HELP!!! What light and protein skimmer to buy??

[tjclark177]

I have had freshwater tanks for 4 years now and want to convert to a saltwater reef finally! Only problem is I dont really know what kind of equipments to get and the first steps of starting the process so any and all help on what I should buy for my tank and the steps to starting would be a lot of help!!!

What I have is a 75 gallon tank and I want to go the LED route. What brand LED works best for my budget? My budget max is around $500 for my light. Ive looked at the Ecoxotic 48in Panoramic Marine LED, Maxspect Mazarra P-series MZ-p01 LED Module, and Innovative Marine Skkye Light 48in LED Fixture. Im looking to grow LPS and soft corals, or anything else with great color, and am unsure what light would be best for them.

I also need a protein skimmer but want one that hangs on the side of the tank because where I have to put my tank there is no room for a sump. And I was also debating buying an RO/DI system or just buying saltwater from a fish store?

Please help!!!:xd:

 

[oceangirl2009]

I would check out ReefBreeders, they are also a sponsor here. I have one of their units and LOVE it!

 

[AsphaltPays]

I would go for the best you can afford..Reef Octopus makes a great HOB skimmer and there are a lot of great sponsors here that have great deals on dry goods and give discounts for being a R2R member.. Welcome to R2R!!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[peterthegamer]

Get RO/DI It will pay off later.

 

[fragmatic]

I am on my second set of LEDs and have some insight into a good unit. What I am running now is doing an excellent job and my tank loves it. I have learned that most reefers buy way too much LED lighting than they need for their tank. That is pushed some by manufacturers and some by the fact that so many of us are making the change from other light forms. LEDs just plane pump out more light that we think. Also, we just don't know that much about all the aspects of light. We know a lot but it is clear we don't know all about what light it takes to do what when it comes to life forms and how they use light. I do know this, I now have a light made by AquaticLife that is only 54 watts and it is wonderful on my 95 gallon display tank. It uses 27 blue, 9 purple, and 18 white LEDs. It may be too much for your tank so you may want to look at the other models. It sells for $400. If you take my tank at 23" deep and 39" long to compare you can get a good idea what to buy. Here is the link to what I have and like, and remember I have already done the trial and error thing. I also have a PAR meter which i have used to do my studies.

AquaticLife 1.0 Watt Expandable LED Light Fixture

 

[fragmatic]

I would like to mention this: I also have a set of LEDs from RapidLED with all the diming controls and everything. It uses 3 watt LEDs. Lots of people will tell you you need 3 watt LEDs. Then they do exactly what I do, turn them down to below half power. Do not buy into that word game. You DO NOT NEED three watt LEDs. Color is far more important that wattage per LED. Watts can come by quantity or by each. All that hype just doesn't apply when it comes to LEDs. They are not apples to apples. My RapidLED set has Cree LEDs and they are great, but that is not where the magic comes from. My AquaticLife unit proves it, they did extensive R&D before they put these on the market, and it shows.

There is another consideration, the fast moving technology in LEDs. The street says that Cree is about to release a new full specturm LED. This will be a market changer when it comes to reef tanks. That LED and some blues will be killer, if the street talk is accurate.

 

[tjclark177]

How many watts should I be looking for in a light? Its about 18" deep and 48" long

 

[tjclark177]

And I read to oversize my protein skimmer but I dont want to oversize it to much because I read that is bad to. If I have a 75 gallon how much should my skimmer be rated for? 100g? 150g?

 

[tjclark177]

I would like to mention this: I also have a set of LEDs from RapidLED with all the diming controls and everything. It uses 3 watt LEDs. Lots of people will tell you you need 3 watt LEDs. Then they do exactly what I do, turn them down to below half power. Do not buy into that word game. You DO NOT NEED three watt LEDs. Color is far more important that wattage per LED. Watts can come by quantity or by each. All that hype just doesn't apply when it comes to LEDs. They are not apples to apples. My RapidLED set has Cree LEDs and they are great, but that is not where the magic comes from. My AquaticLife unit proves it, they did extensive R&D before they put these on the market, and it shows.

There is another consideration, the fast moving technology in LEDs. The street says that Cree is about to release a new full specturm LED. This will be a market changer when it comes to reef tanks. That LED and some blues will be killer, if the street talk is accurate.

yes i have heard from multiple stores and people they try to over sell you what you need. Would you think the Aquaticlife 48 inch 48 watt would do the job? I have looked at this light a couple of times in the past week

 

[fragmatic]

I'm tossed between the 48 watt and the 72 watt. I lean towards you being right because your tank is not as deep as mine by 5 inches. Yes, I think I do agree on that AquticLife model.

 

[fragmatic]

You and your coral, fish, tank will love it. When you first get set up you may think it is not powerful enough until your water is crystal clear, then, WOW!, those LEDs pump it out.

 

[fragmatic]

Yes, I just look a look at it and it is the same as mine but longer. Absolutely, yes!

AquaticLife 1.0 Watt Expandable LED Light Fixture

 

[fragmatic]

Trying that link again, it should come up with the right one.

 

[fragmatic]

grrrrrr.... try again...

AquaticLife 1.0 Watt Expandable LED Light Fixture

 

[fragmatic]

grrrrrr.... try again...

got it right.

 

[tjclark177]

Does is matter to have the sunrise/sunset/ moon cycle options? The AquaticLife doesn't have this correct?

 

[fragmatic]

Does is matter to have the sunrise/sunset/ moon cycle options? The AquaticLife doesn't have this correct?

That is nice but the fact is it is just a toy and does nothing for your tank life. No, not on these models. I fully expect they will in some model in the future. I use a common night light on my tank that is wired to come on when the main lights go out. It is only because I like it the tank does not need it. I do advise you do not have much of a night light. Your tank and tank life do need night (lights out) time.