Lighting, Flow & Skimmer on 240 Deep (72" x 30" x 24")

[new2u]

I am looking to upgrade from my old 120 (4' x 2' x 2') into a bigger and better tank now that I have the time & money. Based on space and my current fish/rock I've decided that a 240 would be best ( 6' x 2.5' [wide] x 2' ) to allow for the most room while still not getting overtly tall. However, I'm having some difficulty deciding on the equipment since I haven't been as into the forums in a few years. Here were my initial thoughts:

Flow:
Tunze 6105 x 4

I currently have a closed loop and hate it. I think the tunze would be the best controllable option and I could use a pair of tunze rocks for the two on the bottom. I hope to mount the top two on the back glass with the magnet mounts, but I have a strange medical situation that I have to avoid magnetic fields (brain surgery x 3 and I have a magnet controlled shunt), so I'm hoping that they aren't too strong or if they are I can rig a different mounting solution for the two on the back.

Lighting:
XR 15 x 3 or Hydra 26 x 3

I currently have 2 120 watt LED pendants that I really like, but are pretty dated. I'm not sure if the XR15s or Hydra 26s will be able to cover the entire 30" depth, but I figure I could use the existing two pendants to suppliment if I deemed it necessary. I had halides forever and I really disliked them (also super magnetic...). Is this going to be enough, or am I missing out on a better option? I have money to spend but I'd hate to have to drop 1800 on 3 xr 30s.

Skimmer:
Unsure

I have been out of the skimmer game for long enough that I'm not really sure what is the best option here. I plan to go with the glass cages sump, and I currently have a MRC 250, but I am completely open to suggestions.

Because threads are boring without pics heres one of the current 120 RBTA farm. I plan to re-use the rock (because I love it & its great) and hopefully trade in a good deal of my beastly RBTAs in for some new coral.



Thanks!
Willis

[hobbzz]

The tunzes would be a good choice. Roger recommended putting all four of mine on the back glass and pointing them towards the front glass for my 6'x3' tank. I tried that and it worked pretty good. The magnets are string though. Stronger than a mag float scraper. If you go with either of those led fixtures, you will need six to eight to cover that area. There are also better options out there regarding spectrum. Sorry, not sure about that particular mrc. They do make good products though.

[jayball]

At 30" front to back I do not think you will be happy with 3 mini pendants ( the 15's or 26's) unless you add something to the front like a 4 bulb t5 unit or some good led striplighting.

[new2u]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I was thinking I may be able to supplement the 3 pendants with my current ones but maybe separate LED strip lighting is the best option. I do dislike having separate controls, but that may be the only way. From my research on the Hydra 26 HD and its LED placement vs the XR15 pro I think it may provide better coverage for the depth. Maybe I could try 3 pendants and supplement with additional strips if I deemed it nessisary. I'm also looking into complete fixtures.



As far as the MRC skimmer, that is just what I currently have. I am open to any suggestions as far as what a good option for a moderately stocked tank would be. I have been out of the game for so long I'm not sure what the best mid-range options are now days (I'm guessing EuroReef isn't king anymore )

Roger has been helping me with my magnet issue in a separate thread and I think i'm going to go with the 4 tunzes and mount 2 with the rails, and 2 with the rocks. Paired with the multi controller I think this should be a good flow option, although I'm not sure how easily cleaned/maintained the rock mounts will make them.

[jayball]

Originally Posted by new2u

Thanks for the input everyone.

I was thinking I may be able to supplement the 3 pendants with my current ones but maybe separate LED strip lighting is the best option. I do dislike having separate controls, but that may be the only way. From my research on the Hydra 26 HD and its LED placement vs the XR15 pro I think it may provide better coverage for the depth. Maybe I could try 3 pendants and supplement with additional strips if I deemed it nessisary. I'm also looking into complete fixtures.



As far as the MRC skimmer, that is just what I currently have. I am open to any suggestions as far as what a good option for a moderately stocked tank would be. I have been out of the game for so long I'm not sure what the best mid-range options are now days (I'm guessing EuroReef isn't king anymore )

Roger has been helping me with my magnet issue in a separate thread and I think i'm going to go with the 4 tunzes and mount 2 with the rails, and 2 with the rocks. Paired with the multi controller I think this should be a good flow option, although I'm not sure how easily cleaned/maintained the rock mounts will make them.

If you want something simple look into adding a 72 inch BML 20K strip with a manual dimmer and a wall timer (or controlled outlet). It is a nice all around full spectrum bar (containes nearUV, violet, Royal blue, blue, cool W, and Warm W) that will go a long way towards getting the full coverage you will be missing with just the three pendants. Put it in the front and angle it back 10-15 degrees. If you want it to dim with the pendants than a multichannel strip will give you color control over three channels as well.

By the way, those BTA's are huge!