Starting a new 180 reef

[Nathaniel Green]

Hey there everyone.Im a newby on here and i just wanted to pick your brains a bit.Im starting a new 180 gal acrylic tank that i am actually in the midst of assembling myself,not as hard as one would think i might add. The tank is 60x24x30 and has dual overflows but what i was wondering about is what is the best wave maker to use and also what would be a good choice for a skimmer and metal halide lighting to go with my icecap 660 attatched to 4,4 foot VHO's. Also any other good equipment choices would be much appreciated.Thanks a bunch

[aquawolf]

Welcome to TRT!

The wavemaker question depends on what you are thinking about doing with the system. A closed loop would probably serve you extremely well, especially since you are building this yourself. Then you could use an OM Squirt switching device.

If you are talking about putting powerheads in the tank, then it is going to depend on what type of powerheads you want to get as some will not even work on a wavemaker, while others like Vortech, Tunze, and SEIO will only work on their own brand of wavemaker.

Good luck with the build!

[Nathaniel Green]

Hi aquawolf,thanks for the reply.I am starting over from a misguided first time 75gal reef setup and are now for the most part understanding of the right way to go about things this time.Now that i have a blueprint of the basics i need a little direction on circulation and plumbing, lighting and the wave making.The setup i am doing is based on keeping the tank as natural as i can keep it.I am using a monaco style filtration setup via the multi layer under sand filter.so im not sure how to go about placing returns and if i want to go cls or use powerheads for water movement.