rosslonghorns

I have two metal halides bulbs: Reeflux 250 watt, 12k bulbs with about 6 months usage on them. I also have two VHO bulbs: Super Actinic 110 watt VHO (46.5"). Looking to trade for some Zoo frags.

If you decide to frag it, I will take a piece. You can't go wrong with burnt orange! Go Horns! CWS here we come.

After working with a local business, I finally was able to get my hands on the new Reeflux 20k bulbs. I will be replacing both bulbs on my 250 watt SE halides. They're currently the Reeflux 12k bulbs, but after reading some different discussions and reviewing the actual PAR output from the bulbs, I've decided to try them out. From the stats, the PAR is greater on the 20k versus the 12k. Also since I only use my actinic VHO bulbs one hour in the morning and evening to simulate dawn / dusk, I thought it would be a good idea to try these. I got them on and wow, they're brighter and the color is very crisp. I will give them a few more days to burn in prior to taking pictures. Now need to go adjust my timers down to let the corals acclimate.

I know you don't want to part out, but I have a 180 gallon that some of the livestock would be happy in: I'm interested in the below if you do decide to part out. fox face (does it pick at anything? Zoos?) yellow clown goby pink spotted goby scooter blenny 5 or 6 turbo snails Free bump, nice tank. It looks to be a Tenecor. How thick is the acrylic?

One more check. Anyone has a loose MSX 250 skimmer laying around or another skimmer with body of 10"? I pulled out my current skimmer yesterday to clean it and the base plate is 9.25" and it was a tight squeeze. I'm not sure if I will be able to fit it. Well two of my three choices are gone now. Is it the Alpha 200 cone by Vertex or go with an external skimmer?

Well it is about time for an update. The wife and I were thinking about downsizing but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I have been battling the hair algae for almost two months now. With the use of AlgaeFix Marine and increased my water changes of ~40 gallons every two weeks, it looks like I may win the battle. I do have some diatoms (I believe) breaking out, but I think this is due to my bulbs being just over 6 months old. A buddy of mine was breaking down his tank so I was able to inherit some LPS. As a result, things are starting to fill up in the tank. I look forward to some extended stability and hopefully begin to see some growth. Full Tank Right Side of Tank Left Side of Tank What is the red coral on the far left side?

Ditto, good thing!

I will have to look into Vertex. I was looking at the Alpha cones. I currently have a Euro-Reef CS 8-1 and it is difficult and must wedge it between the stand and the top lip of my sump to get it to fit. I believe the body on it is 8".

With your external models, did you ever have any trouble with overflowing skimmer? I've had this happen a few times on my internal skimmers where the cup overflows. Has this ever occurred on your external? Some mechanism that they have that eliminates this possibility? This was a worry of mine.

Does anyone run an external skimmer? What are the pros / cons versus internal? Any pointers? I have a 58 gallon sump on my 180 gallon tank and due to its height and height of stand, I'm limited on the diameter skimmer body I can fit. I'm leaning towards a MSX250 right now due to cost / performance, but I'm not sure I can get it to fit in the sump. As a result, I've kicked around the idea of using an external skimmer and then converting the sump to a refugium. What do you think? Any negatives about an external skimmer?

We may try to venture north tomorrow and check out what RCA has. Anyone know if they're open tomorrow?

Or some other similar tank with dimensions of 36" or less right to left and at least 24" front to back that is also reef ready.

I'm still thinking about a downsize but haven't had a chance to check out what is locally available at the fish stores. One more check prior to buying a new smaller tank. Looking for something in the 30-90 gallon range, length 3ft or less with front to back >18 inches.

No go on the sump, the width is 1.5" too big. Looks like I will have to DIY it after all.

Jennifer, I'm interested in the Acrylic sump - $45 but I think the width is an inch too big to fit under my stand. I have already purchased the acrylic materials, but haven't foudn the time. If this fits, I would rather go this route. Anyway I can try a test fit? I will try to build up a template with cardboard this evening for the dimensions, so if that fits I definitely want it. Any dividers in it?

Princer7, Thanks for the feedback. So how do you like it? Any issues with the Sicce pumps?

Is this skimmer wet yet? I have an I-Tech as one of my top three choices and wanted to get your actual feedback on yours. How do you like it?

Well I believe I have my skimmer choices narrowed down to three items: 1) MSX 250 Skimmer 2) Vertex Alpha 200 Cone 3) I-Tech Skimmer I'm really leaning towards the MSX obviously due to price and I have read a lot of good things. Now I'm unsure if this will fit. Does anyone currently have a MSX 250 Skimmer? What is the actual footprint? Anyone have one not setup / wet that I can borrow for a test fit?

I do when I first put it into the water and it is adjusting to the temperature. I'm assuming it has some kind of delayed update. I haven't had a chance to watch it over a period of time but I do have the Rancho temperature controller that I use to control my heater. I can tell a significant difference from the temperature read out on it versus the Coralife. I rely on the Rancho and just use the Coralife as a daily quick view to make sure everything is in check. Hope that helps.

Check out the new Alpha cone skimmers by Vertex. They're manufactured by Royal-Exclusiv. Also the pump is awesome. I'm planning on purchasing the Alpha 200 model for my 180 gallon once it is available as the 250 is way overkill plus too big for my sump. They have another smaller model available, I think the 170. Premium Aquatics has a presale on them right now. I was also looking at the MSX Cone with Askoll and potentially the Warner Marine cone but don't like the fact it uses a Sicce.

Agreed.

Get it fired up!