I need a very simple answer to a lighting and filter questio

Ben · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 7

I need a really simple answer to these two questions.

Background
I have had a 72-gallon bow front saltwater system. I currently I have
the following items
Penguin emperor 400 & 280, a Bak-Pak 2 protein skimmer, heater and a
couple power heads. I have the live sand bottom and about 40 lb of
live rock. I currently have 8 clowns, a Yellow tang and hermit crab.
For lights I have a double tube strip light with Coralife 48" bulbs
and a single strip light with a 48" Actinic bulb.

Question #1

I would like to add some anemones for the clowns but I think I should
update my lights. I am looking for a very easy, similar and
inexpensive way to replace what I have with something more
appropriate. I would really like a turnkey solution that I can just
go purchase. What should I do?

Question #2

I would like to replace the filter system with an all in one wet dry.
What would work the best?

Archived from group: rec>aquaria>marine>misc

Dragon Slayer · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 440

>
> Question #1
>
> I would like to add some anemones for the clowns but I think I should
> update my lights. I am looking for a very easy, similar and
> inexpensive way to replace what I have with something more
> appropriate. I would really like a turnkey solution that I can just
> go purchase. What should I do?

there is no such thing as inexpensive when dealing with an upgrade in
lighting to the
requirements of an anemone. but you can check out some of the best prices
for that at
www.hellolights.com
they have some good deals on complete assemblies. and they have the DIY
parts
here is where you save the money.

> Question #2
>
> I would like to replace the filter system with an all in one wet dry.
> What would work the best?

more live rock in the tank, and I would replace the bakpak with a aqua-c
remora pro.

kc

Michael Lykins · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

Well Ben Get ready
There is no cheap way as to say on upgrading your lights. If you intend to
keep some anemones you need to have very intense lighting
Anemones actually need more light than some corals. I would say get shopping
for Metal Halide
I just purchased a retro fit kit into my hood I have a 92g corner tank
It has 2 actinics 28W power compacts for the very back Then infront of it I
have a 175W 5500K metal halide It was 245 buck at Marine Depot
Then infront of that I have a JBJ setup 2 strips of 96W power compact
1-10000K and 1-Actinic
Hope this helps

Ben · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 7

You guys are great, thanks a ton.

When I say "Turnkey", it is just that. Buy it at a store / online
unpackage it and turn it on. I guess what I am asking is what should
I buy.

Give me three models options that I can go buy. Given these three
criteria.

Output
Cost
quality

I know the thing I am lacking is lighting, but I don't know much about
it.

As far as the wet - dry. I was looking for somthing that will do a
good job replacing the two filters and Protien Skimmer.

Thanks again in advance.

Ken · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 15

I know this isnt the answer you want but you need to research this
yourself. As stated by others there is no simple answer and every
tank is different. IMO you need to work on your filtration before you
consider a lighting upgrade.
If im not mistaken your skimmer is only rated for a max. 55gal tank.
you should add anywhere from another 40-60 lbs of live rock. How deep
is your sandbed? What are you currently testing for in your water and
what are the results? Along with good lighting anemeones need good
water quality.
I had a Sebae do very good under 100watts PC but I had enough rock
where it could position itself right under the lights. He is now under
MH lighting and looking even better.
Have you given any thought to what kind of anemone? Some need more
intense lighting than others. Are you planning on keeping corals?
These are some of the things you need to consider before making a
purchase. If you don't put some resarch into this and are only looking
fro a cheap fix, I can almost gurantee you will be paying for it
later.

Ken D.

bjgarza@yahoo.com (Ben) wrote in message news:...
> You guys are great, thanks a ton.
>
> When I say "Turnkey", it is just that. Buy it at a store / online
> unpackage it and turn it on. I guess what I am asking is what should
> I buy.
>
> Give me three models options that I can go buy. Given these three
> criteria.
>
> Output
> Cost
> quality
>
> I know the thing I am lacking is lighting, but I don't know much about
> it.
>
> As far as the wet - dry. I was looking for somthing that will do a
> good job replacing the two filters and Protien Skimmer.
>
> Thanks again in advance.

Marco Qualizza · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 65

In article ,
bjgarza@yahoo.com says...
> You guys are great, thanks a ton.
>
> When I say "Turnkey", it is just that. Buy it at a store / online
> unpackage it and turn it on. I guess what I am asking is what should
> I buy.
>
> Give me three models options that I can go buy. Given these three
> criteria.
>
> Output
> Cost
> quality
>
> I know the thing I am lacking is lighting, but I don't know much about
> it.
>
> As far as the wet - dry. I was looking for somthing that will do a
> good job replacing the two filters and Protien Skimmer.
>
> Thanks again in advance.

Since you are going to be keeping anemones, your water quality
requirements are going to get a lot more stringent. The main new
concern will be your nitrates. Because you don't want any N03 in your
tank, you're going to want to stay away from a trickle filter (it's
essentially a nitrate factory). Right now, your Penguins (bio-wheels?)
are probably NO3 factories already...

