Setting up a 65, Need input on budgeting

Jaghatai · 04/19/2011, 10:53 PM

So I'm looking to finish off my build for my 65.

It's 24" deep, and I already have the following lights that have been handed down to me:

A 250w MH Pendant and three T5 Ballasts that can run a total of six 24" 24w bulbs.

Heat has been an issue with the MH pendant inside the canopy and I've already ordered an adjustable fan controller and four 80mm fans. Though I could switch to the T5s.

I'm also thinking about ordering a Reefkeeper Lite to control the fan controller, heater, and lighting to help keep things stable (If it even is an issue, I may be worried over nothing, the fans might be enough).

However the decision on whether or not to get the Reefkeeper will decide which skimmer I will be getting.

It has to be an HOB skimmer, and I've already narrowed the candidates down to the Aquamaxx HOB-1 and the Super Reef Octopus LX1000S

I'd really appreciate any input!

peppie · 04/19/2011, 11:08 PM

For $100 less you could get the Reef Oct BH-1000. It is also rated for 100 gal. Is the $100 worth an upgraded pump?

Jaghatai · 04/19/2011, 11:14 PM

From what I've been reading, for that price range the Aquamaxx is the better buy

peppie · 04/19/2011, 11:25 PM

I to have read that, I have the Oct bh-1000,
!st it fit a size restriction for my tank
2nd the price was right
3rd had good reviews
After an 8 hour vinegar/water cleaning (while running) It was pulling skim within 16 hours.

Chris27 · 04/20/2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppie

For $100 less you could get the Reef Oct BH-1000. It is also rated for 100 gal. Is the $100 worth an upgraded pump?

Most definitely, the stock pump used on the non-super reef models is a piece-o-junk. The bubble blaster that is used on the SRO models is hands down better in terms of air draw and reliability.

Jaghatai · 04/20/2011, 12:26 PM

Would it be worth waiting on the Reefkeeper lite and go with the SRO?

Or should I just go with the aquamaxx and buy the controller now?

Jaghatai · 04/20/2011, 03:46 PM

Well I ended up just going with the bigger skimmer for now.

I figure if the fans can't keep the temperature down from the MH pendant I'll just switch the canopy over to the T5 retros.

O3reefer · 04/20/2011, 04:54 PM

I have a RKL and its well worth it and makes everything so easy. If you do get one make sure to get 2 PC4s.

04/19/2011, 10:53 PM	#1
Jaghatai Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Anderson, IN Posts: 50	Setting up a 65, Need input on budgeting So I'm looking to finish off my build for my 65. It's 24" deep, and I already have the following lights that have been handed down to me: A 250w MH Pendant and three T5 Ballasts that can run a total of six 24" 24w bulbs. Heat has been an issue with the MH pendant inside the canopy and I've already ordered an adjustable fan controller and four 80mm fans. Though I could switch to the T5s. I'm also thinking about ordering a Reefkeeper Lite to control the fan controller, heater, and lighting to help keep things stable (If it even is an issue, I may be worried over nothing, the fans might be enough). However the decision on whether or not to get the Reefkeeper will decide which skimmer I will be getting. It has to be an HOB skimmer, and I've already narrowed the candidates down to the Aquamaxx HOB-1 and the Super Reef Octopus LX1000S I'd really appreciate any input!

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04/19/2011, 11:08 PM	#2
peppie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,883	For $100 less you could get the Reef Oct BH-1000. It is also rated for 100 gal. Is the $100 worth an upgraded pump?

04/19/2011, 11:14 PM	#3
Jaghatai Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Anderson, IN Posts: 50	From what I've been reading, for that price range the Aquamaxx is the better buy

04/19/2011, 11:25 PM	#4
peppie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,883	I to have read that, I have the Oct bh-1000, !st it fit a size restriction for my tank 2nd the price was right 3rd had good reviews After an 8 hour vinegar/water cleaning (while running) It was pulling skim within 16 hours.

04/20/2011, 12:26 PM	#6
Jaghatai Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Anderson, IN Posts: 50	Would it be worth waiting on the Reefkeeper lite and go with the SRO? Or should I just go with the aquamaxx and buy the controller now?

04/20/2011, 03:46 PM	#7
Jaghatai Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Anderson, IN Posts: 50	Well I ended up just going with the bigger skimmer for now. I figure if the fans can't keep the temperature down from the MH pendant I'll just switch the canopy over to the T5 retros.

04/20/2011, 04:54 PM	#8
O3reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Pocatelo, ID Posts: 90	I have a RKL and its well worth it and makes everything so easy. If you do get one make sure to get 2 PC4s.