Need help with picking a protein skimmer and lighting please

[Nickcdll]

thanks, that calculator is useful. whats a good sand depth?

 

[40B Knasty]

thanks, that calculator is useful. whats a good sand depth?

1 1/2"-2". Especially if you have a wrasse that buries themselves, goby, jawfish, or dartfish.

 

[Nickcdll]

Alright so with that handy calculator i'll need about 40lbs. So with all the helpful suggestions so far i think it's between the ecotech xr15w or the hydra 26

 

[40B Knasty]

Alright so with that handy calculator i'll need about 40lbs. So with all the helpful suggestions so far i think it's between the ecotech xr15w or the hydra 26

Here is when I had a 40B with 40lbs of liver rock, 20lbs of live Hawaiian black sand, and 30lbs of salt and pepper mix of aragonite to help keep the pH stable and higher, Reef Octopus BH1000, Fluval C4 & 50. Two Jebao SW-4 wave maker pumps. JBJ Trinity T5 w/ ATI Blue Plus, Coral Plus, Blue Plus, and True Actinic.

 

[Nickcdll]

That is a truly cool and impressive setup. The two reef skimmers that are close in price are the 1000 hob and the 90 hob. Is one better than the other? I love the sand mix, and what it does for the tank....i think i'm gonna do that. I haven't gotten the sand yet

 

[Reef Jedi]

the radion xr15 looks sweet, that would top out at almost 500. would one even be enough? the hydras do look like the ones i'm gonna end up getting. but ughh, between that the ai's and the radion...which i've been looking at, they're all so close in price. i just want something thats gonna be worth it.

Radions are absolutely worth it. Keep in mind AI is owned by EcoTech. They do have light programs but not to the extent Radions do. In all honesty AI isn’t bad but I’d rather have an Radion. Also reef link allows you to have complete control on your phone. Happy Reefing!

 

[Nickcdll]

Is the radion xr15 enough to lite 40gallon cube tank 24 by 20 by 19?

 

[Jesterrace]

the radion xr15 looks sweet, that would top out at almost 500. would one even be enough? the hydras do look like the ones i'm gonna end up getting. but ughh, between that the ai's and the radion...which i've been looking at, they're all so close in price. i just want something thats gonna be worth it.

A few things that might help you make your decision. FYI, Ecotech Marine owns AI so they are basically the same company. As you have already guessed AI does have a big controller edge over both the Kessil and Radion lines in that there is no separate $100 expense for a controller. A free app or wifi connection via your PC is a standard feature with all AI HD fixtures right out of the box. Also your cost for the XR15 did include the light and the controller but didn't include the cost of the mount (around $90 on top of that $500 figure). When you compare the specs the standard XR15 and the AI Hydra 26 HD match up about dead even, the AI Hydra 26 HD costs $190 less for the total package. Personally if it were me I would do a single AI Hydra 26 HD as it gives you the option to use it in an upgrade and purchase extra units to cover the larger tank (whereas the Prime HDs might have to be replaced if the tank is 2 feet deep or more) and does so at a total cost that is less than the other options. One thing to note however is that both of the standard mounting brackets available for the hydra HD are only suited for rimless tanks out of the box. Some have modified the inner rim of their tanks by cutting the slots for the brackets or putting some kind of spacer on it. Personally I didn't trust it and since I was going with two of them, I upgraded to the rail mount which fits nicely on the sides of the tank. Incidentally I took a pic of it today and here is what my 90 looks like with the rail mount and a pair of Hydra 26 HDs:

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello there,

Every one here has given amazing advice and all of its correct. However, part of the fun of this hobby is well one every one chimes in. But most of all, you get to pick your tank yourself. People can only guide you in what’s out there
For options.

For examples everyone mentioned the top lights, Kessil, radion and hydra. Now not saying they are not, but everyone has their own taste and budget. There are many more options out there that cost 50% less or more on lights then those three. There are the Chinese black boxes, current marine pros, fluval marine 2.0, reefbrite etc where most of these lights are maybe pushing 200 price range.

Is there a difference in all of them, yes but depends on the person, your taste, etc. One thing you may find fun is to go to your local aquarium for a few hours. See everything they have in the aquarium. (Not your local fish store) . Then ask one of their Marine biologists to see how they set up their tanks and what they use. Not only is the advice on here very good, but we don’t know what we like until you see it. Some local fish stores only have radion or hydras. Most aquariums have almost a little bit of everything to see. See what you like and fall in love with. After you see that, then it may be a good time to see what kind of a tank you want in your home.

