planned set-up...

[DJ88]

Sushi,

Sweet deal.. I know someone in Vic who wishes he had found that deal. It is exactly what he wants to set up.. (Right Adam? [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img])

Sounds like you are going on the right track. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

With the MAG7's they do shut off if over heated. I haven't had any trouble re-starting after shutting them off unless the thermal protection has cut in. Then they are a bitch to re start. (I soaked mine in cooler water to get it started sooner). I run my tnak at 80 degrees. It sits there day in day out, plus or minus .8. It is quite possible that if you have higher spikes in the day this may happen.

Rather than put a second strip of PC's, which you will have to take off later to put the MH over the tank, why not go MH right away? Run the PC's as Actinics? A PFO 400W ballast is $170 or so. Run the tank with fish for a bit to save up the extra bit for the socket and pendant then go big. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] It will be cheaper to go MH now than after buying the PC's. Unless you have a use in mind for the PC's afterwards.. As I see it now you will be spending double the cash and will have to take one set of lights off. That is my impression tho. A 400W 6500K and 110W of actinic woudl work well That is some great light for a 50 gallon tank.

For a skimmer on a tank that size If you plan on staying with this tank and not going bigger down the road go for the PM Venturi skimmers. I run the 426 on my 33 and it is a sweet skimmer. High quality, runs well. You use a mag pump with it and it does a great job. The 626 is rated for 150 gallons and would work well. Other wise I'd say go really big and get a bullet. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] There are lots of otehrs out there.. but for locally sold I'd recommend the PM line. Hopefully more guys can help here. I know Marc runs a berlin XL on his big system. (Am I right Marc?). Maybe he can put a few bits of info in.

Well sounds like you are well on your way. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Can't wait to see it.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[ 01 November 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]