The type of filtration you want is more LR, and a better skimmer...
(And, yes, that'll be all the filtering you need -- you'll be able to
replace your Penguins...) Remember, approx 1.5 - 2 lbs minimum / gallon
of LR...

HTH
- m

--
7y FW -- 33g & 55g
100 gallon reef-ready air tank. (Converting to reef)

Ben · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 7

I appreciate all your input, I have been very impressed with
everything you guys have said.

I agree that clowns and Anemones might be a little too hard to keep.
I see that I have a lot of issue to address.

New Questions,

How about a nice filter system that can replace my Penguins and
Protein Skimmer with something more appropriate.

What makes and models would you recommend for a 72 bowfront?

Next Questions,

What type of fish would be a good schooling fish.

Ben · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 7

Marco Qualizza wrote in message news:...
> In article ,
> bjgarza@yahoo.com says...
> > You guys are great, thanks a ton.
> >
> > When I say "Turnkey", it is just that. Buy it at a store / online
> > unpackage it and turn it on. I guess what I am asking is what should
> > I buy.
> >
> > Give me three models options that I can go buy. Given these three
> > criteria.
> >
> > Output
> > Cost
> > quality
> >
> > I know the thing I am lacking is lighting, but I don't know much about
> > it.
> >
> > As far as the wet - dry. I was looking for somthing that will do a
> > good job replacing the two filters and Protien Skimmer.
> >
> > Thanks again in advance.
>
> Since you are going to be keeping anemones, your water quality
> requirements are going to get a lot more stringent. The main new
> concern will be your nitrates. Because you don't want any N03 in your
> tank, you're going to want to stay away from a trickle filter (it's
> essentially a nitrate factory). Right now, your Penguins (bio-wheels?)
> are probably NO3 factories already...
>
> The type of filtration you want is more LR, and a better skimmer...
> (And, yes, that'll be all the filtering you need -- you'll be able to
> replace your Penguins...) Remember, approx 1.5 - 2 lbs minimum / gallon
> of LR...
>
> HTH
> - m

Should I remove these bio-wheels to reduce my nitrates???? What type
of system should I use to replace all this?

Dragon Slayer · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 440

> How about a nice filter system that can replace my Penguins and
> Protein Skimmer with something more appropriate.

for a skimmer I think you cant go wrong with an Aqua C Remora Pro, or the
Urchin Pro if you have a sump.

kc

PaulB · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 30

I have a Coralife aqualight with 260 watts of PC. It is a nice turnkey
option. If you have more money than me there are some MH fixtures out
there.

Here is an possibility. You will need to buy a bulb with a correct
spectrum.

http://www.futuregarden.com/lighting/

Ben wrote:

> You guys are great, thanks a ton.
>
> When I say "Turnkey", it is just that. Buy it at a store / online
> unpackage it and turn it on. I guess what I am asking is what should
> I buy.
>
> Give me three models options that I can go buy. Given these three
> criteria.
>
> Output
> Cost
> quality
>
> I know the thing I am lacking is lighting, but I don't know much about
> it.
>
> As far as the wet - dry. I was looking for somthing that will do a
> good job replacing the two filters and Protien Skimmer.
>
> Thanks again in advance.

Ken · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 15

I use an AquaC EV120 on my 92gal and it works great.. It would do an
even better job on a 72 gal.

bjgarza@yahoo.com (Ben) wrote in message news:...
> I appreciate all your input, I have been very impressed with
> everything you guys have said.
>
> I agree that clowns and Anemones might be a little too hard to keep.
> I see that I have a lot of issue to address.
>
> New Questions,
>
> How about a nice filter system that can replace my Penguins and
> Protein Skimmer with something more appropriate.
>
> What makes and models would you recommend for a 72 bowfront?
>
> Next Questions,
>
> What type of fish would be a good schooling fish.

richard reynolds · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 113

> > The type of filtration you want is more LR, and a better skimmer...
> > (And, yes, that'll be all the filtering you need -- you'll be able to
> > replace your Penguins...) Remember, approx 1.5 - 2 lbs minimum / gallon
> > of LR...
> >
> > HTH
> > - m
>
>
> Should I remove these bio-wheels to reduce my nitrates???? What type
> of system should I use to replace all this?

it was covered LR and a GOOD skimmer replaces all those toys, they work great just not in
a reef, I will add lots of water movement and a DSB because i didnt see it, so 4" of fine
sand lots of LR and a good skimmer THATS IT nothing else. then once you have that do a
few large waterchanges to reduce the nitrates to say 5ppm once everything is running and
you have given it time to get settled down, check your nitrates if there still high do a
few more large waterchanges, the LR and DSB are not so great at going beyond the current
load, so get it low, and the LR/DSB will keep it low.

--
richard reynolds
richard.reynolds@usa.net