Well after a ton of research, I finally ordered my first sw reef setup.
I decided to go with a Cad Lights 100g Artisan II (
http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=47&products _id=250 ). I found them as I was researching protein skimmers and came across some good reviews on the Cad Lights TIA 1220. I dealt with Phil in Quebec and he has been fantastic to deal with. I liked the fact that it is 1/2" starfire glass with a center overflow (which is what I was looking for) with durso drain with modified herbie style, a 30g sump, refuge light, protein skimmer (went with the upgraded 1220), plumbing, return pump, black cabinet and light hangers. I have read lots of reviews and these systems are supposed to be quite attractive and very quiet.
I have to say that researching sw setups and all the various ways to set them up was quite overwhelming for me as I am new in the hobby (only have had fw tanks) and just moved to a new area and didn't know anyone who has any sw experience. I knew I wanted a setup with a sump and especially for my first setup I was hoping to find something that already had plumbing etc. I looked at the Red Sea and beside the fact that they are quite expensive, they didn't seem to be very customizable and I am sure that down the road I would want to have that flexibility.
My lights are 2x 120w programmable full spectrum LEDs.
My aquarium arrived and unfortunately the sump was broken and I was missing the protein skimmer, return pump, plumbing and refuge light. After finally getting this sorted out, hold ups at customs, modifications I did to the sump layout to give me a larger refugium and plumbing, I finished my leak test and I am happy to report have begun the cycle process.
Here is a pic of the tank empty and during my leak test and the sump setup.
Since I have had the tank running for a bit, I have decided to get a Tunze ATO which should be installed soon.....
Tank_NEW.jpg
Tank2_NEW.jpg
tmp_Sump-950111062_NEW.jpg
tmp_Sump2-1003421514_NEW.jpg
Andy