[newbieguy]

I'm in the process of setting up a 60 gallon hex FOWLR tank. I have purchased an Remora skimmer that will initially hang on this tank (thanks for the suggestion), but I would like to have this tank drilled so I can eventually plumb through the wall behind the tank into my utility room for a sump, refugium, etc. in order to support a full reef.

Two questions:
1) As far as lighting goes.... any suggestions on this fixture (which will be housed in a canopy that I am building) for this tank (27" deep)? I know eventually I will need to upgrade, but my budget is a bit limited right now.
It is a 20" 198W Metal Halide Fixture & Ballast System (3 power cords version) ODY20MH198X selling for $159.00.

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=212

2) I'm also looking for a recommendation in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area to get this tank drilled. I've called four glass shops and threee fish stores with no luck. I'm almost tempted to buy a bit and try it myself on my drill press.

Thanks again...this site is fantastic!

[Reefland]

Hi newbieguy,

That light should be fine. I am not sure what kind of ballast it has or bulb but under the MH you should be able to keep plenty of corals when you get to that point.

As for the tank drilling, call any glass manufacturer/fabricator in your area to see if they will do it for you.

[newbieguy]

The site lists "free" included bulbs to be:

One 150W HQI 20,000k bulb

Two 24W compact fluorescent actinic blue bulbs

Two blue moon LED

(three seperate cords).

How much heat will this thing pump out? I suppose I should include at least a couple fans in the canopy.... Do I need to worry about the heat breaking a glass top placed under his bulb?

[Reefland]

Yeah but it doesn't list the brand of the bulb.

Yes you should probably figure a way to vent the hood. I wouldn't be concerned with the glass breaking but the tank warming is an issue.

[The Grim Reefer]

Cruise the vendors from the sponsors page and see what you could get a retrofit kit for. It might cost you more but YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Should any of the lamps you get from the sponsors be defective or broken when they arrive I seriously doubt you will have any of them tell you "Sorry, we include the lamps for free so they are not covered under warranty".