30 to a 65 gallon

[cuttingrass]

well im changing my 30 gallon reef to a 65 gallon over my long college winter break and had some questons.

on my 30 gallon i am currently running a mag 7 as a return and a rotating powerhead for curculation. will this be enough for a 65 gallon?

the new 65 gallon has a suport acros the top, does this mean i need to get 2 metal halides one on each side of the support to prevent a shadow, how big would of a shadow would 1 light make?

im going to get the tank drilled and was wondering if anyone knew of any DIY built in over flow systems i could make?

i cant really afford more live rock and was wondering if people have had good luck with the homemade live rock, how long it takes to color up and look like the rest of the rock in the tank?

Anyway im just really excited because i can actually do some aquascaping with the deeper tank, then in the 30 gallon where i just ended up putting rocks against the wall.

[CSeaSee]

the new 65 gallon has a suport acros the top, does this mean i need to get 2 metal halides one on each side of the support to prevent a shadow, how big would of a shadow would 1 light make?

Almost every source I've read says get 1 MH per 2 ft. of tank length. This is true with my 55-gal. tank, for sure. If you want to get one really intense MH and hang it high above the middle of the tank, that is an alternative, but there will be shadows under the crossbar, and the ends will be dim. If you want a real varied tank, lower-light species can go there.

[Reefland]

What are the dimensions of the 65?

Yes you can make your own internal overflow, you should be able to find some DIY projects here or on other sites. Shouldn't be too hard at all and you don;t even have to have slots like a traditional coner overflow.

Lastly on the rock, I would go with what you have and some really cheap base rock opposed to making your own. Again I know there are some threads here for making your own but you might find $1 per lb base rock as cheap.

[cuttingrass]

the deminsions are 36lx24hx18deep

[CSeaSee]

cheap base rock can be a really good deal, if you know what to look for. You can find some interesting critters, and certainly populations of coralline algae, hidden away on the base rock.
I think you could get away with 2 MH lights and be fine.

[cuttingrass]

i tihnk thats my only option because its has the middle support that would cast to much of a shadow.
whats the difference between MH for plants and MH's for aquariums or is there even a difference because they seem much cheaper for plants

[CSeaSee]

I'm not even approaching "expert" on this topic. I do know there is a HUGE difference, though. Maybe someone from lighting can chime in here? You could do a search and probably get some answers.

[Reefland]

The difference is in bulb kelvin and reflector quality.

[cuttingrass]

thanks for the answers guys and thanks reefland for your other post for my question in the lighting section. just happpens i lucked out, im taking my 65 gallon back and my dad is buying a 1 year old 75 gallon reef set up lights and all for real good price as a christams gift. so ill have to update you all, on what it comes with.

[Reefland]

Sounds like a nice Christmas gift to me!