New Tank Upgrade recommendations

[HTang]

Hi all..
I am in the process of upgrading to a 95g reef tank.
Here's the info on it, I welcome all recommendations.

36 x 24 x 25 95g drilled tank w/sump.

Starting with the return pump: Brand, size, submersible or external?

Protein Skimmer.....Brand, in-sump or external, venturi or air driven?

Now for the lighting: Will 8x39w T5 retrokit be suitable? Not sure I want to go MH simply for the heat factor?

I am also looking at a MH/PC retrokit....1x150 HQI lamp with 2x65w pc lamps, cooling fan and lens cover for a total of 280w? Would this be sufficient.

Thank you in advance...

[Fat Tony]

All this depends on your budget... how much are you willing to spend on equipment for this setup?

[theplatypus]

On a 25" tall tank I wouldn't bother with 150W mh.

[HTang]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

All this depends on your budget... how much are you willing to spend on equipment for this setup?

I wouldn't say the sky's the limit, but cost is not the major factor for my post. Im basically looking for equipment suggestions as in pump size and type and protein skimmer, etc.

As for the lighting, I know I should go MH, but all the feedback about the heat they give off, the last thing I want to get into is a chiller.

[HTang]

Originally Posted by theplatypus

On a 25" tall tank I wouldn't bother with 150W mh.

then 250w mh at least...

what about 8x39 T5 lighting?

[Loverotties]

Yes at least 250w.

[HTang]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Yes at least 250w.

Could I use the 8x39w T5's for a total of 312w with individual reflectors?

I know MH is the way to go it seems....but do you think the heat would be an issue? I know to install a fan, but is it enough to raise water temp substantially?

[Fat Tony]

yes, you could use the T5's, but with a tank height of 25" you may be pushing the limit for SPS/clams in the bottom 1/4th of the tank. I would recommend a single 250w MH with a great reflector like the Lumen Bright or Lumenmax Elite for this tank. You can get the coverage you are needing with it and you don't have to worry about the heat as much due to the height you need to mount it off the tank. You shouldn't have to run a chiller in most situations, usually fans will do the job more than effectively, typically with the proper fans, lowering the tank temp by 3-5*F

For a skimmer, I would recommend something like the Octopus Hurricone Cat 1 which has the Askoll pump on it. It is a higher priced model ranging in the $600-630 but is one of the best options as affordablity goes. There is also the Vertex Alpha which is also a good skimmer. Several options here, just find a few in price range you are lookign to spend and post a thread up on it in the General Reef Discussion forum for opinions.

I would recommend either a custom acrylic sump or a 40 breeder DIY sump for your tank to take as much advantage of your foot print. You have a great dimensioned tank... I really like the dimensions (other then the height, for me 18" would be about right) and if you don't currently have a stand for it, make it as high as you can for easy sump maintenance and tank viewing (think kitchen counter height, 32-36")

For a return pump... Eheim is practically the best and the 1260 would suit your needs well. You pay a slight premium for it, but they aren't outrageous. They are efficient, dependable and will last you practically forever if a good annual/biannual maintenance schedule is kept.

[HTang]

Thanks Fat Tony,
excellent reply and very helpful. The reason I got this size tank is because I have a specific location in mind and want to maximize the gallonage. I will be building the stand and depending on whether or not I use a canopy, will determine fixture.
So, if it's going to be a 250w mh....any suggestions on type of lamp to use? I am familiar with the pc's and t5 spectrums,,,but really clueless about MH lighting.

Also what would be a normal height to mount the light?

[Fat Tony]

Depends on if you are a fan of SE bulbs or DE bulbs... I'm a huge fan of radiums, but since I only run DE, I use the 14K phoenix bulbs.


Here's a couple articles of the efficiency of the new modern reflectors and why they can be run at elevated heights relating to reduced heat transfer into the aquarium

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review

The above article is on the efficiency of the actual modern reflectors in comparison to one another, the next article is on reflector mounting height.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-06/review/index.php

[HTang]

The lighting choice is the toughest decision for me. I am looking for just a touch of blue lighting as well. Would a 14k 250w mh give me that?

[Fat Tony]

Yes, 14K IMO, is a good balance.. not too blue, not too white.

[HTang]

Thanks again....Now to decide if I am going with canopy where ill need a retrokit. If not I was thinking of two smaller round 150w mh pendants..Mainly for aesthetics outside the tank...
Do you think 2 of these for a 36x24x25 will do the trick? Or should I just say with one 250w pendant with the reflectors you suggested?

[Loverotties]

Depending what your keeping,you need at least two and I'd say nothing less then 175 and higher if you are going to have corals and/or clams that need high amount of light.

[HTang]

Great. I'll stay with a minimum 250w mh lighting...Should help down the road with addition of different corals....

Thanks all!