Again all of theses products named are truly amazing in their own way. They are all different in other ways, and they appeal to each person in a different aspect. I’m for one will support what ever you want to purchase regardless of reason and can help as much as one can. But I truly hope you build the tank that your after and have dreamed of.

 

[Nickcdll]

I didn't even notice the radion needed the controller, i thought it was wifi enabled right out of the box. ok that does it. the radion i'm sure has more options....but i still have so much to get. And hopefully 425 for the light and bracket can get me a half decent setup with some options. My tank is rimless btw. Does the hydra come with, idk how to pout this, but light options or setups that can make picking a light profile??? easier? And thank you Sarah, i'm getting there. This has been so helpful to narrow down a huge field of options to a handful

 

[Jesterrace]

I didn't even notice the radion needed the controller, i thought it was wifi enabled right out of the box. ok that does it. the radion i'm sure has more options....but i still have so much to get. And hopefully 425 for the light and bracket can get me a half decent setup with some options. My tank is rimless btw. Does the hydra come with, idk how to pout this, but light options or setups that can make picking a light profile??? easier? And thank you Sarah, i'm getting there. This has been so helpful to narrow down a huge field of options to a handful

Of the Big 3 for LEDs, only AI has the wifi enabled control right out of the box and that is one of their biggest selling points. As for more options with the Radion? No, the AI actually has the most customization for lights, schedule, weather, etc. The only other light that comes close for customization out of the box is the current orbit marine, but honestly unless you get their top of the line (which negates much of the price benefit over the Hydra) it won't come anywhere near the coral growing capabilities of the Hydra.

 

[Nickcdll]

I think i screwed up guys. Alright, so apparently something...the innovative marine nano 40's sump for the protein skimmer is only 4.01 inches by 3.74. That seriously limits the type of skimmer i can use. My only other thought is if i can, or if it would work right, modify the inlet and return pipes on the reef octopus 1000 hob or the 90 hob? Anyone know?

 

[Nickcdll]

yeah i'm definitely gonna go with the hydra 26....at least I'm done with the light part of this. one down one to go

 

[40B Knasty]

+1 about the lights. That's a personal preference and people have great success with either LED, T5, or MH. If you want to get into the technicals. I would say go with T5s. Plug and play and you only need timers that you can pickup at Homedepot. Why you want T5s is it is just better. You can take $22 light that works for a $100 fixture or $20,000 fixture. With LEDs, you get what you pay for. What has been mentioned to use for LEDs is the best bang for your buck. But I will say this what has been said to me since day one,"have you ever heard of an LED tanning bed? They use T5s. Why would you want to use anything else besides what we use to emulate the Sun the best." I couldn't argue with logic like that. So I was sold. With the BRStv videos about the differences between LED and T5. It was kind of a no brainer. You want to make sure the underside of the coral's zooxanthellae is getting proper lighting also.

 

[Jesterrace]

+1 about the lights. That's a personal preference and people have great success with either LED, T5, or MH. If you want to get into the technicals. I would say go with T5s. Plug and play and you only need timers that you can pickup at Homedepot. Why you want T5s is it is just better. You can take $22 light that works for a $100 fixture or $20,000 fixture. With LEDs, you get what you pay for. What has been mentioned to use for LEDs is the best bang for your buck. But I will say this what has been said to me since day one,"have you ever heard of an LED tanning bed? They use T5s. Why would you want to use anything else besides what we use to emulate the Sun the best." I couldn't argue with logic like that. So I was sold. With the BRStv videos about the differences between LED and T5. It was kind of a no brainer. You want to make sure the underside of the coral's zooxanthellae is getting proper lighting also.

The problem is that with T5 fixtures there is a huge variance in the frequency and expense of replacing bulbs. Higher end T5 lights don't need as frequent of a bulb replacement (ie every 18 months) but cost more to purchase up front. The cheaper fixtures are definitely more affordable than a Hydra 26, but with bulb replacements every 6-8 months you are going to go broke in buying replacements. Furthermore I would say that the gap between T5s and high end LEDs has narrowed considerably in the last few years. I would say where T5s make the most sense are if you are in the realm of the Pro series radions. IMHO they would be a better investment at that point for the higher end T5s. In addition he would not be able to use the T5 fixture or bulb when he upgrades, whereas with the Hydra HD, he simply buys an extra light (or two) and an extra mount and is good to go. The fact remains that the Hydra HD is a great fixture that will provide good growth for 80-90% of the corals out there (basically it will provide good growth to all but the most difficult or demanding of the corals) with lots of options to customize the look and feel of his aquarium and he never has to worry about a bulb replacement cost.

