Lighting and Skimming for new 125 g

jformani · 02/01/2010, 04:53 PM

I'm setting up a new tank and would like recommendations on T5 lighting and number of bulbs. I'm going to start out slow and dont need a ton of bulbs, I'm thinking maybe 4 60". Will this be enough for soft, lps, mushrooms, etc?

Also I'm debating on Octopus Extreme 200 or Vertex 250. Any recommendations on these two skimmers. I will have a sump holding approximately 40-50 gallons of water as well.

Thanks

Rockpile · 02/01/2010, 08:38 PM

If you want T5s, I would get the 60" ATI Sunpower 6 bulb unit. More flexibility with 6 bulbs. You will be able to grow everything you have listed, plus some SPS down the road if you get the bug. Can't comment on either of those skimmers but both seem to get good reviews.

Fish_wiz2 · 02/01/2010, 08:44 PM

For T-5's I would recommend as many bulbs but in units of 36" so example 4x39 watts on each side. Skimmer wise i would get the Octo or better yet the SWC extreme since it has a few better features than the Octo even with the same design. I myself, am running the new SRO XP-2000 cone skimmer and love it! Hope that helps, Wiz

jformani · 02/02/2010, 08:17 AM

Thanks for the recommendations. Are there any combo's of bulbs that work best in your opinion?

02/01/2010, 04:53 PM	#1
jformani Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 730	Lighting and Skimming for new 125 g I'm setting up a new tank and would like recommendations on T5 lighting and number of bulbs. I'm going to start out slow and dont need a ton of bulbs, I'm thinking maybe 4 60". Will this be enough for soft, lps, mushrooms, etc? Also I'm debating on Octopus Extreme 200 or Vertex 250. Any recommendations on these two skimmers. I will have a sump holding approximately 40-50 gallons of water as well. Thanks

02/01/2010, 08:44 PM	#3
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	For T-5's I would recommend as many bulbs but in units of 36" so example 4x39 watts on each side. Skimmer wise i would get the Octo or better yet the SWC extreme since it has a few better features than the Octo even with the same design. I myself, am running the new SRO XP-2000 cone skimmer and love it! Hope that helps, Wiz __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

02/01/2010, 08:38 PM	#2
Rockpile Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 62	If you want T5s, I would get the 60" ATI Sunpower 6 bulb unit. More flexibility with 6 bulbs. You will be able to grow everything you have listed, plus some SPS down the road if you get the bug. Can't comment on either of those skimmers but both seem to get good reviews.

02/02/2010, 08:17 AM	#4
jformani Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 730	Thanks for the recommendations. Are there any combo's of bulbs that work best in your opinion?