tyring to figueout the best set for what i have.

ill start off by say i love the site. its a big help being that this is my first tank ever.

any ways after doing alot of reading i bought me a 40g breeder tank and ended up building my own stand and sump (DIY major money savers). they both turned out great. i used a 20g tank and made it a sump/refung area and what not. So that is what i actually have. know i believe i have decided on a skimmer. the Octopus NWB-150 Bubble Plate Protein Skimmer 2009 looks nice and everyone ive tanked to on different forums seams to love the brand. as for the pump the Supreme Mag Drive 3 Pump 350 GPH was recommended to me with the Pro Clear Overflow Prefilter Pro Clear Overflow Prefilter 60/75/125: Aquarium Supplies - Aqua Buys. your thoughts on this would be cool.

originally i thought i was going to get the 36" setup of this https://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...0&pcatid=21460 but know that its getting close to actually ordering the lights, i have been wondering if this would make for a good reef lighting unit and wondering about the price of it compared to other setups. another words would i be happy with this setup (strong enough lighting? that type of thing). with that in mind i started looking at the 36" halide setup (no restrictions) https://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...9&pcatid=21459 nice setup but a large price as well and its only 1 halide. So i was curious if it would light the hole tank with Halide light or just directly under the light? you know just the center of the reef and not the sides. i know the t5 would cover the hole tank. im just wondering about the halide (the good stuff).

i have been looking around at what some people are talking about and have found this light http://shop.aquatraders.com/ProductD...ductCode=54241 know what im wondering is would 2 of this be the way to go? one beside the other. in my mind, much better halide light coverage and better growth throughout the tank and not just in one spot (directly under the 1 halide/center of the tank). the only thing i would need to add is a timer. i dont believe this setup comes with moon lights, so i would need that as well. it comes out a lot cheaper and it would give me 2 halides not just 1.

your thoughts and ideas would really be great. my head is starting to heart from reading so much and thanking way to hard.

let me ask this, if YOU had my tank and was doing a reaf, what light setup would you run that is the best value for the price? KEEPING in mind i like the DIY stuff but i also like it covenant and i dont want to use a chiller unit because that's just more then i want to spend.

 

If I had your reef, I would go onto ebay and buy Odyssea T5's...then replace the bulbs with ATI's....Odyssea lights are REALLY cheap..but they are pretty darn good quality..i have 2 36" 4X39W by Odyssea over my 125G reef..no complaints..but i did upgrade the bulbs to ATI's...i paid $99 with free shipping on each fixture..and has been running GREAT for almost a year now.

 

i have an octpus witch i like it is easy to adjust, but i replaced it with a aqua c 120. They both have perks but i prefer being able to hook a skimmer externally plus aqua c has only one two working parts a injector and air valve and both are easily replaced and as far as pumps, any pump will do. The pump only needs to meet the minimum gph or have a valve to restrict/adjust water flow.
And for the lighting I would use Hamilton lighting, they assemble everything in america. I prefer magnetic ballast they use more electricity but most bulbs where designed for magnetic ballast and they will put out much more light. Just ask xm or ushio I did.
Hamilton also takes care of any possible problem you may end up they will take care of any part you need for you lights to work

 

be careful of which company manufacturers you by from as not all companies sell all possible failed parts making a simple repair time for a new unit

 

Eh i'd be careful with magnetic ballasts, they are more apt to catch fire than electric ones...