 

[40B Knasty]

The problem is that with T5 fixtures there is a huge variance in the frequency and expense of replacing bulbs. Higher end T5 lights don't need as frequent of a bulb replacement (ie every 18 months) but cost more to purchase up front. The cheaper fixtures are definitely more affordable than a Hydra 26, but with bulb replacements every 6-8 months you are going to go broke in buying replacements. Furthermore I would say that the gap between T5s and high end LEDs has narrowed considerably in the last few years. I would say where T5s make the most sense are if you are in the realm of the Pro series radions. IMHO they would be a better investment at that point for the higher end T5s. In addition he would not be able to use the T5 fixture or bulb when he upgrades, whereas with the Hydra HD, he simply buys an extra light (or two) and an extra mount and is good to go. The fact remains that the Hydra HD is a great fixture that will provide good growth for 80-90% of the corals out there (basically it will provide good growth to all but the most difficult or demanding of the corals) with lots of options to customize the look and feel of his aquarium and he never has to worry about a bulb replacement cost.

6-8 months is a myth now. BRStv did a study. You can go a year easy and lose 13%. Which isn't much at all. They are in the process of doing another simulation of another year's worth of use with the same bulbs that should be done in another 3 months and then they will make the video for it.
If you want to break down the math. Let's!
4 bulbsx$22=$88÷12 months of use that we know of that they are still good for=$7.33 a month. That's cheaper than a 6 pack of beer a month. $7.33x60 months(5years the life of an LED lasts)=$439.80 (not even weeks worth of pay to light your tank properly for 5 years)
A decent 4 bulb T5 like a JBJ Trinity for $320 what I have + $439.80 = $759.80
Radion x 2 is $400 a piece = $800. The you have to replace them. While at T5 you don't. Just the bulbs.
Kessil and Hydra at $350 a piece x2 = $750
So you save $9 in 5 years. But sacrifice the health of the coral, because of reduced shadowing for the look of a shimmer.
In 10 years buying a total of 4 Kessil or Hydras is $1,500
JBJ Trinity replacing 40 bulbs is $1,079.80
Which saves you $421. How is LEDs cheaper in the long run?
You could even put in the gas money to go get the bulbs and it will still be cheaper.
Plus I didn't add in the module to control the LEDs.
Also a T5 can grow any coral and provide enough light for a clam.

 

[Jesterrace]

It's a myth, WITH GOOD T5 lights (which generally cost $200 in his size range). He was going to do a single Hydra 26HD, so $425 is the total cost with the mount.

 

[40B Knasty]

It's a myth, WITH GOOD T5 lights (which generally cost $200 in his size range). He was going to do a single Hydra 26HD, so $425 is the total cost with the mount.

OKAY, so he buys 1 at $425. 5 years later he is at $850. Plus the mudule. So about $900 for 1 light in 10 years. When you can have T5 with great bulbs for 10 years at $179. Plus he can pay less for the up front cost, have better quality, and have anything in his tank that requires photosynthesis.
Also an LED goes down as well in quality after 3-4 years. AND the test results are not done as to how long you can go before replacing T5 ATI bulbs. It could be 1 month more. Maybe 6 more. Going to have to wait.

 

[Nickcdll]

Alright guys just wanted to update you on how my build is going. The stand i bought and the tank arrived, plus i ordered the innovative Marine AUQA Gadget MiniMax All-In-One Media Reactor. The Tunze Comline 9004 will fit, I ordered that today. I also ordered the more heavy duty 3 stage filter caddy for the aquarium. Now i'm working on picking a refracometer and trying to figure out whether to get one circulation pump or two and what gph they should be.

 

[TonapahNorth]

Sounds like you ordered the Tunze 9004 which is a great skimmer and works fabulously on my IM. It put mine in the left rear chamber and turned it sideways so the magnets are on the side (not the back). i imagine you can do it on either side. the magnets are not unsightly in any way.

I use a radion XR15 and it lights it wonderfully. So you can't go wrong with the XR15, but it sounds like you've committed. I just plug my XR 15 into the USB port on my laptop and program it there. I just use the coral lighting program with a moon light paralleling the current phases of the moon. Set it and forget it. If you want to fiddle with it, you can but you have to plug it into your laptop/computer. It will require a mounting arm or hanging cable. But it doesn't need a fancy controller.