I'm Starting a 270g custom reef tank,Your Suggestions please

Since it seems that you are very new, while you are waiting for you tank, do a lot of research. Research equipment, filtration setups, lighting, corals (needs, feedings, types etc) research fish and compatibility. I highly suggest buying a beginners book on reefing. It will lay everything out neatly and take you step by step through setting up a reef tank. IMO, it's best to do that, digest the material, then ask questions or advice here. I think you will get much more out of it that way, then asking general blanket statements covering many different areas and topics.


As to lighting, I agree with the 400w MH on that tank. I would get 3 to space them every 2 ft. I would do a retrofit kit, meaning not a fixture, and buy the reflectors and ballasts as needed. Lumatek is a good ballast as are Icecap and others. Remember, one ballast per reflector, so 3 reflectors, 3 ballasts, 3 bulbs. You do not need to supplement actinic light (blue), but most do. T5s are the way to go for that IMO. You can also buy T5 retro fit kits which come with everything you need. Icecap makes a good one too.

As for acylic vs. glass, I would have gone with glass. When I was first starting out, acrylic seemed like the way to go. It is stronger and lighter then glass, but does cost more. However, after years of experience in this hobby, most people with larger tanks have a glass tank. The biggest issue is with scratches and no matter how hard you try, you will eventually get scratches. I've known people who use a magnetic cleaner designed for acrylic and who still got loads of scratches. Some you can buff out, but others you can't, then your stuck. Weight can be an issue, but keep in mind an acrylic tank that sized will still weigh a lot, and you will still need several people to move it into place.

 

dont know if i missed it or not but is the tank 36" deep front to back or top to bottom? front to back would be sweet and 24" top to bottom is the sweetness.

 

when it comes time to choose the perfect bulbs for your needs I will happily help in the halide section. Also, if you want actinic supplementation but dont want to go with t5 you can consider royal blue LEDs

 

Thanks guys for all the great suggestions and excellent info.I have my homework cut out for me for sure. I will look into all those links and evaluate everyone's thoughts and opinions completely.

I am 99% sure I want to go with acrylic. Weight is not a issue but they are lighter than glass. Also clearer than glass. MY 165g fish only is acrylic so I am familiar with how easy they scratch. And I know that most scratches can be buffed out. Also I believe that the seams are stronger too. I just feel that IMO, over all, acrylic is a step up to glass.

And yes 36" tall. I have 14' ceilings in my house and I want to utilize the vertical space avaiable. 6' long and 2' out from the wall is the longest/widest I can go without blocking the flow of traffic in the hallway/room. Ever since I moved in (10 years ago) I have always envisioned a big, amazing aquarium in that spot.

 

I have some wasted space in my house as well. I can fit a 500+ gallon tank in my "breakfast nook"...that the builder should have just made 'more kitchen'. I will not be taking donations for a future fish tank ROOM. That's right! A whole room made out of a fish tank. Anybody?