Before I buy a new tank, can someone answer ?

[PufferMe!]

Found a nice tank and stand in great shape on CL. The tank has lighting for reef use, with a nice built in hood with 4 large Aqualight tubes (I think that was the name of the tubes). I don't necessarily plan on having a reef tank, but how knows one day I might. The plan is for my young GSP to go in the tank. The tank is listed as a 75 gal, but I put the measurements in aqua advisor and it's a 68 gallon. Will I have problems like lots of algae to control with that level of light? I will likely go full marine, and over time add live rock, but of course than I need a skimmer and I'm trying to keep costs down on this, so I'll be doing all that slowly. My main goal is putting him in a large tank.

Are there any downsides I need to know about with that lighting on a brackish tank? I think $150 for the whole set up is a good deal. Thoughts?

Gwen

[Pufferpunk]

Is it T5 lighting or power compacts?

[bertie 83]

The lighting will likely be in 2 pairs, you could switch just 2 tubes on and leave the others off. What are the measurements out of interest?

[PufferMe!]

The bulbs were thick like a T12 (aren't those the thicker ones?) But I don't know much about compact. I didn't look that closely, just saw they were working, and the seller said the tank was a salt/reef tank.

The measurements were 46L x 18W x 19H

Thanks!

gwen

[bertie 83]

Yes 68usg before displacement, you will get anywhere between 45-55 usg useable volume depending on decor etc

[Flutter]

Yes, T12s are the thicker ones. The larger the number the thicker the bulb.

[PufferMe!]

The suggestion of unscrewing out a bulb or two is a good one, if the light is too bright. I'm planning on buying it. Yikes! I hate spending the $ now, but I think it's a very fair deal. More tank than I really need, but my little guy will appreciate the big space. I just hope he grows full size

[bertie 83]

Go for it he will be full size in no time

[sgtmyers88]

How big is he right now? Love the pic of him in your avatar BTW

If I were you I would just start the upgrade out as full marine and let it get established and cycled then just acclimate your little buddy to it and drop him in. Might as well get the transition done now since your upgrading. Your puffer will change for the better with faster growth and brighter coloration.

[PufferMe!]

So, if I cycle the tank first, do I just do that with adding shrimp or some food source to create ammonia, then wait for nitrites and nitrates etc, as I did when I cycled my FW tank? How long can I get away without a protein skimmer? I did see the one Pufferpunk recommended, HOB for $80 on ebay. Not sure if that is big enough for a 68 gallon, however.

[bertie 83]

Get some live rock and start out that way.

[Iliveinazoo]

The suggestion of unscrewing out a bulb or two is a good one, if the light is too bright. I'm planning on buying it. Yikes! I hate spending the $ now, but I think it's a very fair deal. More tank than I really need, but my little guy will appreciate the big space. I just hope he grows full size

If I were you I would ask the question of the seller first, some fixtures will turn all the lamps off if you unscrew one.

[RTR]

FYI: For future info: T#s give fluorescent tube diameters. T= 1/8th inch. Therefore T12 = 12/8 = 1 1/2 inch diameter. T8 = 8/8th inch, one inch. T5 = 5/8th inch. T6 = 6/8th inch= 3/4 inch, etc.

Tank nominal sizes are based on the external dimensions of the tank in this country. Therefore tank working volume (actual volume of water in the setup) tend to run on the order of approximately 70%+/- of nominal volume, but that can vary widely with the nature of the set-up and the quantity of decor and rockwork used.

HTH

[PufferMe!]

Okay, this is funny. . . not really I got the tank. Taking it home, my husband carries in the hood/top and drops it. 3 of the four bulbs break! So, here's a picture of the type of bulb. They aren't cheap. Can I just buy regular T12 bulbs at HomeDepot, and use those?? Also, at what level of salinity do you need to keep "live rock"? Okay, forget the pic. From my cell phone "file is too big". It's a Actinic White VHO UV lighting 1100 T12

Thanks!!

Gwen

[Pufferpunk]

Damn husbands!