need advice on 55g/30g sump set up

[scarf_ace1981]

i was setting up my 40br/30g sump but since i might be moving soon i thought great i can turn my 55 FW into SW. this way i set up the 55g in the new apt. and just transfer all my corals when the tank is done cycling. on my 40br i went w/ a HOB overflow, i would like to make my 55 reef ready. what i need help w/ are the 4ft lights MH/T5 combo(brand),skimmer(brand), return sump pump(brand), two powerheads(brand).

please help me out guys. i know there are many knowledgeable people on here. i would just like to hear your thoughts on what brands work best.

to give you an idea of my 40br/30g sump set up i went with:
HOB overflow rated @ 600gph
36" Nova Extreme T5 w/ moonlights
aqua c remora skimmer
mag 9.5 return sump pump
(2) seio 620's

it's a basic set up. i would like the 55g a little fancier.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

no one has a 55g?

 

[scarf_ace1981]

thanks for all the help guys.

i guess i'll go w/:
T5- Tek 4-54w
Icecap MH 250
Euroreef RC80
2- Seio 820
mag 12 for sump pump and mag 7 for closed loop.

 

[Rborgia]

Well it appears you know what you are looking for in the way of lighting. You need to determine a budget and see what falls into your price range...

Powerheads... I like Seio. I have two 820s in my 58 and thats perfect as far as I am concerned. They give me lots of flow and only two dead spaces,one is each corner, which I am fine with... makes it easy cleaning.

The Mag 9.5 is the same pump I am using. However out of fear of the screws rusting I recently bought a GenX GX2400. Its about 200gph less flow compared to the MAg, but it is also only 40w compared to the 93watts on the Mag. I believe for my 58 600-750 gph return flow is more then enough. In fact it may have to be throttled back to slow the flow through the sump and to prevent microbubbles.

As for skimmers, are you looking for an in-sump or external... Depending on which route you chose, you may need another pump.

Here are a couple lights in the "For Sale" section:

48? black Aqua Spacelight from Aqua medics for sale. It comes with two 150w 10K MH and two brand new 150w 20K MH. The attached pics are from when I first installed it, but it still looks just as new. $450.00 firm. Must pick up. It is in excellent conditions & I am selling it because I upgraded to 250w.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AQ1441

and

AquaMedic Ocean Light 48" 2 x 250W plus 2x54W T5 Black w/o ballast - $250. This is 6-7months old modified with Sunlight Supply powercords to run SLS ballasts. Includes Griplock Cables and MH bulbs.

Both are great lights for you application... the second may be a bit over kill...



Rich