T5 lighting and skimmer questions

LostinTime · 10/31/2007, 07:08 PM

I am buiding my first tank and have a couple of questions. (Only thing left to finish on the tank itself is waiting for the glass to arrive---starfire.)

The tank is kinda unusual in that it is in a T shape and goes thru a wall.
The tank is a 97 gal tank (estimating 80 gals with the rock and sand). It is 30 x 10 x 37.5 (W-D-H top of T) and (11.5 x 26 x 37.5 W-D-H base of T)(All dimensions are inside deminsions.) . I am going to be using a DSB with a plenum with LR.) ( I have spent approx 3 months building the tank so far.) In addition to a protein skimmer to be added later, I am going to be use a RUGF, which I made myself. Actual water level will be about 34 inches.

1) I am planning on using T5HO lighting (4 x 24) Which Bulb combination would you recommend? Please be specific. I am favoring some of the UVLs. (Only have a 10 x 27 opening where the lights will be and no additional room. Also looking to keep the electric bill as cheap as possible.)

2) Due to the design of the tank I am going to use a HOB overflow, what do you think of the TOMS pro series ....considering this as I will need a protein skimmer in about 4 months and can get a good price on everything overflow skimmer autofil. Or is this just junk?

Thanks in advance.

LostinTime · 10/31/2007, 08:51 PM

bump

bertoni · 10/31/2007, 09:58 PM

To Reef Central

The bulb choice has a lot of personal taste. You might start with 3 10,000 K bulbs and one actinic per hood, or perhaps 2 of each. The actinic seem to produce less light per watt, so growth might be slower with more of them.

I'm always skeptical about the low-end all-in-one units. I'd get a Euro-Reef, personally.

Paul B · 11/03/2007, 07:27 AM

I don't understand how you are using a DSB with a RUGF?

10/31/2007, 07:08 PM	#1
LostinTime Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kannapolis NC Posts: 91	T5 lighting and skimmer questions I am buiding my first tank and have a couple of questions. (Only thing left to finish on the tank itself is waiting for the glass to arrive---starfire.) The tank is kinda unusual in that it is in a T shape and goes thru a wall. The tank is a 97 gal tank (estimating 80 gals with the rock and sand). It is 30 x 10 x 37.5 (W-D-H top of T) and (11.5 x 26 x 37.5 W-D-H base of T)(All dimensions are inside deminsions.) . I am going to be using a DSB with a plenum with LR.) ( I have spent approx 3 months building the tank so far.) In addition to a protein skimmer to be added later, I am going to be use a RUGF, which I made myself. Actual water level will be about 34 inches. 1) I am planning on using T5HO lighting (4 x 24) Which Bulb combination would you recommend? Please be specific. I am favoring some of the UVLs. (Only have a 10 x 27 opening where the lights will be and no additional room. Also looking to keep the electric bill as cheap as possible.) 2) Due to the design of the tank I am going to use a HOB overflow, what do you think of the TOMS pro series ....considering this as I will need a protein skimmer in about 4 months and can get a good price on everything overflow skimmer autofil. Or is this just junk? Thanks in advance.

10/31/2007, 09:58 PM	#3
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	*To Reef Central* The bulb choice has a lot of personal taste. You might start with 3 10,000 K bulbs and one actinic per hood, or perhaps 2 of each. The actinic seem to produce less light per watt, so growth might be slower with more of them. I'm always skeptical about the low-end all-in-one units. I'd get a Euro-Reef, personally. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

11/03/2007, 07:27 AM	#4
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	I don't understand how you are using a DSB with a RUGF? __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

10/31/2007, 08:51 PM	#2
LostinTime Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kannapolis NC Posts: 91	bump