Lighting recommendations for large sump/fuge (230gal)

[sphelps]

How about a T5 setup, you could use KZ fiji purple bulbs. Since algae really only requires red and some blue spectrum it would likely be your most efficient choice. You could just use a new wave fixture from SS, very cheap yet effective fixture.

230 gallon sump sounds pretty big, you may just be adding unnecessary water to your aquarium which will require more expensive equipment and more maintenance. A 230 gallon display has plenty water volume as it is, your best best would be to minimize your sump volume.

[bassman]

Originally Posted by sphelps

your best best would be to minimize your sump volume.

Huh, you aren't serious are you? I would have a 1000 gal sump if I had room.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by bassman

Huh, you aren't serious are you? I would have a 1000 gal sump if I had room.

Well yeah I am serious. What benefit does the extra volume serve? 230 gallons alone is plenty for stability. All you're doing is adding more water to keep clean, hence large equipment needed. Larger water changes. More energy to heat and cool. More evaporation, meaning more humidity. Much less efficient

It's kind off like putting a Semi-Truck engine in your neon.

[bassman]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Well yeah I am serious. What benefit does the extra volume serve? 230 gallons alone is plenty for stability. All you're doing is adding more water to keep clean, hence large equipment needed. Larger water changes. More energy to heat and cool. More evaporation, meaning more humidity. Much less efficient

It's kind off like putting a Semi-Truck engine in your neon.

Hmm, well I guess we'll agree to disagree on this one.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by bassman

Hmm, well I guess we'll agree to disagree on this one.

Fair enough. but what's your reasoning?

[bassman]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Fair enough. but what's your reasoning?

I am a firm believer in the more water the better. More stability, more room for live rock (I don't want 230 lbs of live rock in my main tank). Much greater nutrient export possibilities with a huge fuge. Larger bio load capacity for the main tank (if I need it), things like that.

I already have 90% of the "large equipment" req'd to run it. Just need lights now.