Hello all, new here a few questions

[SLUF681]

That's why I run the 20,000k bulbs. Don't need the actinics. All my stuff pops quite nicely without actinic supplement.

 

[k2parkstar]

That's why I run the 20,000k bulbs. Don't need the actinics. All my stuff pops quite nicely without actinic supplement.

20k is nice, but you won't get fluorescent glow from coral without actinic.

 

[SLUF681]

I can't imagine anything in my tank fluorescing any better than it does now. Do you not remember seeing those kryptonite candy canes that practically glow? They don't look any different with the halides on than they do at night when the halides go off and the 420nm moonlights come on.

 

[CoryC]

So for my six bulb what do I need to add two more of? True actinic and coral plus? I like the halides, ballasts, t5 and moonlight led all combined into one fixture that can span my tank since I can't put anything into the ceiling. I'm between a 1x250 wAtt or a 2x 150 watt halide combo I just don't think the single larger bulb would hit the whole tank in that fixture.

 

[SLUF681]

Check the specs on the coverage for that unit. Go by what it says. As for the T5s, I have no idea.

 

[k2parkstar]

So for my six bulb what do I need to add two more of? True actinic and coral plus? I like the halides, ballasts, t5 and moonlight led all combined into one fixture that can span my tank since I can't put anything into the ceiling. I'm between a 1x250 wAtt or a 2x 150 watt halide combo I just don't think the single larger bulb would hit the whole tank in that fixture.

I'd do
Blue
Coral
Blue
Blue
Aquablue
Blue

Or
Blue
Coral
Blue
Aquablue
Blue
Coral

 

[CoryC]

Thanks that helps a lot. I'll probably go with the 2 bulb halide fixture. Other than that, what would be some good pieces of equipment to have for my reef tank? Dosing pump? Or auto top off?

 

[Rob.D]

Thanks that helps a lot. I'll probably go with the 2 bulb halide fixture. Other than that, what would be some good pieces of equipment to have for my reef tank? Dosing pump? Or auto top off?

Dosing pumps are not needed until there is a demand for Cal/Alk. ATO would be the more needed of the two.

 

[CoryC]

Thanks rob, I have added a fair amount of corals recently to my 45, trying to do frequent changes to keep up the calcium should work hopefully. Would adding a calcium reactor hurt? Is there one I could dose two tanks simultaneously with?

 

[SLUF681]

I make my own two-part calcium/alkalinity to dose. Hard corals and coralline algae LOVE it. Cheap and easy to make also. For now I'm using a 60cc syringe to dose it. 30cc per day in my 120.

 

[Rob.D]

Thanks rob, I have added a fair amount of corals recently to my 45, trying to do frequent changes to keep up the calcium should work hopefully. Would adding a calcium reactor hurt? Is there one I could dose two tanks simultaneously with?

No, each tank will consume a different amount. I have never set up a calcium reactor, sluf and I use the same type of cal/alk additives. I'll post a link to the recipes later today. The cal I use is ice melt and off the shelf baking soda for alk.


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[revsgirl]

Hi there!! Welcome to R2R!! Hope you enjoy the site!

 

[SLUF681]

No, each tank will consume a different amount. I have never set up a calcium reactor, sluf and I use the same type of cal/alk additives. I'll post a link to the recipes later today. The cal I use is ice melt and off the shelf baking soda for alk.

Here's the link: An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[SLUF681]

Sorry, double post.

 

[EvilMel]

I say go MH, all the way. I also would use live rock instead of dry rock. So basically I'm completely disagreeing with Justin.

 

[k2parkstar]

I say go MH, all the way. I also would use live rock instead of dry rock. So basically I'm completely disagreeing with Justin.

There's a surprise. It may take a little longer with dry rock, but it will become live rock. Then you don't have to deal with majanos, aiptasia, bubble algae, or many other pests. My SPS is very colorful under T5 and growing well. The first time I tried SPS, I just wasn't knowledgeable enough to do it right.

 

[CoryC]

I bought 2 150 watt halide combo fixture and reef octopus skimmer and an ato. Ill be using about 80 lbs of live rock

 

[EvilMel]

There's a surprise. It may take a little longer with dry rock, but it will become live rock. Then you don't have to deal with majanos, aiptasia, bubble algae, or many other pests. My SPS is very colorful under T5 and growing well. The first time I tried SPS, I just wasn't knowledgeable enough to do it right.

There is no right or wrong. You can get really good coloration with MHs with the right ballast/bulb combo or good coloration out of T5s.

I bought 2 150 watt halide combo fixture and reef octopus skimmer and an ato. Ill be using about 80 lbs of live rock

HAH! Suck it, Justin.

 

[Rob.D]

hah! Suck it, justin.

hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[EvilMel]

Also, I've never received live rock with bubble algae or apitasia on it. That has all come from frags from other people then it overruns the tank. The live rock I've bought has always been good quality stuff from reputable online vendors though.