Whats next?

[Ian1986]

Ok, the last time I wrote I wanted to know what the first step was in starting a reef tank. Well I think I am on the 2nd step. I am going to run a 75 gal. and a 20 gal. sump with a H&S skimmer. Don't ask what model haven't decided. Now all I need to do is think about some lighting.

 

[Krish]

Sounds great! A 75gal has great dimensions for a reef tank! As far as lighting goes, what do you plan to keep in the tank? That will determine what lighting will suit your needs best. Let us know

 

[Ian1986]

Alright, well I would like to have some live rocks, hard and soft reef, anemone, clams, brain coral, bubble coral, etc. Let me know.

 

[Krish]

Well, if you want to go with clams, then metal halides would be your best option. Clams are one of the most light demanding corals. I had dual 250w metal halides on my 75gal and almost got the dual 175w, but was advised not to and that I would regret it later. One thing to keep in mind with halides is they do produce quite a bit of heat so you'll have to be prepared for that. Fans and/or maybe a chiller may be something you will have to invest in unless you keep your house pretty cool to keep the tank itself cool. As for the other corals that don't demand as much light, you can arrange your rockwork in a way to provide a little over hang to shade these corals some

 

[spongebob lover]

i agree with Krish, MH is the way to go specially because of the corals you want to keep just make sure your water parameters are very good first so you don't have any problems dood .

 

[ronj]

be careful which soft and hard corals that you mix..you could see some chemical warfare

 

[lizardarm]

i agree with Krish, MH is the way to go

me too.
reef lighting isn't cheap, and you'd be best served in the long run to do it right the first time and get a good halide/flourescent combo retrofit or fixture. your clams and anemones will love you for it.
plus the shimmering effect of halides makes your tank look that much cooler.

 

[spongebob lover]

ohh if you get the combo you'll be very happy , you'll get all the pretty colors hehe.

be careful which soft and hard corals that you mix..you could see some chemical warfare
__________________

I agree with Ron dood, be careful people do it but that doesn't mean is the right thing to do .... specially if you mix leathers with lps and sps.

 

[lizardarm]

I agree with Ron dood, be careful people do it but that doesn't mean is the right thing to do .... specially if you mix leathers with lps and sps

this is not to be understated. i was guilty of this once upon a time. i won't launch into the details of my turmoils, but it was painful and cost me some beautiful LPSs. it's kinda tricky too, they don't exactly make a test kit for chemical warfare agents.