Want to start piecing together 120 g mix reef tank.

[surfsharkus]

I am planing to start a oceanic 120 gallon mixed reef tank. Because I do not have a huge disposable income I want to start piecing together higher end products, slowly. What do I need/want for a tank that size? I would like as much information on products as possible. I do have a watts RO system.
Thanx for the help,
Josh

[KMP]

keep an eye on the used for sale fourm. great deals.

aquac ev180 skimmer
500w plus lights
Ocean Runner pumps
at least a 30g sump
powerheads

[bored4long]

good price on an EV180 here: http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1221486

If you like that style skimmer, its definitely worth buying. Can probably get it for less (doesn't hurt to ask).

Definitely start watching for a used OR6500 or Eheim 1262 for your return pump.

[surfsharkus]

Thanks I'll keep an eye out!

[KMP]

great deals on ebay too.

[kdblove_99]

Yep Oceanrunner pumps are awesome very inexpensive and super Quiet and low wattage. You can get them new really cheap. here is the cheapest place i can find it, for $69 you wont find a used one much cheaper.

http://www.liverocknreef.com/shop/in...34&prevstart=0

The EV180 i'm not sure about unless you want a big power hungry skimmer.

I have a DAS EX1 on my 60 cube and love it, check out the DAS thread in lighting there arent any complaints, it is an awesome skimmer, If i were you i would get the DAS EX2
http://stores.petorama.net/Detail.bok?no=74

I just got some Koralia powerheads and really like them as well. I have also had really good success with the Seio powerheads. I personally like the Koralias better.

look for a 30-40 gallon used tank or the biggest possible tank that will fit under your stand and you can glue in your own baffles for a sump.

Lighting: you cannot beat the lumenarc refelctors they are the best, Also love the PFO ballast. You will also need to decide if you wanna go single ended or double ended bulbs, I just swiched to SE. Some might say to go with T5 set up which i have never used so i cannot comment on but i love metal halides. i just love the shimmer effect you get from halides.

heaters- i have really only used Ebo jager and never had any issues. also heard good things about the Via Aqua titanium heaters and the vis therm stealth but have no experience with them.

If you get a Phosban reactor only get the two little fishes one the Kent ones are a nightmare. the TLF one top just screws on its very nice and it comes with a valve to cut back on flow if needed

[surfsharkus]

wow! thanks!
BTW, whats all the hype about the T5 bulbs are they better, cheaper, or what?

[kdblove_99]

Personally I'm a Metal Halide guy.

I think the main advantage to t5's is you get better coverage and have more lighting options.

I dont see a good t5 set up being any cheaper than a MH set up. Maybe they are i havnt checked to much into it

2 lumenarcs should cover your tank nicely, they cover a 2x2 area.
I use 1 lumenarc on my 60 cube and use a 250Watt HQI ballast with Radiums 20k's.

I like the Radiums alot, no need for atinics and decent par especially for a 20K. ALmost as much as a Phoenix 14K DE.

I have tried the Reeflux 12K and XM 20K in SE bulbs and i by far like the Radium 20K the best. My next favorite bulb is the Phoenix 14K in DE

[surfsharkus]

thanks, again. Purchasing stuff on line I hear can be quite less than buying at a lfs but, what about shiping on some of that stuff? I also would like a refuge in the stand what kind of lighting does that need and should I just go as big as possible? ...on the size of the tank...

[bored4long]

Davey (kdblove_99) and Steve (funman) are using a monster 65 watt CFL (500 watt equivalent) floodlight for their fuge/cheato growth. Its a popular choice. Another popular choice is the 19 watt CFL (85 watt equivalent) flood if you don't need such an intense light.

Personally, I'm starting off with the 19watt recommended by Melev and see what kind of cheato growth I get with that. If it doesn't keep my PO4 down, I'll consider adding a second or switching to the 65 watt monster.

Here is the 19 watt: http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page...yStar/1P381951
and Melev's experience with this light: http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

Here is the 65 watt:http://www.yinyanghome.com/Products/LOA/9266c.html
and Steve's experience with this light: http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1104728

I just ordered the 19 watt ones for my fuge and have extras, so PM me if you decide to go the same route.

[kdblove_99]

Personally i would put the biggest tank you can fit under stand. You can also get a clip on lamp for your refugium or i just got one of these and cheato is growing like crazy http://www.yinyanghome.com/Products/...A_outdoor.html

they have them at home depot as well.