Lighting Unit And Bulbs

[SkiFletch]

Well, if it were my tank, I'd probably get a single Seio M620 for flowrate and use the oscillating head that comes with it.

That lighting kit you posted is fine, but remember, its just bulbs and ballast, you'll need to mount it in a hood yourself. If you're good with DIY, this will be no problem, but if tools scare you, you might want to buy a complete fixture

That skimmer is an airstone skimmer. These work well but have the significant drawback of needing to replace the airstone and constantly tweak the skimmer. All skimmers have an initial break-in period wherein lots of tweaks to its operation need to be made, but for an airstone model, that never ends. You should be looking for a skimmer driven by a pump with a venturi. TMC V2, Deltec, and Tunze make great skimmers in the UK, perhaps other members will have suggestions too

And finally, filters. Canisters are costly and un-necessary in a marine setup. LR does all your biological filtration for you. The only reason I reccomend an HOB is because you still need somewhere to run chemical media (rowaphos) and activated carbon. Also HOBs are cheap and they help stir up the surface of your water

 

[Ter]

humm, im no expert but i'd say no across-the-board,
that skimmer gives me goosebumps looks like something that u might keep a month, and then change it.
Deltec, aqua C, Coralife super skimmer... are examples for hang-ons

I've heard bad things about rio, but i've never owned one.
powerheads= eheim, tunze, seio, ... maxjets are nice 2 power things.

I'd stay away from a canister use ^^^^ the powerhead for flow.. get maybe a reactor for phosban po4, and one for carbon.. or if ur gonna sump just put them in a bag u can buy at ur petshop.

as for the light im still not sure what u want in your tank, any ideas?

the above stuff is just my personal opinions im sure some will bash them
and im going with stuff i can find in north america
Ter
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SkiFletch!!! you pre posted me again! lol read what skifletch says.. his knowledge is greater
Ter

 

[neilrufc27]

Hi,

Will take your recommendation and get the serio m620 pump.

My father in law is a gem with DIY, He has already said he will mount the light fittings in my wood lid - will the actual light unit sit in the cabinet or does that go in the hood aswell?

The HOD - where could I find one of these please? Im not too sure what hod means but the info you have given me is great and kind of seeing light at the end of the tunnel now

Hi Ter,

Thanks for the info, if only canadian products had english plugs i'd be happy, In Alberta next month!!

 

[neilrufc27]

I have checked for the products manufactors - no real luck but came across this

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/via-aqua-in-sump-pro...bayphotohosting

Any good? If so, what addition items might I have to buy for this item - the listing mentions a sump filter??

 

[SkiFletch]

Heh, and if only they ran on 220VAC too

Put the ballast (starter) for the lamps outside the hood, they create a lot of heat which while beneficial in the winter... not so much in the summer

I said HOB not HOD . HOB stands for Hang on Back. Eheim makes a couple HOB models and if you like their products (reliable for sure) go ahead and buy one. If not, find another basic smaller HOB filter. Something sized for a 10g will be fine, remember we're just housing a little chemical media in it, not filtering the tank

 

[Ter]

220 -> 110 adapters
2$ a pop
Ter
HOB filter

 

[neilrufc27]

Hi again,

I am really struggling with this light unit and also tubes. A T5 unit seems to be quite hard to get for the 30" tank. I could be wrong though but have been asking sellers on eBay about the units they are selling - 55w twin T5 light unit - will that be suitable for a 55w bulb only or can I use any watt T5 light tube under 55wat?

Thanks and soz if this is silly question

 

[neilrufc27]

Hi,

Just an update on equitment I will be getting -

Seio m620 pump
Eheim 2217 (cannot get hold of a HOB - this be good to use still?)
Still struggling with the skimmer but have seen a Red Sea Prizm Protein Skimmer

Hope the equitment is suitable

Thanks