Please review my sps set-up before it is completed

[BlackRed+Yellow]

This is what I have and am planning on using. Any info appreciatted.

40 gal pre-drilled breeder (36x18X16 )
15 gal sump (divided into three compartments)
Mag drive 3.5 return pump
3 maxi jet 1200s on wave maker (wavemaster Pro )
ASM G-3 skimmer
250w SE 10k XM w/ 2 three foot VHO actinics plus 4" cooling fan
BIonic 2-part Ca/Alk
BIonic Mag supplement
Refractometer
SpectraPure 4-stage RO/DI unit (0-10 TDS)
Salifert Ca, Alk, pH, Mg testing kits

That's what I have and planning on using

I also want to get

25-35 lbs Live rock
2-3" sand bed
snails and detritivores
some "reef safe" fish
lots of sps
probably a clam or two


Any useful or helpful hints, tricks or secrets would be helpful.

Thanks a lot. I'll post pics at a later date.

 

[ReeferPatt]

What reflector are planning on using. The reason I ask is 1 mh bulb will cover a 2sq.ft. area. My tank is 36" also, so I'm using a LumenarcIII pendant. They have been tested and are able to cover about a 30" area. But I'M also using a 400w 10k bulb. with that coverage you'll be able to keep some lower light corals on outer areas...

 

[LakeEd]

A thought on your sand bed... either use about 1" for looks... or go between 4"-6", for a Deep Sand Bed. When you are in between, you are only creating more work for yourself, without the anerobic (-5 speelin) area a deep sand bed affords.

 

[kevinpo]

Hello,
A Mag 3 is pretty small for a return pump if you are pumping the average of 4-5' of head. For most set-ups your size a Mag 7 would be used. Because your tank is so shallow I would have the halide at 12" above the water instead of the standard 9". This will also allow you to cover more area.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[BlackRed+Yellow]

Thanks a lot for all the info

I am planning on hanging the halide 16" above the water (the actual bulb would be about 11" from the water )

The reason I chose the 250w over a 400w is due to heat.

The reflecter is exactly 36"x12". Aside from that I don't know anything else about it.

Oh, and the return pump will have to pump from the sump to the tank, which is a 44" distance. Do you not think 350gph will be enough.? I was hoping it would push roughly 200 gph through the sump.

Thanks again for all the good advice.

 

[kevinpo]

I would use at least a Mag 5 a Mag 7 would even be better. For a HOB refugium 200-300gph is fine but for a sump type the natural foaming action when the water hits the sump can cause a protien film to build up on the surface of the water in the refugium. With a higher flow rate this is reduced.

Regards,
Kevin