Keep up the good work on this big reef tank.

Bubble Magus is definitely good bang for the buck.

One of my clients has a tank 96 x 24 x 24" (240 gallons) which is about 60 gallons less than you. I have a Bubble Magus Curve 9 on that tank, and it does quite well though the skimmer cup could be larger (needs emptying twice a week). That said, I also have a Curve 9 on a 120-gallon client tank where I have heavy stocking plans. The Curve A9 is the DC pump version. I don't have any clients using the DC version for long enough to make any recommendations there.

The big question is, do you like to stock lots of fish or less fish? Do you plan to have very many large fish (like Tangs, Foxface, Angelfish, etc)?

If you plan to have a significant fish load (like most people do), you may want to step up a model from the 9/A9. Some manufacturer max tank size recommendations are way too optimistic, Bubble Magus is one of them. If Bubble Magus says for tanks 1000-2500L, consider the 1000L the correct tank size to use the skimmer on. So for your tank, this is most likely the range you're looking for within the Bubble Magus line.

This is true, according to the one "study". However, it didn't take into consideration how likely the skimmer is to fail, to overflow, how fussy it is to dial in, etc, etc. Some people (not saying MitchM is one) came to the conclusion that all skimmers are equal after reading that article, but that is not the case. All it proved is that the basic design of the skimmer (the shape of it, the style of air injection) doesn't make very much difference at all.

Right.
That's where budget comes in.
Quality of materials and how well the skimmer is designed overall will more than likely mean a higher priced skimmer.
Anticipated DOC load is certainly a factor that should be taken into consideration.

Exciting times around here! Well I bit the bullet and ordered my lights yesterday..lots of info and different opinions to consider...and a rapidly decreasing budget..lol

I went with 2 - 6 bulb 48" ATI and 2 XHO ReefBrites strips

Thanks, yes hubby really likes his fish...have to throw him a bone where I can:lol: It would be fish only if was up to him..but it is not..:biggrin:

I should have mentioned that none of this would be possible without Colby Bay from Bayside Corals, helping me every step of the way and holding the paper bag when necessary :lol: Big Thanks to him. Thanks Mindy for your ideas!

Thanks also to everyone else who has helped me so far! And who has given me advise, no offence if I didn't take it, I still appreciate it!!

Ok, so I lied...I got 4 of those Reefbrite strips..I have also got a Bubble Magus Curve 29 coming along...lots of others goodies lined up too

Plumber friend coming over to check out that closed loop PEX line off the hot water heater idea....

nice amber.
There are some pictures of that pex loop on my profile page. 600g album.

Awesome, thanks!

T5's with LED supplementation is the route I'd suggest. All I can say about the other equipment is buy the best you can now to avoid buying something twice. Get a quality pump, skimmer, heater, ato, etc. off the hop.

Looking forward to this taking shape.