A Few Opinions.

[Crazy fishes]

I am now reviewing my earlier plans for the Rio 180 to take over as my marine setup. I have an idea in mind for lighting which I could achieve relatively cheaply but don't want to plough on without due considerations. My idea at the moment is 2x 150W halides plus 2x T8 30W actinic tubes. I am think about keeping some SPS mainly acropora and montipora and was wondering how many fluorescent tubes (T8 and T5) would be required for that.

I was also thinking of the TMC V2 400 skimmer and a sump/refugium setup. The capacity of the sump is up for debate; my usual thought is 10% of the aqauarium volume and upwards. I was thinking in this incidence of 60 liters but then I was wondering if I could fit all the equipment in there? Can you have this skimmer external to the sump and the pump that feeds it in the return side of the sump? How much noise does this skimmer make? I ask because I have my aquariums in my bedroom and I know from experience how annoying it is to have something buzzing away in the corner while you are trying to get to sleep. Calfo (Retrofit) overflows, where do you get them from?

Regards

 

[rabbut]

With regards to the overflows, I'd make my own They are easy to do, with a bit of PVC, a 90 degree elbow, a T piece, solant weld, Junior haksaw and a craft knife. Total cost of this round my way would be about £10-15 without any parts/tools. If you already have the pipe, tools and solvant weld (like me) then the cost would be nearer £2 for the fittings required Un-modifyed overflows will be fairly noisy, so look at venting and other similar ways of reducing the noise if it's for your bedroom

I thought the general guideline for a sump is 20% of the tank capaity, for room for overflow water in a power outage

I have a few friends that have had issues with the V2 nano skimmers, mainly with the pumps cutting out arround the 6-9month mark. They all bought them at the same time, so it could just have been a dodgy batch, but I wouldn't risk them personally I don't recall their noise level when they were going now, so sorry, but can't help there

HTH
Rabbut

 

[shibby]

i had a v2 400 running in my rooom for a few months no problems! and im someone that gets kept awake my the slightest noise pollution....