New tank build...questions

[clugo]

I'm in the process of putting together a mixed reef, more sps than lps, 120 gallon (48x28x20) rimless tank. Below is a list of items I going with and things I debating and would appreciate your opinions.

1. reef dynamics skimmer ins 150 or 180
2. custom sump, 36x24x16

Now here's where I need some opinions:

1. lighting? I've done a diy led before that worked well, but not as well as my prior setup of mh and pc. I'm leaning towards t5 with or without MH, but I'm open to opinions.

2. bio pellets or gfo reactor?

Thanks for your help.

[SneekaPeek]

Originally Posted by clugo

I'm in the process of putting together a mixed reef, more sps than lps, 120 gallon (48x28x20) rimless tank. Below is a list of items I going with and things I debating and would appreciate your opinions.

1. reef dynamics skimmer ins 150 or 180
2. custom sump, 36x24x16

Now here's where I need some opinions:

1. lighting? I've done a diy led before that worked well, but not as well as my prior setup of mh and pc. I'm leaning towards t5 with or without MH, but I'm open to opinions.

2. bio pellets or gfo reactor?

Thanks for your help.

Do the gfo. not so much tinkering,therefore plug and play. with pellets you have to find that median and build up over time. with gfo, if you have p04 spike, it is very easy to remove. pick your poison! clean setup with minimal live rock, go pellets. the more rock the less pellets is needed. You definitely do not want to strip water of to much nutrients where you have to feed aminos! with my experience the bio filter is hard to immitate with pellets. I have tried many times switching from one to the other. I have found it easy to just stick live rock in the sump, however plenty of flow is needed to keep detritus suspended.