What should I do next?

MelloW33 · 10/26/2010, 08:15 PM

I'm trying to decide what I should add next to my tank and thought you guys could have some great input. I'll describe my system and am open to suggestions.

My tank is a standard 6' long 125gallon. It has two corner overflows, draining into 2-20g long sumps connected by a 2" bulkhead. Return lines are 2 Mag7's, one to each side. One sump is just a refugium and the other houses all my mechanical equip. Equipment consists of Reef Octopus 150 skimmer, heater, and a phosphate reactor running SeaChem sea gel. I have 3 Koralia 3's for my powerheads. I'm currently running a Current Outer Orbit 2x150W MH with PC Dual Actinics for the lighting.

Livestock consists of a Yellow Tang, Powder Blue Tang, Bellus angel, Bangaii breeders, Onyx Perc breeders, and Spotted Mandarin spawning pair. I have a pretty mixed reef with SPS, LPS and zoanthids. Also have a Crocea and Derasa clam. The Onyx Oercs host 2 RBTAs as well.

So my dilemma....Should I go for a MP40 for increased flow and coral growth, save up for better lighting, or add livestock?

James404 · 10/26/2010, 08:17 PM

MP40 all the way, I have two and the flow they create is really awesome. Definitely worth the money, your corals will thank you

Ston3 · 10/26/2010, 08:20 PM

I vote for mp40 as well. Sps love the random flow.

reefgeezer · 10/26/2010, 09:56 PM

Light first. While 150 watt MH might have enough penetration, two are not enough for a 6' tank. 3X 250 or 2X 400 would be better. T5s or LEDs would work too. IMO, flow is not a factor until the light is right..

FlaReefDude · 10/27/2010, 07:32 AM

get rid of the halides and get some T5's you wont regret it!

MelloW33 · 10/27/2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaReefDude

get rid of the halides and get some T5's you wont regret it!

I've been thinking about that. LFS has a 6' T5 light for sale. I don't know a whole lot about T5 but I'm assuming my SPS will be ok under it?

10/26/2010, 08:15 PM	#1
MelloW33 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 591	What should I do next? I'm trying to decide what I should add next to my tank and thought you guys could have some great input. I'll describe my system and am open to suggestions. My tank is a standard 6' long 125gallon. It has two corner overflows, draining into 2-20g long sumps connected by a 2" bulkhead. Return lines are 2 Mag7's, one to each side. One sump is just a refugium and the other houses all my mechanical equip. Equipment consists of Reef Octopus 150 skimmer, heater, and a phosphate reactor running SeaChem sea gel. I have 3 Koralia 3's for my powerheads. I'm currently running a Current Outer Orbit 2x150W MH with PC Dual Actinics for the lighting. Livestock consists of a Yellow Tang, Powder Blue Tang, Bellus angel, Bangaii breeders, Onyx Perc breeders, and Spotted Mandarin spawning pair. I have a pretty mixed reef with SPS, LPS and zoanthids. Also have a Crocea and Derasa clam. The Onyx Oercs host 2 RBTAs as well. So my dilemma....Should I go for a MP40 for increased flow and coral growth, save up for better lighting, or add livestock?

10/26/2010, 08:17 PM	#2
James404 I <3 Acros Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,523	MP40 all the way, I have two and the flow they create is really awesome. Definitely worth the money, your corals will thank you __________________ 80g Deep Blue Rimless - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651295 225g Reef Savvy SPS Dominant - Retired http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945361

10/26/2010, 08:20 PM	#3
Ston3 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 330	I vote for mp40 as well. Sps love the random flow. __________________ \| 37g reef \| 10g diy sump \| mag 7 return \| 300gph diy overflow \| Current t5ho 96w \| Odyssea PS75 \|

10/26/2010, 09:56 PM	#4
reefgeezer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 2,621	Light first. While 150 watt MH might have enough penetration, two are not enough for a 6' tank. 3X 250 or 2X 400 would be better. T5s or LEDs would work too. IMO, flow is not a factor until the light is right..

10/27/2010, 07:32 AM	#5
FlaReefDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 71	get rid of the halides and get some T5's you wont regret it!