vortech ,or icecaps, or deltec...?

[dmilne85]

ok so im trying to debate what i should upgrade on my tank. i have 3 options im considering. i need you to help me make a decision on what to get.

option 1- 2vortechs (2 of them)with wave drivers

option 2- new lighting system and canopy for tank ((2)250 w icecap ballast w lumen arc mini's and 4 t5s)

option 3- deltec ap600 run outside of my tank stand and turn sump area previously used for frag tank.


to give you an idea of what i have right now option 1- i have 2 maximods and a seio, option 2- i have a coral life aqualight pro(250w) with pc attinic, option 3- asm g3 with gatevalve and recirc mod.

this is for a 120 gallon sps tank. what do you think would benifit my tanks health the most...

[dmilne85]

dont be shy. lets hear some opinions!

[netboy]

I say go for the lights. Your current setup doesnt sound like it would be enough if its a single 250

[carb850]

I think of your current system the part which is lacking the most is probably your flow. So I would probably recommend option 1.

[moo0o]

wow thats really hard...if i were you..id go lights..i think.

[dmilne85]

yeah i think the lights may look the most noticable... just not sure. fyi it is a dual 250 i have right now, not a single halide... so the only reason would be to increase the spread of light/intensity with refelctors and t5s. its just a hard decision since i cant afford to do all 3, and the waves would look so cool.... it just cost an arm and a leg for those pumps!

[McCrary]

I would definitely do the lights, it was the first big upgrade I made and made a world of difference from PC on a 30" tall tank.

[reef / aholic]

dmilne85 - option 1!!!

[humbugy]

option 1, more flow

[dmilne85]

looks like its a tie between the vortechs and the lights...still doesnt help me out, haha. its so hard to make a decsion on things you cant just try out, or see at my local fish store in use... i can only base my decision of what you guys say, pics, and videos.

[kdblove_99]

I would do lights.

Seems like flow is not bad to me. 2 maximod 1200's are almost 2000gph ea plus you have a Seio, what model is that?

Flow seems 5000GPH total.

Those lumenars will make a huge diffrence in my opinion

[dmilne85]

i forget the actual model name but it was the 850 gph version, or something around that. i feel like i have enough, the vortechs would be more for the wave effect and less heat in the tank. i would love to see a before after shot of someone who switched to lumenarc reflectors

[carb850]

Which Seio do you have?

[triggerfish1976]

Option 1. IMOP the most important aspects of an SPS systems are filtration, followed by flow, then lighting. Based on your tank size, I would say the biggest increase in performance will be going from Seio's to the Vortechs. The additional flow will help you remove more waste from the main display and get it into your sump where it can be removed quicker.
The next upgrade should be the skimmer and then lighting.

[dmilne85]

ok thanks for the input. im suprised no one said option 3 at all. looks like either lights or pumps... hmmm

[kdblove_99]

Well if money is an issue then get the skimmer and lighting.

How, well the DAS EX1 is basically the same skimmer as the Deltec ap600.

I Own the EX1 and love it. its only $285 and for even less than the Deltec you could get the EX2 which is like $429, these really are great little skimmers.

I personally think the AP600 and EX1 are a little small if you are going SPS and will be heavily stocked!

get the EX2 and a couple lumenarcs. still probaly same for less money as athe Deltec

[gabe3d]

I vote for option 2 as well, seems the most lacking in your current setup.

[jtarmitage]

Do the meshmod upgrade on the ASM, and you're skimmer will be more than adequate- cost $10 if you buy the ready made kit.

To improve flow, just add another maximod or 2 for now. They are supposedly coming out with a controller before too long, and you can always upgrade later.

Spend the $$$ on the lighting. Easy to find deals here on RC for lumenarcs, mh ballasts, and t5 ballasts etc.

[twon8]

i don't think the increase in performance going from a asm g3 modded to a deltec 600 is going to be noticeable. external running is nice but not worth it till you get a deltec with an eheim.

[edwar050]

From what you said I would get two lumen arc reflectors and keept your double 250 watt MH. I would ditch the seio and add one vortech and the cost should be about the same of both vortechs. Adding one vortech would also give you a bit more piece of mind if power went out if you upgrade the battery. I would then later ditch the PC's and possibly add a copule 4 t'5's.

[Scythanith]

just buy one vortech and new bulbs for the fixture.

Cost you less and get a nice compromise in choices and will likely see a marked improvment.

Scott

[vdubfiend]

1 pump
1 light

you can get another of each as the funds allow

[dmilne85]

well, i made the plunge today. i got the lumenarc mini reflectors/canopy/icecap/4-t5 set up. should be here in a few days. thanks for the input... im going to try the meshmod and see how that goes before dumping money into another skimmer for now. as for the vortechs i ordered just one, and eventually i will get the battery back-up and 2nd pump.

[jtarmitage]

Good choices. Hope it works out well.

[KD9RG]

Smart choice with the new lites. Enjoy

[kdblove_99]

You should notice a big diffrence in the way your tank looks with that Lumenarc, great reflector