this is my 4th apt tank. a 30 90 37 and now a 75. I like this size.
depending on what you want to keep 6x54w is at the maximum end of lighting you will need (clams full blown sps). for typical beginners corals this will be too much. I have seen 4x54 in a beginning 55 and not be able to keep a lot of softies because the "sun" is too bright. the octo 150 should be enough skimmer for this tank, and definately consider what you want to keep. i may consider a 20 gallon long if space is a concern (i'm sure it is in an appartment) instead of the 30 and a lot of people on here can help you out with baffling and what not but i'd just do two chambers keep it simple. skimmer:return.
i setup the 30 gallon very simply and had a lot of success. i setup the 90 with the same equipment as the 30 (not enough filtration or lighting) and struggled with algae and keeping corals alive, then i scaled down to a 37 cube tank and added a metal halide learned alot and had more success, and now with this 75 i have learned from a lot of my past mistakes (so far, i still ended up with some aiptasia somehow and redbugs once). so i have some experience with apt tanks and sometimes it goes well and other times its an eyesore if you aren't willing to put the time and effort in (including reading a few books and being on the threads which are a good start).
I do work at ocean's floor in greenville and still live in a small house in clemson so any help or questions you may have feel free (though i feel i am usually at Ocean's floor. also i can drill glass but am not insured to do so
i have a portable press and the correct bits with a little experience.
