Newb questions, benibac, rock, setup etc.

[Fishonthebrain]

YES!

That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I just didnt want to over/under buy.


I was a little concened because it has CFs for suplements and some of the lights ive seen have T-5s instead so I thought maybe this wasnt the best choice.

I found a great deal on this light if anyone is interested (i dont know if im allowed to do this) but here the link-

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?Pa ... ProdID=348

The other thing is, I know EVERYONE says buy the best skimmer you can afford but im wondering can I buy two ok skimmers for a good price just to reduce start up costs with the plan to drop major money on a good one later on. Can I get away with two of this model for a while?

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?Pa ... ProdID=319

I think this is ok IMO just because Im only planning on a pair of clownfish as far as fish, in addition to corals for months and months. I just cant seem to find any other fish i really love, and Im not one to buy fish, just to buy fish if that makes sence... im just a sucker for corals.

thanks again you guys rock!

 

[mr_X]

i would not waste my money on a cheap skimmer(s). if you are going to purchase a good skimmer later, do without those junk skimmers and just keep up waterchanges for now.

 

[Brian5000]

On the lights:

If you have only T-5s or CF, you're right. I think a T-5 setup is better than CF. In this case though, the metal halides are what's doing all the work. The CF lights are only to add some extra color to the tank, so it really doesn't matter.

If your tank is 125 gallon, isn't it 72x18? Would this be better?

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=332

On Skimmers:

+1 to Mr. X. A cheap skimmer might do OK in the very beginning, but you WILL be throwing it away in a couple months when the skimmer starts to show that it can't keep up with your system. Save your $60 and put it towards a good skimmer, even if it means delaying your setup a bit. I know it's not what you want to hear, but you'll thank yourself for it later.
_________________
Honda CBR400RR

 

[mr_X]

that fixture looks to be from the same manufacturer as the one we had on our 30 cube. if so, the ballasts are questionable. the rest of the fixture is well constructed though.
just consider that you might have to replace the halide ballasts at some point. :wink:

 

[Fishonthebrain]

Brian5000 I did look at that fixture but the metal halide output is the exact same as the 60", and if CF dont matter why spend the extra money.

Also, on the skimmer its not that i didnt want to hear it at all, LOL. I was hoping for input. If I didnt want to hear advice I wouldnt have posted, but just bought it without asking!

8)

Mr X, I was wanting your input because I read your tank build on the cheap thread and I'm inspired.

You said these lights have problems, what would you suggest?

Also as far as the skimmer, yeah I know its junk, I was planning on buying two of them, what skimmer would you guys suggest for me to buy for the long haul?

I mean Im cheap but I know the money has to be spent so lay it on me, LOL.

Thanks so much again!

 

[mr_X]

i would choose an ASM skimmer. they are relatively cheaper and you can do alot with them.
also, about the lights-
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=103436

here is the build thread in which we used the ebay light.
i had a clam, a pocillapora, ricordia, and a bunch of zoos in that tank. everything lived, but the zoos stretched out very tall, seeking light. their "bodies" were over an inch long!
at first i thought it was the cheap bulb they sent with the fixture, but i changed that to an XM 10k, and it was the same. then i tried XM 14k, still the same, but very blue. the clam was at the very top, so i imagine he got enough to sustain him. what else could it be if not the bulb? it's got to be the ballast.
meanwhile, i have since broke that tank down, and placed the zoos in my 200, and they are beginning to shrink back to normal. :?

P.S./ thanks for the kudos on the old build thread.....ahh, the good old days

 

[shavo]

yeah we miss the old mr.X the new one is way too professional.