help me plan my tank

[NP_Reef]

After a few weeks of trying to piece this together on my own and going nowhere I figured id ask for some help…… :P
So im looking to build this tank as a reef tank and want it to be as user friendly as possible if you have any advice at all it would be appreciated.

Tank: custom size 65x23x32 with a sump/refug below

Lights: not sure yet but I want to be able to keep a variety of corals and not be too limited by
lights, if you have any suggestions please let me know and Im not sure if I need MH of T5 with the 32� depth

Skimmer: im leaning towards the ASM line because most reviews ive read of them have been positive, but im not sure what size I need Im thinking the G4 is the one I need to go with but again id love some feed back

Return pump: mag md18 (any suggestions?)

Power heads: not really sure but I want to flow about 65x and they need to be quiet

Heaters: not really sure what the difference is between brands, ideas?

controller: like i said i want it to be as user friendly as i can is the reefkeeper 2 the controller i should be looking for? and what can it control (powerheads, heaters, pumps, etc)?

home made auto top off system.

anything im missing?

thanks in advance.
eric

[drparker]

Couple of thoughts for you:

At 32" it will harder to reach the sandbed without climbing over the top.

I'm thinking my next setup will a combination of a few 250w MH bulbs and 6 to 8 T5 bulbs.

I have an ASM and they were a great skimmer value when I got it. If you can get one cheap and then modify it go for it. Otherwise I'd look at at Octopus or MSX skimmer they have a better bang for the buck than the current pricing I've seen on ASM.

Powerheads, if you can afford it go for Vortechs

Heaters go for two titanium heaters

The RK2 is a great controller the RKE is even better. I had RK2s on both my tanks and upgraded the 75 to the RKE and really love it.

[imcosmokramer]

NP_Reef, look at you jumping right in. That a big system you're setting up there.

Ok, you'll want Metal Halides for sure, and I would still supplement them when T5s to get the color you want. This way, you can keep any corals you desire with correct placement.

As for your controller, it's all about what you want it to do. I have an RK2 and 2 AC JR's. The RK2 is by far easier to use, but is more limited than the AC JR. Also, I don't know that they still support it. You might also want to look at the ACIII or ReefKeeper Elite if you're interested in having control over your tank through the internet. Make sure that when you price any/either you include all the modules and features you want.

As for powerheads, I use vortechs as drparker recommended. I love how the work AND how they look in my tank. If you can buy them, do it.

I also use an ASM on my 75 (G2) and it's done a great job so far. I'm switching it to a Euro-Reef CS135 to see if there will be any difference. The build quality of the ASM is pretty weak, but again, it did the job until now.

I would go with two titanium heaters and have your controller control them, NOT a separate one (heater controllers seem to fail a lot).

I didn't see you getting on RO/DI unit, I wouldn't do it without one.

ATO - many good choices out there, and a must for any system.

Don't forget to get bins for mixing saltwater and making RO water for top offs.

Don't blast water through your sump/refugium. Just get some good turns and use your powerheads for flow in your tank.

Here is what I've done:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1323659

keep this going if you have any other q's