Tank is finally up WOOT!!!...:)

[ShrimpFan]

Oh, trust me. I have no delusions about my lighting setup.. I'm also quite positive that it's not good enough for any significant amount of coral. As such, I've been trying to figure out what to get to supplement. I don't much care for MHs simply because of the heat. I'd prefer a 4 bulb VHO balast of some sort, but wonder what I would have to get to make it sufficient for the corals\anemones that I want to have in it.

I was looking at more of the soft corals and zoas though as opposed to the stonies. I've also been researching brain corals to some extent as I love some of the high contrast ones. My eventual goal (quite a bit down the road I know) is to get a maxima clam. I'm certain that'll require some serious lighting, but on the plus side, it's a rock boring clam so I can put it closer to the light if I so choose (which I'm sure you already know). From what I'm reading there's a bit of disagreement on what is required to host a maxima. Some say nothing less than MHs, some say VHOs are adequate given enough bulbs. Any input on that?

As far as the K3's versus the single K4, I'll have to agree with you. It took some finagling to get the K4 aimed to where it didn't stir up the sand too much, but created a good amount of turbulent flow on one side of the rock structure, while providing a smooth flow on the back side. I found the sweet spot if you will. However, even given that, I'm thinking to take it back, get a PH that eventually can be hooked up to a wavemaker, and has just a bit less laminar flow. Thanks for all the input.

Aaron

Agreed that its not too much flow -- my only fear is the laminar flow a K4 puts out in a tank with these dimensions.. A pair of K3's might be more manageable. This will be fun to watch grow -- you're definitely off to a very strong start... Not often, unfortunately, that people put this much time, effort and commitment when getting into this wonderful hobby

Another note/question: you stated 2x39w for your lighting... Are you planning an upgrade before taking the coral plunge? While i'm about the biggest proponent of T5 lighting you could find, this isn't going to be enough light for upwards of 75% of the corals available commonly in the hobby.. If you're planning on adding a MH pendant or 2, the T5 will be great actinic supplement tho

-Justin

[GoneReefing]

Looks good. I can bring over some cheato for you when you let me use the bit to drill my 25 gallon

BTW I have a maxima in my current 25 gallon under 4 t5hos and its been doing great. It's rougly 4.5 inches and colored beautifuly. I do however have it up higher in my rock work, its roughly 6-8 inches from my lights.

[ShrimpFan]

Sounds good as well..

Looks good. I can bring over some cheato for you when you let me use the bit to drill my 25 gallon

[corruption]

6x39w T5 should be enough to grow anything in that tank, assuming you get a quality reflector (individual reflectors are best)... Clams and SPS included. The heat is pretty manageable on halides as well -- a small fan or 2 is all you usually need, if anything.. Your current lighting should be sufficient for some lower light softies to start with -- some mushrooms and zoas should do fine, xenia as well..

Personally, i'd stick with Koralias until you move to a wavemaker.. A Vortech MP20/MP40 or a Tunze wavebox is uncomparable to the old switching 'wave' devices.. With the Koralias as well, you don't have to deal with the ugly old grey box in the tank... They're MUCH more aesthetically pleasing than a good old powerhead..

-Justin