150 Tank Build - Please help with skimmer

[200mfromocean]

So far I am leaning toward the 150 mixed reef tank 60"24",24" with a 50 gallon sump/fuge, with some tangs, anthias, sps and softies.
I am also considering doing an aggressive tank for the first 6months or year. So I would like to incorporate a skimmer that would handle puffers & groupers.

Here are some of the broad strokes:

1) Tank Stand & Canopy: Dimensions: 60" 24" 24" Custom glass done by locally.
-I like the calfro overflows idea, but am not sold on getting it Eurobraced

2) Sump and Refugium: Local custom build - need to accommidate Skimmer, possible calcium reactor.

3)Plumbing: I do not know yet. Probably whomever does the Tank Stand and canopy

4) Lighting: Two 250 MH. Icecap or Coralvue ballasts, Larger Luminarc reflectors. Reeflux 12K Bulbs. - I am happy with the Reeflux 12K light appearnance, but do not have much experience with many others. Couple LED moonlight strips. I think the Luminarc cover 30".

5) Skimmer: Euroreef, Octopus, or MSX 250.

6) Sand - 5" layer of Aragonite or coral sand. I like the finer sand, but it blows around easy.
Live rock 200 -300 Pounds. I would like to do on big pile and on the otherside of the tank one of those cool sculptures with PVC pipe as support.

7) Controllers - I have no idea

8) Powerheads/Wavemakers - I like the Koralias, and could possibly splurge on something better.

That is is for now. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[virginiadiver69]

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopi...78592&start=0&
The above link will give you a lot of info on different styles of skimmers. You may be best to decide on a style first (needle wheel vs. Beckett) to compare apples to apples.

[chaseracing]

You may want to plan on using (3) MH lights. You may be disappointed with (2).

Your SKimmer is going to be critical in maintaining clean water for 200 gallons. Do not be "budget minded" on this important peice of equiptment. If you need to make a judgement call, get a bigger unit than you need. Also, plan on Running (2) seperate reactors for PhosBan and Carbon. This will keep your water channel clear.
If you decide to set the tank up as a Reef, plan on a high powered Calcium Reactor also. Do you homework on this up front so you know how much room you need in the stand. This will help with Sump placement. Place Reactor on opposite side of stand from the electronics.

-=E=-

[200mfromocean]

If I had to choose today I would select one of the Octopusses.

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca...products_id=74

or

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1321

I like the second one because it has a smaller footprint. I am trying to stay within $500 on skimmer.

On lighting the tank will be 5' long. So with a good reflectors two 250 MH will be enough.

Thanks for the help.

[200mfromocean]

So far I am leaning toward the 150 mixed reef tank with a 50 G Sump/Fuge, with some tangs, anthias, sps and softies. I do not plan on feeding more than once a day.

Here are some of the broad strokes:

1) Tank Stand & Canopy: Dimensions: 60" 24" 24" Custom glass done by locally with calfo overflow eurobraced.
I liked Andrew setup from reefcentral
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1294327

2) Sump and Refugium: Local custom build - need to accommidate Skimmer, possible calcium reactor, RODI auto top off to maintain water levels.

3)Plumbing: I do not know yet. Probably whomever does the Tank Stand and canopy

4) Lighting: Two 250 MH. Coralvue ballasts, Larger Luminarc single ended reflectors without glass covers. Coralvue Reeflux 12K Bulbs - i am happy with mine, but do not have much experience with many others. Couple LED moonlight strips. I think the Luminarc cover 30". Bleow isa pick of the reflector

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1211

5) Skimmer: Euroreef, Octopus, or MSX 250. I am leaning toward Octopus NW 200. My budget is $500 or less.

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=985

6) Live Rock and Sand - Approx 250-300 pounds of Arogonite or whatever translates to 5" deep - 200-300 pounds of Live Rock. My Idea is to do a large pile of mature rock and one of the exotic arc's you make with PVC that you see on Tank of the month.

7) Controller - Budget - $10 timers High dollar - Aquacontroller Jr.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html

Cool Powerheads/Wavemakers - Budget - 2 or 3 Koralia 4's. High dollar -Tunze streams and wavemaker
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...l~vendor~.html

9) Calcium Reactor Budget - Budget - Dose every week. High Dollar - Korallin Setup
http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/Ca...ctor_Package_w!_Regulator,_CO2_Tank_&_Media_by_Korallin

10) Phosban Reator & Carbon Reactors - Via Aqua Polyreactor
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt..._Poly_Reactor_(Multi_Media_Reactor)_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Filters_Inline__Specialty_Phosphate_Reactors~vendo r~.html


That is is for now. Thanks in advance for any suggestions