60 gallon reef suggestions

[frontosablkrhom]

hello im starting my first reef tank in a few weeks. i have an empty 60 gallon tank, a nice black stand, 2 ac 110, i plan on turning one ac 110 into a refugium with a small light. the other will be a sponge and carbon filter with some rings.i will need a H.O.B protein skimmer. for lights i was planning on using 48 inch t5s. so two 48 inch reflectors with 4 bulbs all together, with marine glow and i forget the name of the other two daylight bulbs.

Do you think that will be good lighting? is there any 48 inch lights for corals that arent so pricey? i really want to use metal halide because i heard you can put more corals, but i dont want to have to buy a chiller. will i really be that limited with t5s versus meal halide t5 combo? for fish i was planning on having none lol i want it to be all about the coral but after awhile i may get one really really nice flashy fish. i will however have all the different inverts and all the creatures for a nice reef.

so any thoughts or opinions will be very much appreciated. and any thought on a very cool flashy fish that looks outstanding will also be appreciated. thanks

oh my names anthony by the way. i will be spending more time in the salt section of this sight now that ive had alot of fun with freshwater fish. i still love freshwater to death but always love a new challenge....

 

[frontosablkrhom]

wow nobody? cmon

 

[mr.reef24]

well you can get halide's without the need of chiller first no top on the tank which will allow heat to escape, second have them at least 12 inches above the tank and if you need to bring some more cooling get this;

http://www.marinedepot.com/Azoo_Coo...uarium_Lighting-Azoo-AZ71021-FILTACAF-vi.html

I used this on a 20 long with metal halides and temp was constantly at a nice 78 degrees and enjoyed my 14000K metal halides and so did my clams. still using it. Didn't get a chance to read much more of your post but please Private message me with any question's anytime and I will answer them for you and help you out.

mr.reef24

 

[frontosablkrhom]

well you can get halide's without the need of chiller first no top on the tank which will allow heat to escape, second have them at least 12 inches above the tank and if you need to bring some more cooling get this;

http://www.marinedepot.com/Azoo_Coo...uarium_Lighting-Azoo-AZ71021-FILTACAF-vi.html

I used this on a 20 long with metal halides and temp was constantly at a nice 78 degrees and enjoyed my 14000K metal halides and so did my clams. still using it. Didn't get a chance to read much more of your post but please Private message me with any question's anytime and I will answer them for you and help you out.

mr.reef24

thank you

 

[mr.reef24]

anytime ^

mr.reef24

 

[nubz]

a good colony of zoanthids always impresses me click on my sig to see some amazing ones!