So... Simple simple simple

[Twitterbait]

So I think i finally have a handle on what i want to do for my up and coming 100g BB sps/lps/clam reef... lets see if i have it together.

100g tank stand hood.
Sump with MR-2, double beckett driven by PCX 55 pump
return pump is PCX 40 which will go to a spray bar on the bottom of the tank to keep crap suspended.

1.5" overflow drain.

double penductor CLS driven by PCX 40 or 55 both pointed at random spots to create random flow.

2 x 250w mh will be on for 2-3 hrs per day then switch to 2 x 175w mh for remainder of day with supplimental VHO if needed.

2 x 150w heater

add calcium and baked baking soda for water quality.

nothing else.

so is this pretty much it?

[gman0526]

Yup, I really like the 250w to 175w cycle.

[King-Kong]

Ditto on the MH cycle idea -- I like it.

Are there phosphates concerns with kalkwasser? (Seeing as you're doing baked baking soda/ca)

[Weatherman]

I like to add some live rock for the coral to grow on and for the fish to hide, but I suppose it's not absolutely necessary.

Also, for warm climates, a temperature controller driving a fan is the alternative to a heater (the heaters on my tanks rarely turn on, but the fans run at least part of every day).

[Wiskey]

I might add that I don't think it's a good idea to run the return to the bottom of the tank due to the posibility of back-syphon, I know there are air holes, or check valves to use but they can fail.

Whiskey

[Twitterbait]

your point is noted wiskey, what i will do is set up a y at the top and have 1 part go to a simple return nozzle at the top to break the siphon. I didn't think of that before, thanks

I am not running kalk, i am doing a calcium chloride addition as opposed to calcium bicarbonate (kalk) they act a little different.

i will be getting a chiller eventually but heat is only a danger in the summer and even then it isn't that bad. Heat on the other hand is an issue, i will need a heater... but i will be getting a controller too eventually.

In the end i prefer MH over VHO for the life of the bulbs and the color. I figure i can posotion them next to each other and have the 175's come on about 10 min before the 250's go off.

[gwaco]

keep it simple on the skimmer . you won't overdive a single beckett with a pcx 55 , so why go thru the extra plumbing work for no gain . remember you need the pressure for a beckett to operate correctly . if you take that pump and split it to two becketts you are defeating optimal operation . maybe add a couple of nano streams >

[Twitterbait]

i may use the pcx 55 on the CLS and use a bigger pump on the skimmer... how about my Reeflo barracuda???