Lighting Upgrade? need some filter advice.

[Jermz79]

OK so my wife and I decided that we may want to upgrade the lighting on our 29 gallon, especially after seeing some of the pics. recently posted showing the CUSA 2x65 watt PC setup.

Here's my deal ... I currently run the Eclipse system 3 hood and haven't had a problem with it since set up! I think I could possibly modify this hood by doing some cutting and what not and keeping the filtration in place. I could possible add some Egg Crate to the top and the set the lighting on the legs and then on the edges of the Eclipse hood after the modifications.

OR

I can scrap the hood completely and run a HOB filter with better GPH turnover and throw the egg crate on top. Running plumbing for sump is out of the question right now as I'm not prepared to setup and figure out all of that (I don't think). I think the HOB filters suit my needs the best.


What's the best idea ... and if it's scraping the hood completely and going with a new HOB, what's the best way to get it started before removing the exsisting filtration?


Thanks
Jermz

[Jermz79]

anyone help me out? I want to get my lights ordered today so I need to figure out the filtration situation.


Thanks

[geckofrog]

I personally would get a HOB filter, and scrap the eclipse system hood, its great for an all-in-one and hardly any wires (for those of us that have wifes that can't stand wires, lol)

Their are a lot of great lighting systems out there, I personally have a coralife Aqualight Pro HQI / Compact Fluorescent / Lunar Light Fixture, which is freaking awesome!

I would suggest a wet/dry, but you can get a HOB filter and take most of the things you don't need and put in live rock instead.

[Jermz79]

Thats what I plan on doing with the HOB, replacing all the filter media with LR rubble and what not. I was able to swing the lighting upgrade with the wifey but the wet/dry sump idea is a no go. So I have to resort to whats allowed.

Now .... how do I get that HOB up to speed with the system before I remove the Eclipse hood?

[geckofrog]

I *think* that the Eclipse hood has enough room in the back to hang the HOB filter on, and add live rock. I don't exactly remember if there is enough room or not, adding live rock to your filter system shouldn't be a problem if your systems been up and running for a while. (im guessing it has)


which lighting system/or unit are you thinking about getting?

[Jermz79]

No, the Eclipse hood doesn't have any openings in the back except for where the wires come from so no way to add a HOB without taking the hood completely off. Which is where I run into my issue. My system has been running for about 11 months strong!

and right now I'm shopping around, but I have my eye on the Current USA PC 2x65 setup! Looks nice and there is some great prices around.

[geckofrog]

what do you have in your tank?

[Jermz79]

well right now ... now much of anything. I started it as a FOWLR tank and then purchased a Nanocube for my reef addiction, now the Nano is fully stocked and not wanting to purchase another tank to combat the MTS I figured I would convert the 29 into a reef as well. I plan on keeping softies such as zoa's, shrooms and xenia.

[geckofrog]

I see no reason why you can't simply take the lr from your tank and add it to your new HOB filter, of course just rinse it out before you expose it to your system. Obviously you would have to add the lighting at the same time.

[Jermz79]

So the all the beneficial bacterias and what not will survive the transfer to the new HOB with no problems? That is what I am worried about. I think I should be ok becuase in the tank I have about 65lbs. of LR so I know there is plenty of Bio-Filtration to sustain the tank alone .... but the tank has been running so great I don't want to cause any problems!


Thanks for your reply's!!!