Starting to plan new build - looking for ideas :-)

jstephens · 01/02/2015, 01:30 PM

current spec:
4 ft x 2 x 2
maxspect 160w razor
3 stage sump
v2 600 skimmer (hate it)
ocean runner 3500 return
vortech mp10es (couldn't afford the MP40 at the time!)
Hydor Smartwave kit (1 head failed, really disappointing kit to be honest)
50kg live rock
limited corals (not worth mentioning just some xenia)
auto top up
phosban 150 reactor running rowaphos
2x perc clowns
1x yellow tang

Hello all,

I've been keeping Marines for 8 years now and am addicted to the hobby, just never usually got the cash!
My current build is nothing spectacular but keeps me entertained!
As you can see looking at my stock i haven't really gone for it yet as I'm planning a new in wall build this year. One thing I've learnt from the hobby is you get what you pay for! So my next build everything is included and the highest quality i can sensibly afford.
I plan on making some videos and posting them in u tube if any interest of the build as i would class myself as a very slow learner in this hobby and although being amazed by reef tanks i have a lot to learn so am planning the videos will help me with advice.
So my 1st question is regarding lighting, i'm planning on a 5-6ft aquarium and currently only have 1 maxpect 160w razor, i don't want to ditch the light as i love it but I'm wondering whether i should purchase another one or keep it centred and run a couple of Ecotech xr15's on either side.

Thanks all

Jon

JammyBirch · 01/02/2015, 06:04 PM

Look at the SC302 skimmer from SoCal, I have the 301 and man is it a work horse and they are really affordable for such high quality.

Not sure about the light I'd go with LEDs, reefbreeder is again great value and a great product.

jstephens · 01/04/2015, 01:20 PM

yeah the lighting is a tricky one think ill sell the Maxspect and go with the xr15's or the xr30's if i win the lottery!
does look a nice skimmer agreed, kinda got my heart on a Deltech.
Saving up for the Profilux system at the min too, pricey kit though

:-)

jer77 · 01/04/2015, 01:42 PM

I definitely feel you on the high level of commitment required in this hobby whether regarding time or money but its so worth it! It takes a lot of work sometimes but once you get it right and figure everything out it is so satisfying.

I'm not too sure on the LED's. I find it hard to judge just from the specs of the LED whether they will be appropriate for your tank size and livestock or not. I have returned numerous LED's because they haven't lit my tank as the reviews and other people have told me. I still use metal halides but thats just my preference. You should also consider what kinds of coral you'll want to keep. I have found many LED's aren't powerful enough for my SPS corals in my 2' deep 120g tank. I have heard the XR30's will be sufficient but besides them I'm not too sure. That's why I still use metal halides. They still are cheaper than the XR30's for me and can supply enough light that I need for the numerous SPS corals I keep.

01/02/2015, 01:30 PM	#1
jstephens Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: shrewsbury, shropshire, uk Posts: 22	Starting to plan new build - looking for ideas :-) current spec: 4 ft x 2 x 2 maxspect 160w razor 3 stage sump v2 600 skimmer (hate it) ocean runner 3500 return vortech mp10es (couldn't afford the MP40 at the time!) Hydor Smartwave kit (1 head failed, really disappointing kit to be honest) 50kg live rock limited corals (not worth mentioning just some xenia) auto top up phosban 150 reactor running rowaphos 2x perc clowns 1x yellow tang Hello all, I've been keeping Marines for 8 years now and am addicted to the hobby, just never usually got the cash! My current build is nothing spectacular but keeps me entertained! As you can see looking at my stock i haven't really gone for it yet as I'm planning a new in wall build this year. One thing I've learnt from the hobby is you get what you pay for! So my next build everything is included and the highest quality i can sensibly afford. I plan on making some videos and posting them in u tube if any interest of the build as i would class myself as a very slow learner in this hobby and although being amazed by reef tanks i have a lot to learn so am planning the videos will help me with advice. So my 1st question is regarding lighting, i'm planning on a 5-6ft aquarium and currently only have 1 maxpect 160w razor, i don't want to ditch the light as i love it but I'm wondering whether i should purchase another one or keep it centred and run a couple of Ecotech xr15's on either side. Thanks all Jon

01/02/2015, 06:04 PM	#2
JammyBirch Aquaria Engineering Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,182	Look at the SC302 skimmer from SoCal, I have the 301 and man is it a work horse and they are really affordable for such high quality. Not sure about the light I'd go with LEDs, reefbreeder is again great value and a great product. __________________ 25g cube, split 10g sump with refugium, Jebao RW4, reefbreeder value Livestock adds: Osc Clowns, Royal Gramma, Pygmy Cherub Angel, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Serpent Brittle Star Current Tank Info: 25 gallon cube

01/04/2015, 01:42 PM	#4
jer77 Phish Lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,642	I definitely feel you on the high level of commitment required in this hobby whether regarding time or money but its so worth it! It takes a lot of work sometimes but once you get it right and figure everything out it is so satisfying. I'm not too sure on the LED's. I find it hard to judge just from the specs of the LED whether they will be appropriate for your tank size and livestock or not. I have returned numerous LED's because they haven't lit my tank as the reviews and other people have told me. I still use metal halides but thats just my preference. You should also consider what kinds of coral you'll want to keep. I have found many LED's aren't powerful enough for my SPS corals in my 2' deep 120g tank. I have heard the XR30's will be sufficient but besides them I'm not too sure. That's why I still use metal halides. They still are cheaper than the XR30's for me and can supply enough light that I need for the numerous SPS corals I keep. __________________ - Jonny -, 120g 5 Year Old Reef w/ SPS, BTA, Zoos & some Softies. 40g Frag Tank. 40g Sump. Super Reef Octopus XP 3000 External Cone Skimmer. 250W Radiums. TaoTronics LED. PanWorld 200PS w/SQWD

01/04/2015, 01:20 PM	#3
jstephens Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: shrewsbury, shropshire, uk Posts: 22	yeah the lighting is a tricky one think ill sell the Maxspect and go with the xr15's or the xr30's if i win the lottery! does look a nice skimmer agreed, kinda got my heart on a Deltech. Saving up for the Profilux system at the min too, pricey kit though :-)