off water to the ATO, doing a large WC every three months, and feeding every other day.

I used to have my hands in my tank constantly. I believe that hurts more than helping. It only made sense to me to automate what I could without relying on too much. I have had skimmer overflows while out of town, so that was the first item to go!

[aggman]

well, that was kinda what i meant. i will use a skimmer, but all the rest will be as you stated.

i meant that i didn't want all the gadgets and gizmos in my tank, running things.

i want my tank to be self-sufficient and of course i will to my scheduled tests and w.c.'s, but i don't want machines running it all. i think that is for people who just want something pretty to look at. that's not me.

~alex

[ErikH]

for sure man, I was just rambling some things to think about.

[princer7]

...but i don't want machines running it all. i think that is for people who just want something pretty to look at. that's not me.

~alex

I like gadgets and pretty things

Nice thing about some level of automation is when you are not able to be there to correct what could be a disaster waiting to happen. I agree, a good regimen to follow is necessary for all tanks, but the added peace of mind to know that something out of my control such as an A/C failure will not leave my halides running causing my tank to boil while I am out of town.