What NeXT?

There are lots....

Something like this maybe.... but I didn't look too hard.

T5 MH Combo

150MH better for that depth in my opinion. T5's give you other advantages. Integrated into one fixture makes it pretty nice. If I was starting over, I'd do something along those lines.

M

 

So you think I should sway away from MH and go T5s?

 

I definitely wouldn't go with 3x250W MH. There are many T5/MH combos in 72" where you get 3x150W MH and multiple T5's. I would go with one of those.

The advantage there is that you get the variety of bulb availability for T5's and the power of MH. Really nice combination. I would have done that if I knew what I knew now when I started. I started with a 48" 55 gallon. The 6x54W T5 fixture I got for it was fine. When I upgraded to a 48" 125 gallon, I already had the previous fixture, so it was hard to justify starting over. Thus, I just added a 2x54W T5 so now I have 8 54W T5's. The tank looks great. Still, had I started from scratch, I would have got a 6x54W T5, 3x150W combo fixture....

Like I said though, PM 2in10 or Dingo... they are the experts.

M

 

This just my opinion, and this decision as for what lighting depends on what corals your going to do and personal preference. I would go 250w MH if you plan to do mostly SPS corals and if you like the shimmer effect. You get more growth with more intense lighting on SPS tanks. I had a 100g 72x18x18 that had 3-250s on and I have a 40g frag tank that is 48x24x8 with 2-250w all SPS. SPS tanks require strong lighting and flow. You my need something to keep the tank cool if temp goes to high or you might not. Bulbs are expensive, and need to be changed every 6 months-12 months or longer, depending on the bulb you buy.

If you plan to do LPS and softies, I would do all T5s to make the color pop like crazy. You could still do SPS, but if you like the shimmer effect, you won't get it with this lighting. T5 you can change the bulbs out to get different color scheme. Cost in bulbs is about the same as 3-250s if you do 8 bulb-T5 fixture. T5s put out a lot of heat also, all depend on if your doing a hanging fixture or in canopy. You might need might need something to keep tank cool or maybe not. Bulb replacement is about the same as MH all depend on the bulb you buy.

If you do go MH I would go with 250w so if you decide to go bigger on your tank later you can always use this lighting, unless you go more than 30" deep. Then you'll need 400W MH.

Check this out!
AquaticLife T5 HO 72 T5 Nova 72 inch T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture T 5 Aquarium Light T 5 Aquarium Lighting

 

so Lighting has been decided.
LS, LR, sump with bubble trap/refugium/skimmer
salt and temp is 1.024/80 degrees,
cycle is almost done (waiting on nitrites)
return pump and plumbing has been done.

What else am i forgetting? whats up with calcium/phosphate reactors? Do i need that sutff?

 

+1 on mojo's recommendation on keeping the salinity on the low end to allow some wiggle room in the event you can't/forget to top off.

 

Ill take that advice too !

Am i missing anything?

 

Automatic Top Off System.
GFO/Carbon Reactor
Controller (AC jr or something)
Two_part Dosing if you are going to keep corals

Compliments for doing this right and asking questions!!!!

K+

Mark

 

What lighting did you choose? I was going to suggest a Maristar fixture, they are very well built and work great. I was also going to recommend using 250w MH, not 150w. 3x250w MH on a 125 would be perfect.

 

Highly recommended.

Man, sure wish I could get a hold of one of those used. :-X j/k