Skimmer and Lighting Considerations

[Mikalada]

Hi, I really want to go bare bottom when moving to my next tank, either a 60gallon cube (25”X25”X24⅞”Deep) or a 45gallon cube (25”X25”X18⅞”Deep) either with or without a sump. But I have two questions…



First off, I was wondering if my skimmer would be good enough. It is an Aqua-C Remora with a Maxi-jet 1200 and surface pre-filter.



Second question, I have read that lighting requirements are lower… ”hng: BB tanks need less light than tanks with substrate (cleaner water means more light penetration).” Will my current 150 watt HQI lighting unit be fine for either of the above tanks with my current livestock of a bubble tip anemone, mostly soft corals, and a few LPS corals?

Thanks in advance.

[Little Luey]

Welcome to the forum.

A cube, I like those tanks. I probably would pick the 45gal just because it is not as tall and I can reach the bottom of it, I am not a tall guy so it is hard for me to reach all the way donw on a 24" tall tank. I don't know how tall you are but that is my view on that. If you get a sump you would want to get a better skimmer than the remora and one that can go in the sump. If you don't get a sump I am not sure there are better HOB skimmers.
As far as the lights, is your 150w all you have? no other supplemental light? I think you may be able to use it if you do not get any SPS or any other light loving coral but I would be concern with the anemone. Is the anemone in a tank with that light? If you can keep it on your current tank and it is the same height as the cube it may still be ok.