new 135g setup

[niloc16]

i recently bought a 135g setup with a hamilton 6ft (3) 175w mh and (2) 96w actinics. i currently run a 55gallon setup without a sump but with this new tank i'm going to use my 55 as the sump. i was thinking of going with the asm g3 skimmer, a dart for the return pump and using 2 possibly 3 ecotech vortech pumps for flow in the tank. any advice or input from anyone would be awesome since i am a rookie as far as big tanks and sumps go and i'm trying plan this out as best as possible to potentially have no regrets of purchases or setup.

one question i have is the mh. i have the option of running 10k or 14k bulbs but i dont know what to chose. i would like the bulb thats would give the greatest color and i'm thinking with the 175w a 10k would be better?

initially i was thinking of going closed loop as well but mark at my LFS introduced me to the vortech pumps and i'm really leaning in that direction now. they seem like they would rock.

anyone have experience with the G3 skimmer? good or bad.

[tsmitti99]

i run a g3, it's great, suggest a ball valve mod for the outflow, and the only thing with the vortechs is that you can't direct the flow in angular directions...just out from the sides of the tank. and the money you would save running a close loop over 3 vortechs at 345 a piece, could go far for other neccessities like a ca reactor...throw some pics up...love following new tank set-ups

[whiirly]

use the Dart for your closed loop and buy a different pump for your return.You want a slower rate thru your sump so the skimmer gets enough contact time with the water for best results
I have a G3 with recircuit mods with a sedra 9000 and 5000 and love it:)

[cabbagehead]

niloc16
Congrats on the 135. I also coverted my old 55gal to a sump to go under my 135. I have the exact light setup as you and recently installed XM 15000K bulbs. I had the 10000K hamiltons until i saw the 15000K at my LFS. After seeing the 15000K in action I was sold. It really depends on hoow much blue light you like. 15000K XMs have an almost ice blue shimmer and really bring out the colors in corals. Coral growth is a factor also. I hav heard that 10000K are better for growth but I have not noticed any differance. Here are some pics of my set up.
Please post some pics of yours.
http://images1.snapfish.com/3476%3A7576%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3243%3E596%3E436%3EWSNRCG%3D323389%3A5%3A7%3B%3B8nu0mrj
Here is my converted 55gal with built in fuge. I have a AquaC skimmer
http://images1.snapfish.com/3476%3A7576%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3243%3E596%3E436%3EWSNRCG%3D323389%3A58877%3Cnu0mrj
Some of my favorite coral shots under 15000K

http://images1.snapfish.com/3476%3A7576%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3243%3E596%3E436%3EWSNRCG%3D32338864%3A25%3B8nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3476%3A7576%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3243%3E596%3E436%3EWSNRCG%3D323388649992%3Anu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3476%3A7576%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3243%3E596%3E436%3EWSNRCG%3D32338864%3A25%3B7nu0mrj

[mattls]

The Vortechs are great 2 would fine for your tank. They can't be directional but there flow pattern is so wide in your tank you should be fine. I have an ASM G3 on my 120 and it is great.

[King-Kong]

I'd get a bigger skimmer for that tank. I believe the G4 still uses the same Sedra5000 as the G3. If so, aim for a bigger NW pump (maybe G4x)

[Rijinals]

Wow! Nice tank, your ref is very neat and tidy to! Well ace!

[mg426]

I have had Great luck with my ASM g3.

[niloc16]

thanks for the pics cabbagehead, and thanks a ton to everyones input. i dont have pics yet, the equipment is still at the store waiting for drilling depending on where i want the holes. i will post some when i get them. cabbagehead did you replace your entire light fixture or just to 15k bulbs? i like the actinic look especially since alot of my corals really become accented under it.

[cabbagehead]

If you like the actinic look the 14000 - 20000k are for you. There are trade offs for this kind of lighting (par) but in my humble opinion it looks awesome.

[cabbagehead]

I forgot to answer your question. I only replaced my bulbs. I still have the hamilton ballast.

[niloc16]

cool, i think i might go for the 14k then. i've decided to stick with doing a close loop system and i will be using my return from the sump and splitting it off for some extra returns.

[niloc16]

i am thinking of going with a (3) 250w mh unit instead of the (3) 175w unit. is there a real benefit to going a bit stronger lighting?

[niloc16]

well i bought the 250w unit this morning. it cost a little more but saves me a lot in the future of having to upgrade. my stand should arrive at the store on friday so i'll try and get some pics this weekend at post