To upgrade or to not?

[charlie]

I don't know how you are about "K" ratings, but it is possible if you got a 12 or 14K, you may not need actinic supplementation. Just a thought

[Frodo]

Oh yeah i feel pretty dumb right now.....wow...what about a pretty sweet Protien Skimmer? My coralLife is really sucking, in a bad way.

[charlie]

Look into a hang on Remora pro.

Don't feel bad, we have all been there. I spent more money on lites than I was good for!!!

[Frodo]

Yeah I understand that i have those 96w CoralLife CF that i will probably have to sell for 40 bucks that i spent 100 on.

[Frodo]

AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer With Rio 1400 Pump - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store

Does that one seem good? Sounds like a perfect conadite for my 30L and is the prefilter box worth it?

[charlie]

I have never used the prefilter, so I am not going to say anything on that. Look into upgrading from the RIO pump, I think they also have a mag3 or mag5 option, ask them when you call.
I would hang onto the PC's just in case, if the halides don't work out, you have something to fall back on!!!!

[Frodo]

I am going to hang onto them for awhile to make sure. So the Mag ones would be a better choice then the Rio...i was thinking backwards

[charlie]

Definitly a better choice IMO.

[Frodo]

Oh ok good good. I have a mag7 running my 75gal sump and it has been pretty good it has broken one impeler shaft in the last year.

Since you know your stuff, and given that my tank is running over 40lbs of LR do you think i would be able to move my AC70 from it or is there something better i can put in it that will not be a nitrate factory like it is now.

[Frodo]

ARO 150W Double EndedHQI Metal Halide Retro Kit - AquaCave

^^^This is the one i am leaning toward, i have been reading up and seems like the Double Ended is better then the screw type, Now am i reading right on this one Charlie?
ARO 250W Double Ended HQI Metal Halide Retro Kit - AquaCave

This one i think will just be to bright.

[charlie]

Oh ok good good. I have a mag7 running my 75gal sump and it has been pretty good it has broken one impeler shaft in the last year.

Since you know your stuff, and given that my tank is running over 40lbs of LR do you think i would be able to move my AC70 from it or is there something better i can put in it that will not be a nitrate factory like it is now.

Not familiar with the "AC70".

ARO 150W Double EndedHQI Metal Halide Retro Kit - AquaCave

^^^This is the one i am leaning toward, i have been reading up and seems like the Double Ended is better then the screw type, Now am i reading right on this one Charlie?
ARO 250W Double Ended HQI Metal Halide Retro Kit - AquaCave

This one i think will just be to bright.

Again, we are talking about creating heating issues with the 250W. Too bad tho, they seem to offer the Lumenarc reflector with the 250. I think you will be fine with the 150W on your 30.
As far as the double ended being better than the mogul type, not real sure. I don't have any experience with double ended bulbs, only the mogul base, so I can't really say.

[Frodo]

Not familiar with the "AC70".

AquaClear70 just a hang on the back filter.


Again, we are talking about creating heating issues with the 250W. Too bad tho, they seem to offer the Lumenarc reflector with the 250. I think you will be fine with the 150W on your 30.
As far as the double ended being better than the mogul type, not real sure. I don't have any experience with double ended bulbs, only the mogul base, so I can't really say.

Yeah i figure the 250w would create to much heat, the mogul base comes in 175w too. So that might be my decideing factor. But the double ended seem to come with the better reflector choices....

[charlie]

Yeah i figure the 250w would create to much heat, the mogul base comes in 175w too. So that might be my decideing factor. But the double ended seem to come with the better reflector choices....

Agreed!!!!! Sometimes you gotta go with your first impression, don't try to outthink yourself.

[Frodo]

well...i did i am just going to hold off and put my money into the 75 like i had orginally intended on doing. This will be a better decision for the long run.

[charlie]

Wish you luck!!

[Frodo]

thanks i might just need it lol. no it should be fine and easier to maintain a tank of that size then a much smaller one.