Project SPS

[osi]

Hi guys, iv been reefing for more than 10 years now but I never been very successful at keeping sps. Maybe it’s mainly because I always try to grow sps in systems heavily stock with fish and softies. So iv desided to build a new system mainly for keeping sps.

Display tank going to be a 24” × 24” × 24” cube with 3 starfire glass sides. And under the tank sump with fuge.

I already have a BOYU L-200 chiller rated for tanks 90L to 500L which I’m going to use on this build.

And I have 2 H2o ocean fr75 reactors which I’m going to use for bio pellets and rowaphos.

Also I’m going to use BOYU WM-4 for the water movement inside the tank. I bought that long time ago for a 48” × 24” × 24” tank but it wasn’t powerful enough and I hope it will be sufficient for this tank.

So that’s what I already decided and I like to hear some suggestions for a skimmer and a lighting system.

I’m thinking about Bubble Magus NAC-7 Cone Protein Skimmer. I never use this skimmer before or never saw it in action but I red lot of reviews and it seems like a good deal since I can get post all the way to Sri Lanka for about 260 dollars.

Lighting system have to be LED coz in Sri Lanka power is very costly. I’m trying to get a LED system under 250 dollars. im gona need some hevy help on choosing the right LED system.

Thinking about using 2 × Ecoxotic PAR38 LED. One 3-6500K White 2-455nm Blue and one 5-455nm Blue 21W. But I have no idea it’s going to be enough for SPS.

Since I don’t have any experience with LED systems I really appreciate some help on this. And also like to hear about different skimmer choice.

Btw don’t mind my bad English since im not from a English speaking part of the world :)

[OwenReefin]

Look into the Kessil 350w. That would be pretty sweet fit for this size tank. Looks like you know what you are doing though.

[osi]

I was thinking about Kessil 350w but it’s not fit in to my budget. If I can go for that I’ll definitely spend bit more and buy an Ecotech Radion XR30.

[Ambition]

Sounds like this will be an awesome build. Have you got the tank yet, or ordered it? If you haven't I would suggest reducing the number of Starphire sides. IMO, go for high quality equipment over clearer glass when the standard glass will work just fine for viewing. Rather the system be able to handle the end goal filtration, flow, and lighting wise over crystal clear glass... Good luck!

[karsseboom]

I wouldn't go with a par38 as your full lighting. I have 2 of them and they are like spot lights. Just save up and get an ai sol or diy.

[Jurassic]

LEDtric has a full spectrum par38. You should check it out.

[osi]

good point Ambition, thanks. good thing i still didnt order the tank. i wanted to go for the starfire glass coz i never had a SG tank. but its looks like i have to spend more than i expected on LED so i have to re think about SF glass.

[osi]

thanks for the input karsseboom. im not gona go for par38's. i was considering about AquaIllumination SOL Super Blue but 400 dollars are bit out of the way from my budget.

im still trying to find a good quality system for cheaper price. im doing research on diy led builds but looks like its bit messy for me.

[osi]

Thanks Jurassic. ill check out the LEDtric.

[bskiba]

I have a cube that is the same size and setup for SPS. i have similar flow as i have the jbj wavemakers w2-1600 gph powerheads which is perfect for the cube. I have a swc 160 skimmer which will be similar the the bubble magus skimmer. I run reactors for carbon and GFO. I use the china leds which are great for the money . around $200 you could get 120 watts (better value than most brands). these light are working well so far on my coral as they have been growing well. (only 2 1/2 month old tank). I also have some chaeto in a refugium.

Recomendation. 120 watt china led with 90 degree optics(important) and dimmable. I am running mine at 60% or so and it is working well.

[bskiba]

read this. hottest thread on Rc lately......
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2110092&page=132

the downside with these is ability to hook up to a controller. But i think running on a timer works just fine for me.

[osi]

wow thanks bskiba!! that definitely is one of the best threads on RC.. im still reading on page 79 but i allredy thinking about buying one of those china leds. looks like even coral farmers using those..

Thanks again for the info. btw do you have any thread with pictures of your tank?

[scarytoast47]

You thought of DIY led? Good thread about aquastyle in DIY section