Share your tank setup.... I need some ideas for an upgrade

[ficklefins]

So I am still in the planning stages of upgrading my tank and I wanted to get some some ideas from others on here. One of the issues I am facing is having my tank on the second floor of our townhouse. Soo…..

If you could post your tank size, light setup, and if you have a sump or not I would really appreciate it.

I was thinking of going with a 50g Breeder tank, drilled with a 250w DE light and 2 36inch T5s to reach the sides.

Thanks,

Luciano

 

[maroonytunes]

I have a 29 in my bedroom, fish only, and don't ever get a back pak skimmer.I have regular lights, thought about doing a reef.No sump.

 

[maroonytunes]

I have a 29 in my bedroom, fish only, and don't ever get a back pak skimmer.I have regular lights, thought about doing a reef.No sump.

 

[surfn]

50g breeders made my AGA have a center brace. i think you can get one from perfecto without a center brace though.

 

[ficklefins]

You know, I never paid attention to that. Good point surfn! I may have to rethink everything....again.

 

[surfn]

the oceanic 58g has the same footprint, just a little taller, and does not have a center brace.

if i could have afforded it, and dealt with the moving issue on a tank that size, i would have gone with that and 2x175w SE metal halides on magnetic ballasts, and prob some T5 actinic supplementation.

 

[MarvinsReef]

32g breeder.. 24"L x 18"W x 18"H...

250w MH SE on PFO magnetic ballast...

really like it... only have T12's for dawn and dusk effect w/ actinics...

:)

Marvin

 

[furforfour]

I am using a 40 breeder drilled with a 20 high sump/fuge. I love the dimensions of a 40 breeder, it seems to have great aquascaping options. I am using a 250w 12k SE Coralvue bulb, soon to replace probably with a 14k Hamilton. I am also considering a 15k XM. Anyone have experience with these bulbs?

 

[JGoslee]

TANK - 58gal oceanic reef ready

LIGHTS - 2-250watt de 14k phoenix run on icecap ballasts. I really like this setup without actinics. It gives a nice crisp white with a hint of blue.

SKIMMER - deltec ap600

SUMP - custom 33gal acrylic sump made by http://www.acrylicsumps.com/index.html
The 58gal stand is pretty cramped so I had this sump custom made to fit.

 

[surfn]

TANK - 58gal oceanic reef ready

LIGHTS - 2-250watt de 14k phoenix run on icecap ballasts. I really like this setup without actinics. It gives a nice crisp white with a hint of blue.

SKIMMER - deltec ap600

SUMP - custom 33gal acrylic sump made by http://www.acrylicsumps.com/index.html
The 58gal stand is pretty cramped so I had this sump custom made to fit.

do you find your skimmer to be overkill for your sized tank?

what about the apf600?

 

[gflat65]

125-(3)-250W DE AB 10K's with (2) VHO's, sump and fuge

120-(2)-175W 15K Iwasaki's with (2) VHO's-not yet added, sumpe/fuge

20 long with VHO's and an HOB with surface skimmer

7.5 gallon frag tank with PC's (connected to 125)

10 gallon with screw in PC's and HOB with surface skimmer.

Common thread is surface skimming either through overflow or the cheap surface skimmers. I am only currently running a skimmer (MRC MR2) on the 125 and all other tanks are donig great. The 125 is the primarily SPS tank, hence the big skimmer. I likely get the best growth out of the 120 in terms of zoas (175W Iwasakis).

 

[JGoslee]

Surfn, I think the ap600 is perfect size for my tank. I thought about getting the apf600 but I knew I wasn't going to go sps only. I figure for a mixed tank its perfect. I pull about 2 full cups of skimmate a week and thats with a big bioload. I have have trouble growing macro in my tank and in my sump. So I guess it is keeping the water very clean.

 

[surfn]

Surfn, I think the ap600 is perfect size for my tank. I thought about getting the apf600 but I knew I wasn't going to go sps only. I figure for a mixed tank its perfect. I pull about 2 full cups of skimmate a week and thats with a big bioload. I have have trouble growing macro in my tank and in my sump. So I guess it is keeping the water very clean.

what fish do you have to add to your bioload?

i was thinkin about going with the H&S A150, b/c its cheaper than the deltec APF600 by over $200. but that would be way overkill for my ~70g tank volume. i do keep plenty of sps, but no tangs. but it would leave me room to grow in case i wanted a bigger tank.

 

[JGoslee]

Surfn, I think the ap600 is perfect size for my tank. I thought about getting the apf600 but I knew I wasn't going to go sps only. I figure for a mixed tank its perfect. I pull about 2 full cups of skimmate a week and thats with a big bioload. I have have trouble growing macro in my tank and in my sump. So I guess it is keeping the water very clean.

what fish do you have to add to your bioload?

i was thinkin about going with the H&S A150, b/c its cheaper than the deltec APF600 by over $200. but that would be way overkill for my ~70g tank volume. i do keep plenty of sps, but no tangs. but it would leave me room to grow in case i wanted a bigger tank.

I have a pair of clarki clowns, a starry night blenny, green spotted mandarin, and a flame hawkfish.

 

[jessiesgrrl]

Surfn, I think the ap600 is perfect size for my tank. I thought about getting the apf600 but I knew I wasn't going to go sps only. I figure for a mixed tank its perfect. I pull about 2 full cups of skimmate a week and thats with a big bioload. I have have trouble growing macro in my tank and in my sump. So I guess it is keeping the water very clean.

what fish do you have to add to your bioload?

i was thinkin about going with the H&S A150, b/c its cheaper than the deltec APF600 by over $200. but that would be way overkill for my ~70g tank volume. i do keep plenty of sps, but no tangs. but it would leave me room to grow in case i wanted a bigger tank.

I have a pair of clarki clowns, a starry night blenny, green spotted mandarin, and a flame hawkfish.

Can't decide what I like better, his tank or his doggies
:D
Laurie

 

[kpax]

I have a 75 gallon with 440W of VHO. If you ever consider a 55 gallon you should also look at the 75. It's just deeper so it will give you more room. My neighbor made the mistake of going with the 55 and then about 6 months later tore it down and replaced it with the 75.

Being paitient will be the hardest part.

Good luck!

 

[JGoslee]

Surfn, I think the ap600 is perfect size for my tank. I thought about getting the apf600 but I knew I wasn't going to go sps only. I figure for a mixed tank its perfect. I pull about 2 full cups of skimmate a week and thats with a big bioload. I have have trouble growing macro in my tank and in my sump. So I guess it is keeping the water very clean.

what fish do you have to add to your bioload?

i was thinkin about going with the H&S A150, b/c its cheaper than the deltec APF600 by over $200. but that would be way overkill for my ~70g tank volume. i do keep plenty of sps, but no tangs. but it would leave me room to grow in case i wanted a bigger tank.

I have a pair of clarki clowns, a starry night blenny, green spotted mandarin, and a flame hawkfish.

Can't decide what I like better, his tank or his doggies
:D
Laurie

Definitely the doggies! LOL

 

[jessiesgrrl]

LOL

<smile>
Laurie