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A new start

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by iaJim, May 22, 2010.

  1. May 22, 2010 #1
    iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

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    OK, since I've had a near total crash, it looks like I'm going to have to start over on my 58. As long as I'm taking things down, I guess I might as well fix it the way I'd like it to be. I think the Oceanic oak stand could be replaced, and the custom hood could go as well. They're both still strong, but after so many years of salt and humidity, they're aging. I guess I should think about a new tank as well. I have a carpenter friend who could build the stand and hood. Any plans online that you like?

    Filtration, aeration, controller, top off, all of that's fine. I don't want to use 400w MHs again though. Anyone using T5's for sps?

    Lots to think about. This time, I want to do it right or not do it at all.
     
  2. May 22, 2010 #2
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    I think you should upgrade to a 400 gallon tank while you are at it!

    Good Luck Jiim
     
  3. May 22, 2010 #3
    iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

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    LOL! I only have space for a 58, so that's the footprint.
     
  4. May 22, 2010 #4
    Matt

    Matt Inactive User

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    I think stands are a big improvement to any system. I know you see a lot of stand and they do not seem to be built to house everything that a person needs, or how the person would like it to be held or placed. So just take your time and make sure you have a place for all your equipment and where you want it. Also the t5 or MH seems to be a personal preference on the site, some guys run one or the other and have good luck.
     
  5. May 22, 2010 #5
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Sorry to hear about your tank crash, Jim. You should get a custom rimless tank and make it taller to fit the footprint of the 58! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif Seriously though, T5s are a good alternative to MH. If you go with MH, you should go with 250W so the heat won't be as intense. I run 2) 250W MH and 4) 54W T5s on a 120 without a fan or chiller. Part of the reason I can get away with that is because I have a rimless tank. My lights aren't under a canopy to create an oven effect on the water.
     
  6. May 22, 2010 #6
    snowman82

    snowman82 Experienced Reefkeeper

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    my frag tank is light by T5's and my sps love it thats in there and so does everything else
     
  7. May 22, 2010 #7
    Foo

    Foo Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Oceanic 57 Illuminata rimless is a sweet tank. Little $$ though.
     
  8. May 22, 2010 #8
    bobsfish

    bobsfish Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Posted By iaJim on 05/22/2010 11:56 AM
    OK, since I've had a near total crash, ...
    Sorry to hear that your tank crashed...do you know how it happened?
     
  9. May 22, 2010 #9
    bobsfish

    bobsfish Experienced Reefkeeper

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    doh...never mind...just saw your earlier post. Man that totally sucks !!
     
  10. May 22, 2010 #10
    iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

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    Do any of you use Ice Cap ballasts? What sort of connector do they have for the MH fixture to connect to them? I have Lumen Max fixtures, and I would like to use a ballast that uses that same plug.
     
  11. May 22, 2010 #11
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    If you plan on using lower wattage MH, any SLS ballast will plug in directly to the LumenMax reflectors. With that said, the selectable wattage ballasts like the Lumatek or Galaxy would fit the bill nicely.
     
  12. May 23, 2010 #12
    iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

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    I've done some research on an old RC thread, and the Lumatek looks like just the thing. Now I have to decide which wattage. I have some brand new 400w XM 20k bulbs, but it might be better to go with the 150-250 ballast since I want lower wattage anyway and have the option of going even lower when replacing bulbs or adding a sensitive coral etc. I suppose one could drive one side of the tank at a lower wattage if circumstances required.

    Happy to have your opinion on this.
     
  13. May 23, 2010 #13
    snowman82

    snowman82 Experienced Reefkeeper

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    driving one side with a lower wattage will create a weird looking tank IMO. I would do 250's and make sure you have ventilation this time so it can't over heat /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     

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