Thanks skinz, I agree, I am definitely a novice skimmer, I think I used a sea clone hang on skimmer like 10 years ago and hated it so never really used one since. I can say this is a much more substantial piece of equipment and I am pretty excited to see how it works, one day anyway, I must remain patient. Gotta save a little for my ro/di and my live rock, hopefully next week sometime.

LOL I had a Sea Clone myself

Well, I think that is enough to turn just about anyone off to skimming. I think I will be happy with this thing, glad you guys talked me into it and I havent even plugged it in yet.

Looks sweet Cant wait to see you get it running.

BTW i had two red sea turbos, they are now carbon reactors

Refugium lighting, what do you think, its a 26w flood 6500k with reflector, I think it work, at least for now



The fuge starting to take shape 4.5" dsb

Looking great

Refugium lighting, what do you think, its a 26w flood 6500k with reflector, I think it work, at least for now

The only think to worry about with a light like that is heat. The bulb looks like it has its own reflector built in. With the reflector on the light fixture also the bulb will probably cut off once it gets hot. A simple fix would be to just remove the silver reflector from the fixture, should just screw off. Next time you have a few hours to kick back around the light turn it on like it is and let it run and see if it shuts off.

Yeah I bought the reflector because I originally purchased a regular 27w 5500k compact florescent and it went well with the reflector. Then I found that flood compact florescent that was 6500k with a built in reflector. I ran it for about 30 min the other night and it got warm but it wasnt to hot to touch and keep my finger on it. I will keep an eye on it though. Thanks

Looks good man, i've been using those lights for 3yrs now, they work well.

luke33 wrote:Looks good man, i've been using those lights for 3yrs now, they work well.

Do you use it like I have it set up, or do you get rid of the outer reflector?

Identical to how you have it set up. Just try not to have it facing your skimmer or it will grow algae all inside it.

Ok got my 2 Hydor Koralia 4, to replace the 2 nanos I had already purchased. Also got my LR ordered today, went with a case of Figi Totoka plus an additional 15lbs of the same and 15lbs of hawaii base rock. Also ordered 2 lbs of live sand to seed my refugium. I should be able to pick it all up at the airport on Thursday. I went with Oceanpro Aquatics, Inc, so far his response and willingness to help has very much impressed me, and his prices were pretty good too. So I hope to have a good experience, I will let you know what happens. Now if I can talk yself into ordering a RO/DI before I fill the tank, the funds are beginning to run thin, but I feel like I should buy the ro/di now and go ahead and fill the tank with the best possible water if I already spent this much I might as well not skimp on the water.

Yes, please let us know when you get everything.

It really is a good idea to get the RO/DI and start fresh. You could go to the LFS or supermarket and get RO water but by the time buy that water you've probably already spent 1/2 what you would on your own RO unit

Yeah thats my thoughts too, are there any other recommendations besides air, water, and ice. I know that was suggested and they seem to be decently priced units at least the one for $149 seems ok. Just like to do my home work and I am getting antsy about getting the water flowing. Plus now that I ordered LR I am on the clock so I need a place with quick delivery.

Ok, I bit the bullet and probably went overboard, but I ordered, this tonight. Hope it will meet all my needs and more, and since I am not the most patient of people and I'm really itching to get going I went with the 150gpd. I know chris said the 75 was ok, but I thought more is better since it has all the bells and whistles and is still removes 98% tds through the 150 membrane

Right on, that looks like it will work great for ya.

But crap, I just remembered, there is a 10% discount for RAF members, did you get that?

You can see the details on the discount here. Maybe it isn't too late to call them and still get it if you haven't already?