Multiple Equipment Questions

I have a few threads spread with numerous equipment questions. I figured instead of trying to track a few threads I would just start one. I have been all over the place with opinions, and posts etc LOL Hard to keep up. So keeping it all in one I can refer to later when it comes time to buy (which is hopefully soon).

Many of you may know me. I am quite active on the forums (I sit at my computer all day at work lol). I have had a 37G tank for about 6 months now. I know a little about corals/fish/etc now.

The problem is, i did not set up this tank. So I know NOTHING about equipment. I recently purchased my 75g predrilled and started my build thread.

Filtration:
Ideally, I would like a sump with a fuge and a skimmer. I have been trying to research to see the easiest way to do this and pricing. So this would have 3 compartments. The first with the drain from the DT and the skimmer, the second the fuge with sand/rock and heater, and the third with the return pump. Or am i wrong? I found some decent prices on skimmers and some decent information on building your own setup.

I also saw a wet/dry in action yesterday and was intrigued. Most people I see have skimmers and sumps so it was good to see something different. It was on his 110G. He opened the top of the box and bubbles everywhere from the fliter. Would like more info on this and if this would suffice for my 75G? My LFS has one rated for my tank for $129. This and a pump would be all I need to start cycling if this would work.

Lighting:
Hot topic. I am tossing beetween a 6x54w T5 fixture and a 250W MH with T5s. The MH is significantly more cost but I like the look and it will allow me to keep anything I wish to keep. I prefer soft corals, the only thing I MAY want would be a clam but its not necessary. Do I really need the MH? If I can come up with the money I will still go with the MH system. Just wondering if it will be overkill for what I need.

Any other equipment information you think I would need would be great.

I am the only person in my house working, my girlfriend is in college, and I have a two year old, so money is never there. Thats why I am trying to find the best deals I can so I can get it up and running as soon as i can.

 

Was looking at the lights at aquatraders.com, good deals.

Also is a UV sterilizer a good idea? especially with my issue with a disease right now.

 

The only thing about the site above is they do not have a 6 light t5

 

If you are REALLY pressed for money I would go with a fuge(29gal fits great under a 75)and add a baffle for the return pump and a HOB skimmer. If you can fit it and have the money a sump and fuge is ideal.
I would skip a wet dry unless you were doing a fish only or lived in the 1980's still.

Lighting has been address on another thread of yours.... Either way is fine and actually softies can handle more PAR than SPS or LPS..... Clams also can get rocked without issue(most of the time)
I would also look into some nice powerheads, water movement is key esp with softies.

As for a UV, many recommend them like crazy but honestly I might be the only person that doesn't care for them, IME they are a false security net!

Good luck!

Oh, just saw your new post, Aquactinics has the ONLY US made 6'er... NO 6' T5 lamps enter the US, only 60"ers... You either need to settle with 5'ers or get the Constellation that has 14 3' LAMPS!!!!

Don't you have a 75?

 

Hey man, what's wrong with the '80's???!!!!! The '80's spawned A Flock of Seagulls. Oh I ran, I ran so far awaaaayyyyy. I just ran, I ran all night and daaayyyyy. Couldn't get away.......

Sorry, I digress.

 

I prefer the Huey Lewis era.....

 

Thanks for the information.. I meant a 6 bulb at least on that site.
I think I will just go with t5's then... sounds like MH may be too much for me really and a wasted chunk of cash.

How would the fuge you are talking about be setup?
So I would need a 29 gal tank... my drain go straight in the fuge part... which overflows into the return section? Thats it? that sounds simple and cheap. Would the skimmer be in the fuge part?

 

I'm going to keep my mouth shut about what to buy because I don't hold back when it comes to spending money on my reef. But if you want to learn a thing or two about sumps and refugiums, check this website out Melevsreef.com - Welcome! There is tons of good information on there. I learned a lot. Before I set my sump/refugium up I was totally lost. I still go back and browse since there is soo much good information on his site..

 

On my old 75 I used a 29, without a baffle, I just had the overflow drain into a filter sock which I had carbon in... I then had a container that held my pump to prevent sand and caulerpa from getting sucked in.
On some of my newer fuges I have used ONE single baffle to prevent the sand/algae issue. I think I used a 10" or so tall piece of glass as the baffle.
Water again drains into the filter sock to A. add carbon, B. prevent sand from getting kicked up.

Many people like putting baffles in all over the da** place, not sure why everything needs to be soo complicated. Simplicity is KEY folks!!

You can either make a seperate baffle to make a "sump" portion and put your skimmer down there or hang it on the back of the tank...
On a 75, you don't have much room under the stand unless you plumb the stuff into a seperate fish room, hence my space saving design

 

Sweet.. this is how my LFS has it setup as well.
This sounds good, easy and cheap. So I can get my hands on a 20 long or a 29 gal. Run the drain straight into a filter sock in one compartment with sand and rock... one single baffle into the drain section. This would be quite simple. So hang the skimmer on the back of the sump or on the back of the DT? This is very intriguing.. could possibly get my tank up and running soon then.