9 years without a reef tank...man things have changed!

[Trey D.]

Hello everyone,

It has been too long, I have not been on here in 5 or 6 years. The hobby has changed so much, I am a little lost but happy to see the advances in the reefkeeping. I am going to need some advice:

I am planning to build a 36x 24 x 24 reef tank sps/lps

What are the pros and cons

LED lighting

xaqua return system

a solid skimmer the energy efficent


Thanks

Trey

[mdbannister]

Definitely go with LEDs! The pros of LEDs are cooler, more controllable, energy efficient, longer lasting (no bulbs to replace for years), constant par as opposed to lost par due to bulbs wearing down (see last pro that I listed)...not sure of any cons, though I know some folks do still use/prefer MHs over LEDs...

[Trey D.]

Thanks...I am looking to mount them in a hood, my wife does not want them just hanging in the house.

Do they run cool enough mounted in a hood with the back open 12" off the water?

Trey

[ReachTheSky]

Yes, they do. They run far cooler than metal halides and T5's. Most units have built in fans as well.

On the contrary mdbannister, there are some cons to LED lights:
- They are relatively new technology which means their sustainability has not been fully tested long term (I'm talking years). I personally have no doubts but the hard evidence just isn't there.
- There are some that lack certain spectrum's of light which are necessary for coral health and/or visual splendor.
-Some of them can be extremely expensive (GHL Mitras cost $1,300/unit and your tank would require two ).

[sirreal63]

Actually the core things have not changed at all, quality equipment, good husbandry and a willingness to research still works. Avoiding hype, additives and fluff is important. You may want to read this thread, it may help you decide if you want to go led.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2203067

[Misled]

Agree with Jack. You can look at my tank in my blog. Most of my equipment, though be it more efficient and more thought out, is the same type I had 20 years ago. Circulation pumps are something that really have advanced though.

[Ira]

Hey man! I am in the same boat as you, last tank was in the 98-99 years, and got back in about a year ago, alot changes! My biggest word of advice is NO DSB!

I jumped into LEDs, I would reccomend them if you are going to have the time to spend hours tinkering with them and getting them dialed in right. If you dont have that kind of time, go for the plug and play t-5 or MH. I personally dont have the time for the tinkering so I am going to T5s for my next tank.

Also, its funny, i am right now having someone build the exact same tank you posted, 36x24x24.

[Trey D.]

Originally Posted by ReachTheSky

Yes, they do. They run far cooler than metal halides and T5's. Most units have built in fans as well.

On the contrary mdbannister, there are some cons to LED lights:
- They are relatively new technology which means their sustainability has not been fully tested long term (I'm talking years). I personally have no doubts but the hard evidence just isn't there.
- There are some that lack certain spectrum's of light which are necessary for coral health and/or visual splendor.
-Some of them can be extremely expensive (GHL Mitras cost $1,300/unit and your tank would require two ).

I see the cost...oh my!

Trey

[Trey D.]

Originally Posted by sirreal63

Actually the core things have not changed at all, quality equipment, good husbandry and a willingness to research still works. Avoiding hype, additives and fluff is important. You may want to read this thread, it may help you decide if you want to go led.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2203067

Thanks for the heads up, however it looks like the jury is still out on LED's.

Trey

[Trey D.]

Originally Posted by Misled

Agree with Jack. You can look at my tank in my blog. Most of my equipment, though be it more efficient and more thought out, is the same type I had 20 years ago. Circulation pumps are something that really have advanced though.

I will check it out, thanks.

Trey

[Trey D.]

Originally Posted by Ira

Hey man! I am in the same boat as you, last tank was in the 98-99 years, and got back in about a year ago, alot changes! My biggest word of advice is NO DSB!

I jumped into LEDs, I would reccomend them if you are going to have the time to spend hours tinkering with them and getting them dialed in right. If you dont have that kind of time, go for the plug and play t-5 or MH. I personally dont have the time for the tinkering so I am going to T5s for my next tank.

Also, its funny, i am right now having someone build the exact same tank you posted, 36x24x24.

Got it!

But is ok still to do a swallow SB or bare bottom?

What is the pros and cons of that?

Trey

[sirreal63]

Shallow still is easier to deal with and vodka/vinegar dosing has been truly figured out, GFO is a little better and probably the biggest change has been in electrical efficiency. This is especially true in return pumps and skimmer pumps. Of course this is a good thing. Overall what worked 10 years ago still works and you can have as simple or complicated of a tank as you desire.