Lights and Skimmer

[clowninround]

I was looking around on your site and I saw some pretty good prices. The EuroReef skimmer, how well does it skim (the in sump one). I think I heard somewhere that it has a good rep, but I can't say for sure. I am looking on upgrading to a 210 and doing an inwall. We are buying things piece by piece getting ready for it cuz we can't afford it any other way lol. I wanted the skimmer rated for 150 (I don't want too much skimming due to the reef, 150 should work fine) Also you have a PFO horizontal pedant 250w HQI It-PFMINIHQI250, can that be suspended, like hanging down from a low ceiling? Also, I can use a 20k HQI double ending bulb in it? I am not buying everything right away. I was going to purchase one [acronym:fe7fc7987b="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:fe7fc7987b] pedant, bulb and ballast next month. Next I will coherce my hubby into buying me the skimmer. Then in September buy the tank, and sell my tank...once it sold set up the new tank and purchase the remaining two pendants. Anyways I am just wondering if these two products are what I am looking for. thanks, sorry for all the extra info, guess I was just thinking outloud again lol.

Mary

[captivereefs]

The euroreefs are very good but if you are watching the money i would get a ASM skimmer. They are basically the same as the euroreefs but use thinner material. The skim the same though. THe PFO pendants are another nice set up. A 20K bulb can be used in the re just let me know that you want one when you order. Another good set up that would be cheaper then the PFO would be the hamilton reefstar pendants. The are just as nice, can be hung from the cieling and are under $300 for the bulb, pendant and ballast. The are DE bulbs. If you have any other questions please ask me anything that comes to mind!

[clowninround]

That's the one I wanted actually but the bulb isn't a 20K, with the 20K you don't need atnics correct? I am new to [acronym:7b8dd1ed28="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:7b8dd1ed28]'s so please correct me if I have it wrong.

[captivereefs]

You can not get the 250 watt reefstar with a 20K but you can get a 14K. And you are correct with a 20K actinics are not needed. They are not needed with a 14K bulb as well. The 14K looks better then the 20k in my opinion since it is not as blue as the 20K and is a little whiter in color. THe coral colors will still look great underneath it though.

[clowninround]

I saw my friends today but didn't get the chance to ask what bulb she was using, but whatever she had, it was awesome. It made the water shimmer and it looked just like rays of sunshine in the water, will the 14k do that? If so thats what I want. I think I would rather have it whiter like you said, but enough where I don't need to run extra atinics. Sweet, I am getting so excited. Everytime I see their tank (they did an in wall as well) I want to start the project today...but I am going to stick with the plan. Ahhh, patience just isn't my thing .

[clowninround]

One more last question if I might ask...my husband told me he definately wants the 210, will 3 250w bulbs be enough? I don't need eye blinding light, but i am not sure what the rule of thumb would be. My tank is full of softies mostly but could i still get clams if I placed them up high?

[captivereefs]

The 250 DE in 14K would definately make the water shimmer and also support [acronym:f24a48700f="Small Polyped Stoney"]SPS[/acronym:f24a48700f] and clams if you had them.You would also have the blue affect that actinics give off but with out the extreme blue the 20K give out. 250 DE is very strong and i think you wqould be very happy with the 250 DE in 14K. 3 [acronym:f24a48700f="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:f24a48700f] bulbs is perfect for a 6' 210 tank.

[clowninround]

Sounds good, I'll be back in touch with you in a few weeks to make my order for one of them and maybe the skimmer too if our budget allows. Hoping to have everything by september.