54g reef tank

Reefer Rob · #1 07-10-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melina

I got 4 ATI Blue Plus 39W and 2 URI Super Actinic 39W. Mark from HR told me I could grow 60-70% of all corals with these lights so I'm happy with that (for now).

That light combo will be pretty blue. Sounds more like the right lights for supplemental lighting. I like a 50/50 combo of Aquablue and Blue Plus for stand alone T5 lighting. Not sure what corals wouldn't grow well under those lights. T5s are great!

Melina · #2 07-11-2007, 05:56 AM

You know what, I just checked my lights and to be honest I think I was wrong when I said I had the super actinics. I have 2 ATI Blue Plus and 4 T5 HO 39W 10000K. Are these the Aquablue? Can you tell I am a beginner????

Reefer Rob · #3 07-11-2007, 03:54 PM

The Aquablue will say "Aquablue" on them, they are around 10,000K. That combo should give a nice light to start, but as they age a bit they will shift toward the red spectrum and you may want 3 blue plus. It's all a matter of personal taste though, that's just the look I like.

Melina · #4 07-13-2007, 08:30 PM

Well, I joined Reef Central and was reading how a lot of members there think the Remora Pro is a piece of garbage. I started thinking I need a better skimmer, so after speaking to Mike at Hidden Reef this morning, he explained all the benefits of having a sump. Oh and I've been having some nasty experiences at Petland. I have personal issues with the manager there. I won't be doing any more business with Petland. SO. I've cancelled my order at Petland for the 54g. And I'm going to return the stand I ordered from Big Al's. Mike and his team are going to put together a 58g (36 x 19 x 24) for me, with a 25g sump & Euro-reef skimmer, with a pine stand. I'm pretty excited.

michika · #5 07-13-2007, 08:37 PM

Sounds like a good set up. Is a refugium included within the sump?

Melina · #6 07-13-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michika

Sounds like a good set up. Is a refugium included within the sump?

Nope but he said one could easily be added?? Gosh I am so new to all this, I don't know, he explained it all to me, something about having 2 returns from the pump for really good water flow? I am so lost when it comes to the technicalities. I'm just sort of blindly following his advice because I trust him. Meantime I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I still have to learn exactly what a refugium is. Is it to grow food for the inhabitants? duhhh I'm such a beginner!!!!!!!!

Hey what do you all think of the Tek Light T5's, will they deliver enough light in the new tank which is 24" deep as opposed to 20"?

Reefer Rob · #7 07-13-2007, 09:26 PM

If there is room under the stand go a little larger on the sump and have a refugium built at one end. If you had about a 12" cube that overflows into the main sump it would be a great place to grow macro-algae for nutrient export.
May as well start off right, you're going to want it later anyway