Valleyman

Hi, My new sump tank is about 2'x1'x1' with 4 compartments. Intend to keep the 4th compartment free for just the powerheads for main tank and chiller systems. What is the recommended filtration media for the other 3 compartments. Thinking of filling up : 1st compartment = lots of bio-balls on bio-mats 2nd compartment = coral chips (to control PH) on bio-mat 3rd compartment = activated carbon (to remove toxin & smell ?) Is this setup ok ? My tank (4'x2'x2') will mainly be for soft corals+ some small fishes. Someone recommended to use substrate. What does it serves other than another media for wet bacteria to grow ? What about ceramic rings ? If my choice is not right, what is the proper media to use for each compartments ? Forgot to add that I intend to have bio-balls also in the overflow (in main tank) to cultivate dry bacteria. Many thanks

Clowntrigger, So the tubes from my friend are FL and it is thicker becos it is specifically design for Marine setup ? Where is Nature located ? Thanks

clowntrigger, I looked at the tubes last night and found one is a Coralife Magtinic Actinic 03, FR40T12-180-BP. Do not know what wattage is it. The other tube has lost most of its marking. Guess it is 10kk. Since the tubes are of the thick type, I guess both are PL (???). How to tell the diff btw a PL and a FL ? Does Nature sells just the light housing ? If so, what is the $ for a 4' for 2 or 3 tube mountings with holders able to hold the PL tubes. Was informed that one would need to change the tubes after 3-6mths since the chemical (Phosphorus ?) inside the tube is use up and the light is not giving the spectra needed by the coral. What is the average usage hr before one changes the tube ? Thanks

Wow, can only budget around $150 for the whole light setup. Actually, my system is more for soft coral with chiller. Option 2 from Nature looks ok, but read somewhere that 6.5kk with an altinic 03 PL is much cheaper. Both being 55W (I think). What does you guys think ? My friend just pass 2x4' PL tubes. He paid around $70/ea. The tubes are much thicker than the normal FL, but Nature's holder should hold this size ? If so, I will just get the holder. Also, people are recommending moving the e-ballast away as it is a heat source. What yr comment on this ? Thanks for sharing

Hi, I am new to this hobby and is plannng to set up my marine tank. Size is 4'x2'x2'. Have read about FL,PL and MH. Think PL is more suited for my budget. Am thinking of buying a off-the-rack holder with 2 or 3 tubes. What is the recommended specs ? what type of tubes and color ? which brand is recommended ? Price ? Also I prefer e-ballast for lower heat emission. Appreciate all feedbacks from you guys. Many thanks