Im FINALLY upgrading to a larger tank from my 6g nano after 8yrs. I cant decide on skimmer/light. It will be a mixed reef, mostly lps but someday I would love to keep a clam. Noise is also big issue for me.
Tank - RedSea reefer 250
54G 35.5x21x20
Skimmer - either of these...
DC...
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/regal...f-octopus.html - $450
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/skimz...n-skimmer.html - $390
AC
https://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Oct...FIPSIS-vi.html - $275
Ive never used a skimmer before, I gather the DC ones are quieter but holy smokes are they expensive. The classic 150 is so much checper, anyone know how the noise level is? Or even in these are good choices?
Light -
either 2 of these...
kessil 160s
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/kessi...led-light.html - $479 total
or 2 of these...
kessil 360s
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/kessi...ium-light.html - $798 total.
I've seen some folks do really well with 2 160's on this tank and at $400 less Id love to go with those...my concern is will they be powerful enough to keep a clam.