back to reef

Hi there

Been a fishkeeper for over 20 years. Have done almost every type of fish and corals and live plants, from asian arrowanas to clown triggers and full coral reefs to my now planted freshwater cardinal tank.

Last tank I had was 90 gallon reef, full berlin system with 150 lbs live rock and 2 cpr backpack skimmers with icecap vho lighting. Sold this tank cause I moved and didn't set up another reef in my new house. I did a fully planted cardinal tetra tank. Currently have 54 gallon oceanic corner bowfront with coralife pcs 155 watts lighting, and full co2 system for the plants. Had about 150 cardinal tetras, rainbows, rumy nose, etc..

Getting bored again. Think I'm going to go back to saltwater.

What I need to know is that since I've been out of reef for about 3 years, what 's new in equipment and processes. I think all I need is a new skimmer, maybe a calcium reactor, and live rock. What's up with the price of live rock these days. It's almost doubled in the last 3 years. Is it better quality? Anybody using an ozonator? Does it help ?

About lighting, what's everybody using now? I see metal halides still around, but what about T5's? Are they better? Never was a big m/h fan. Just too hot, and living in the Pacifc Northwest, we don't have air conditioning in our houses so for the few days in the summer when it gets hot, our houses get really hot.

I need a hang on skimmer. From browsing through the posts, seems like the remora is the favourite. Anybody got a better one?

 

Hey! Welcome to 3reef and welcome Back to reefing! Yes, AquaC Remoras are what I recommend for up to 75 gallon tanks. I never graduated from pc's and T6's, so I'll let others tell you about lighting. LED's are expensive and are limited as to who makes them. They need more time. 3 years isn't bad. Not too much has changed in that 3 years other than Don't use Bio Balls or wheels. Turns out they are nitrate factories.....

 

Ill second the use of AquaC Remoras skimmers, we've had one for over a year with very little done to it and it works great, As for live rock you ain't kidding, you would think its gold for the price lfs are getting for it.

Welcome back

 

Lets see: I'm not familiar with a 54 gal corner tank's dimensions. I believe you would be limited to a 24" T5 fixture. If you could get a 4 bulb fixture to fit nicely on top, you probably would have room behind it for a metal halide. If you want a bluer look send me a PM and I'll help you out. Good luck and welcome back!

 

thanks for the welcome.
nice tank marlinman. Living in Florida, can you harvest your own live rock and livestock?

 

welcome to 3 reef

 

yeh. welcome to 3 reef

6 x 80 watt T5s in my canopy

Steve

 

I guess you could but it's tricky because of the laws. I just go to the LFS like everyone else.

 

hello and welcome to 3reef.............I use ho t5s on all my tanks here