Tank/Lighting Combo's!

[lex0219]

Alright so I have been away from the hobby for a few years and am itching to get back in again! I have seen some amazing reefs on here and only hope mine will turn out as well! The problem is I just don't have the funds, time and space right now for a big elaborate set up since I am in college. So I originally was thinking of a 10 gallon like I have done in the past but then thought about a 15 since the new space would be awesome. So pretty much right now I am looking at something 7.5-20 gallons. I am also curious as to what lighting I should use, I have heard good things about T5's and have always wanted to give Metal Halides a go. LED's seem to be the new thing out but are either DIY or expensive and I'd prefer to stay away from DIY with electrical equipment haha. Sooo what are some tank and lighting combos you would suggest?

 

Alex

[Weetabix7]

What kinds of corals do you want to keep?

Makes a difference.

[Tanngu87]

I have a JBJ 3 Gallon with a 24 W PC lights that im selling for 45 dollars. i think someone wants it but its first come first serve!

[ditka]

well there are a few things that the community should probably know before we start spewing random reccomendations...

1. All In One (AIO) tank or would you be considering doing a display and a small sump (say a 20 gal long display with 10 gal sump) or maybe a tank with a modified AquaClear HOB Refugium?

2. Are we talking bare minimum's for money and materials or are we on a tight budget best bang for the buck plan? (i am a college student too, i feel you)

3. Look at craigslist in your area, and watch it like a hawk. You can find some stellar deals especially if you have some time on your hands to clean things up. for example, i found these postings in 5 minutes of searching:

http://clarksville.craigslist.org/for/1622329693.html

http://clarksville.craigslist.org/pet/1612980495.html

 

just some examples. if you are not in any particular hurry you can wait for the right thing at the right price to show up on craigslist and pick up componets over the course of a month to spread out costs.

i just set up a brackish tank and took my time and am pretty happy with the money i saved.

 

good luck!

[Tanngu87]

well there are a few things that the community should probably know before we start spewing random reccomendations...

1. All In One (AIO) tank or would you be considering doing a display and a small sump (say a 20 gal long display with 10 gal sump) or maybe a tank with a modified AquaClear HOB Refugium?

2. Are we talking bare minimum's for money and materials or are we on a tight budget best bang for the buck plan? (i am a college student too, i feel you)

3. Look at craigslist in your area, and watch it like a hawk. You can find some stellar deals especially if you have some time on your hands to clean things up. for example, i found these postings in 5 minutes of searching:

http://clarksville.craigslist.org/for/1622329693.html

http://clarksville.craigslist.org/pet/1612980495.html

 

just some examples. if you are not in any particular hurry you can wait for the right thing at the right price to show up on craigslist and pick up componets over the course of a month to spread out costs.

i just set up a brackish tank and took my time and am pretty happy with the money i saved.

 

good luck!

 

Dude youre killing my sell! hahahah JK but yeah craigslist is the sh!t! and you can find aquatic forums that located by you. Like Houston TX has marine forum thats called Marshreef.com

[lex0219]

I am not looking to have a sump, want to keep it simple and painless. I plan on keeping lps, softies and sps so light is a big thing for me. I would like to stay away from the all in one type systems and am more of looking for successful tank and light combo's that have already been used. And am probably going to be looking at an AGA or other readily available aquarium. But yes I am on a tight budget haha! College takes up a lot of cash!

 

And thanks Tanngu87 but I think I want something at least 5 gallons.

 

Honestly I was thinking of doing a 20H, 20L, 15 or dare I say. . . 29Gal. I was also thinking about putting a piece of Plexiglas in the corner to skim the top of the water and give me a little room for my heater and and a spot to put the intake tube from a AquaClear 70 power filter that I would turn into a fuge. As far as the light was concerned I was thinking a 150W Metal Halide though was concerned about the penetration I would get on the 20H and 29. As well as the length of the 20L. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[lex0219]

After a little more research I though the 20 or 24 inch Sunpod would be good, they seem to have good reviews though I would have to buy new since they seem to be discontinued. Do you think I would get enough light penetration on a 20H or 29? And would it spread out enough for a 20L?

[Weetabix7]

Depth penetration would be fine, but not sure if it would be too "spotlighty" on a 29 or 20L, both of which are the same length.

Have you looked into a 24" T5HO?

[lex0219]

Not to much yet, do they still do well with SPS. LPS and softies? What are some proven fixtures as well? I will probably buy a used fixture as I am on a budget and will probably give myself $200 or so.

[Weetabix7]

SPS, LPS and Softies all do fine under them.

Current Nova and TEK fixtures would work fine for you and be more affordable.

[lex0219]

Alright well I bought the 20 inch Sunpod and an going to get a 14K Phoenix bulb for it. If anyone knows if this will be enought for the 20L or 29Gal that would be great, if not I think Ill go with the 20H.