Taking the Plunge 180!

Honeygs · Jun 29, 2018

I am upgrading from a 70 to 180 reef and I am so confused about lighting... there is so much to choose from - could I get what you are using for lighting? I plan on having LPS SPS and of course fish, etc. Also any suggestions on skimmers would also be appreciated. Thanks!

bubbaque · Jun 29, 2018

I have a 180 and I use a 60" 8 bulb ATI fixture. I get good color and growth in my sps.

JoshH · Jun 29, 2018

While I can't speak for lighting, most seem happy with a T5/LED combination. I use AI Primes on my tank and when I upgrade to my 150 I'll be switching to Kessils. As for skimmers, I LOVE my Lifereef, other top ones would be Reef Octopus, Royal exclusive bubble kings and deltec.

Dragon52 · Jun 29, 2018

I have a NYOS 160 Quantum Skimmer, Lights are 2 Current USA LEDs, 48-60"

Honeygs · Jun 29, 2018

Great suggestions ... with all the new lighting, I've alway liked T5's so I'm thinking I'll do the combination with LED's. Anyone have pics of their set-up like that?

bubbaque · Jun 29, 2018

You can see my corals in my signature. I have two sb actinic reef bars attached to my fixture.

Honeygs · Jun 29, 2018

bubbaque said:
You can see my corals in my signature. I have two sb actinic reef bars attached to my fixture.

Wow! Those corals really pop and look super healthy. I'll have to check into this.

Honeygs · Jul 3, 2018

Two MP60's or MP40's? Or one of each for a Standard 72 x 24 x 24 tank?

Honeygs · Jul 29, 2018

Well I ended up getting two MP40's for the 180 build. Hope it's enough flow, but we will see. I also purchased a Aquatec 8800 for the RO/DI, so I can make water faster and a Tunze 3155 ATO. I need to have the aluminum legs cut down on the stand as its too tall for me to be able to clean, so that's one more thing to have done. Also looking in to skinning the stand as well. Decisions, decisions, this seems like it's going to take forever to get up and running, but I want it to be perfect, so one thing at a time. Here's a pic of the tank.

rainmaker · Jul 29, 2018

I use 4 mp40"s also have 3 Radions and use a reef octopus diablo 250 ext skimmer on my 180 flow is good and can grow sps and lps

Honeygs · Jul 29, 2018

Good to know - I've been looking at Radions as well and will check out the skimmer. Thanks.

rainmaker · Jul 29, 2018

4 mp40"s give more random flow 2 in back an 2 on sides

Honeygs · Jul 29, 2018

I planned on putting them in the back, so I'll get two more or do you think a 60 MP one side would work?

rainmaker · Jul 29, 2018

It will be ok or put the 60 in center of back an the 40’s on each side

rainmaker · Jul 29, 2018

I also use wide angle lens in the radions helps cover the 24 inch front to back

Honeygs · Jul 30, 2018

Great information. What type of return pump do you use? I was looking at the Ecotech vectra M1.

rainmaker · Jul 30, 2018

I use a waveline dc 6000 had it for awhile and has been dependable also use a jebao dct 6000 for my feed pump to skimmer

Honeygs · Jul 31, 2018

O.k. purchased a 60 MP for the back and will put the two 40's on the sides. Moving through the list! Hopefully I get all the equipment together and start putting it together in a few weeks. I'm nervous and excited!