200G IM EXT (First tank ever)

Grallster

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Oh. And I think the tank weighs more like 750 pounds if you ask me.
I also went with my top off reservoir on the other side of the wal—allows me to have a 28 gallon container.
 

Grallster

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What made you land on 3 over 2? Seems like coverage would be close with 2 also unless I misread
I’m doing mostly SPS and was transferring corals from another tank (this was my 5th 😐).
I was thinking about doing a build thread now that most of the work is done
 
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vittpsu21

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What made you land on 3 over 2? Seems like coverage would be close with 2 also unless I misread
I’m doing mostly SPS and was transferring corals from another tank (this was my 5th 😐).
I was thinking about doing a build thread now that most of the work is done
These lights look appealing though if I went this route would likely only start with 2 since mine would be a fresh build
 
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Grallster

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Yeah. I was going with 2X A360X Kessils over a 4 ft tank and found them underpowered. I currently have the lights up 20” and and slowly lowering them to avoid light shock.
 

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I turned them around and mounted them to the wall.
 

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I turned them around and mounted them to the wall.
Ok this makes a lot of sense I was wondering with our tank how the hell they woulda fit lol, it does seem looking at your picture that 2 would not be enough and 3 would be required
 

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2 could be enough if you wanted only LPS and Softies. You could do about anything under the lights—just not at the edges. Depends on how you do your aquascape I guess.
 
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vittpsu21

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2 could be enough if you wanted only LPS and Softies. You could do about anything under the lights—just not at the edges. Depends on how you do your aquascape I guess.
This is my real problem I dont really know where I will land with all this... I did post what I think is a list I will try to use in a PDF earlier in the thread. But even if I wanted to go further and into SPS I could always add a light later I guess
 

UncommonSense

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This is my real problem I dont really know where I will land with all this... I did post what I think is a list I will try to use in a PDF earlier in the thread. But even if I wanted to go further and into SPS I could always add a light later I guess
You can always add or subtract lights as-needed! — I will say that the compact pendants like the Kessil A series are excellent in a larger array as a targeted “spotlight”, particularly near the perimeter of a larger tank!
 
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vittpsu21

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You can always add or subtract lights as-needed! — I will say that the compact pendants like the Kessil A series are excellent in a larger array as a targeted “spotlight”, particularly near the perimeter of a larger tank!
Yeah when I looked these up after he said it, these are the first ones that I really thought oh this might be it... I assume he just turned these mounts to the wall if I wanted to go that route also or still do a hood...

 
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Well finally decided on the lights and did order 2x of the AP9x. Just leaves the skimmer and honestly that and the lights could have waited but wanted to get them out of the way! Now it’ll be time to keep things starting up, get the tank moved, and then start to aquascape after vacation!
 
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Sadly the tank was not moved before Vacation, though, I would not have filled it either way. The rocks are still curing and I will be excited to get things in place when I return in 1.5 weeks! I do hope the current movers will respond quicker and get it done otherwise it will be time to look for another when I get back
 

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Sadly the tank was not moved before Vacation, though, I would not have filled it either way. The rocks are still curing and I will be excited to get things in place when I return in 1.5 weeks! I do hope the current movers will respond quicker and get it done otherwise it will be time to look for another when I get back
You’ve got plenty of time during rock curing!

No rush, no stress… just focus on enjoying that vacation!
 
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vittpsu21

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While away the tank was able to be moved thanks to my brothers helping the movers get in the house! It’s gonna be time for some fun soon! They did move it closer to the wall then I wanted I had originally left 6.5 inch’s and now 3.5 remain so plumbing might be more annoying unless I decide I want to move it out again. Definitely needs to be cleaned and swept and the rug replaced with one that fits!
20250801_103753_92ABB3D8-18BE-45D8-8BD0-2397D574A682.png
 

W31Olds

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Vitt, I would move it out for better access. I would also ditch the Rug. I can see the headroom is going to a bit of a challenge. I would consider IM for my planned upgrade but really want an 8 ft. Tank. They make a solid product with good value.
 

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