spspirates 150 gallon build

spspirate · Jul 12, 2014

OK so Im at a "what light fixture to purchase" dilemma. Iv'e narrowed it down to the Hamilton Cebu 3' fixture or the Reefbrite Halide Hybrid 3' fixture. Both will be running 2x Radium bulbs on Lumetek ballast. Basically it's the difference between LED supplementation or T-5 supplementation. Both fixtures would not fare too well in a beauty pageant but definitely allow me to use a pendant system with a mogul Radium bulb. I have used both typed of lighting combos before and feel that T-5's work best for me along with the Radium bulb......but.....theres something to be said about that "pop" that blue LED's give off to some of those perty corals. Any ideas?

falconerr · Jul 13, 2014

I'm sure whatever you chose to go with it will just make this setup that much more awesome. Can't wait to come over and help plumb it up and see it get wet. Counting the days hope your sump comes in time before you drive yourself crazy waiting. Aquabox does fantastic work so I am sure it will be top notch just like your tank and when you get your ATB jeez this build is going to be sick!

spspirate · Jul 13, 2014

Yea Bobby it's going to be fun. I guess both lights will do the trick. I think I'm leaning towards the Reefbrite Halide Hybrid. And yes stoked about the sump..lol!!

feh · Jul 14, 2014

spspirate said:
You think? Underneath the house is dry as a bone. Also the sand shouldn't settle.

It's just not a good thing under a house. You already have the poly vapor barrier, but that small amount of sand probably isn't enough to worry about though. Just I've seen some dumb stuff like people throwing sand under there instead of doing it right with a vapor barrier and that ended up causing moisture problems and joists bowing, sagging, etc. It wasn't a good situation so I get a little weirded out when I see it there.

BTW where are you with the build? Have you plumbed it yet? I went with a 50 cube with the Ghost Overflow. The external box was a little more shallow than expected. Not a big deal, but I'm about to start on the plumbing finally. Had to wait for help to get the tank back on the stand. Which will be today.Was just wondering what your plumbing plan was if you were at that point.

spspirate · Jul 15, 2014

My sump should come in next week. I'll start plumbing shortly after. A friend and I are going to be plumbing it together. I believe the Ghost is modeled somewhat after the BeanAnimal concept. Let me know how plumbing works out for you.