Need skimmer and lighting advice for 46g Bow Front

[Sniper308]

I have recently mooved my reef from a 92g Corner Bow front to a 46gBf. I have a terrible protien skimmer that is impossible to adjust the water level in and am in the market to replace this item. I have been looking at either a berlin or turboflotor 1000 as a replacement. If anyone has any experience withe either of these skimmers, I would love to hear from you. I am especially interested in ease of setup and adjustment and is the water level actually adjustable. Also I am unable to use my 92g light setup on this smaller tank. Could anyone advise me on wattage requirements for a 21" deep tank 36" long. I was thinking of compact flourescents(2x96w)but have had no experience with these and do not know if this would be a worhtwile investment. Thanks in advance

 

[idua]

I also have the 46 bow front tank and for the lightning I am using MH/VHO combo. I ordered one with 2 HM bulbs as I was concerned about the brace in the middle of the tank. Most 36' fixtures come with only one MH bulb in center and I was worried the brace may overheat and crack. As for the skimmer I ordered a custom made sump and in-sump skimmer from Lifereef. I am still waiting for it so I can't tell you how well it works but seems everybody with their setups is very happy.

 

[North Bay 101]

Greetings,
I have the same tank and this is what I have done. I mounted a 400 watt MH pendant 8" above the tank. The brace hasn't caused a problem with lighting. I placed a 10 gallon tank as a sump in the stand. In there I have the return pump, heater and sump type skimmer from backpac. All in all not bad for a tank without an overflow. I have a set of 2 x 96 watt pc that were on the tank for a while before I switched to MH. These are for sale if you are interested. Go with a high powered light, that way you will not need to upgrade later.

If you have any questions, e-mail me. Good Luck

 

[fishfarmer]

I have a 38 gal, similar dimensions as a 46. Mine is lit with one 175 watt MH and 2 x 28 watt PC. I have various shrooms, leathers, lps, and xenias doing well under this combination. You should tailor you lighing to what corals you have in there now.

 

[Sniper308]

Thanks for the advice guys. I hope I have not done a bad thing here. I am starting to worry that my tank switching was a little premature and could have benefited from a little more planning and forethought. Oh well too late now. And by the way NorthBay 101, if you are interested in selling your lighting, please contact me by email or post a reply detailing your lights price and exchange method. I will keep checking back.