My new 75 setup

got it running today and had some trouble with check valves! i put transparent flapper check valves on the the two return lines from the sump return pump. first time i stopped the pump, neither valve worked. i banged on each one with the nearest wrench, and after a few wacks they both work. i turned the pump on and off a few times over the next hour and they worked fine, but now i'm a little less trusting in these valves!

 

Some Lighting Questions

ran some params today - spg 1.025, temp 80, ph 8.3, ca 525, KH 9.3, mg 1620 - i'm surprised at the ca/mg, but did them twice to make sure. using oceanic salt.

i have some questions in case anyone checks in here. i need new t5 bulbs. i have a 48" outer orbit fixture with 4 t5 bulbs and 2 150 watt MH's. i'm not running lights yet, but will be in a few weeks. i think the original bulbs were 2 x 450nm and 2 x 420 nm, but i wanted to see if anyone had recommendations on best t5's to combine with the 2 MH's. i'm thinking to get geissman brand due to the many accolades.

also, my fuge is lit with a t5 fixture (2 bulbs, 24"). what would be the best t5 bulbs to put over the refugium??

thanks!!

 

nice

 

new bulbs in!

got my geissman t5's installed. i previously had current USA lamps, 2x 420 and 2x 460 (i think - the etching on the bulbs had worn away). Replaced with a midday, 2 aquablue, and 1 pure actinic. i like the color of the tank with these. i hope these will support corals well. (2 10000k mh's should help with that)

first pic is before, 2nd with new lights.

 

i like it so far, what are you planning on stocking in this baby?

 

need to research more, but these are thoughts (wouldn't be all at once)
thinking about school of blue chromi (10?)
hippo tang (had one before, did well)
coral beauty (need to read more before deciding)
NO ANGELFISH (koran in last tank kept eating everything)
definitely clown goby(s) if i can get acro or similar growing for habitat

on coral side, shooting for more sps - acro, monti - i'd like to find a birdsnest - and softies

 

Looks great with the new lights.

 

Thanks!

Cycle is done, so I put in a pair of tomato clowns and a mushroom polyp. Starting to get some diatoms (I'm pretty sure that's what the brown dust is).

 

looking good..

 

love your setup. that plumbing job looks like it would be painful to fit! MOAR FOTOZZZZ! thanks alot.