bbyatv

Can anyone give me some advice on which light might be a better choice. I am considering these 2 lights Current Satellite Power Compact 36" w/2 - 96Watt SunPaq total 192 watts Model 1015 http://www.current-usa.com/satellite.html Current NOVA Extreme T5 36" 4X39W total 156 watts Model 1121 http://www.current-usa.com/novaextreme.html My tank is a 30g 36w x 18h x 12d The NOVA extreme has T5 bulbs that I understand can do as well as MH if each bulb is high quality and has a high quality individual reflector. I do not think the NOVA light has individual reflectors for each bulb. I would like to keep some SPS in the tank. Any suggestions on what light to go with? I am not real keen on the TEK lights because they have to hang (and are not at least 36" long). Any advice would be appreciated especially if you have any experience with either of these models. Thanks, Bruce

I built my refugium out of a 10 gallon tank ($9 at Wallmart), 5 custom cut glass panes ($5 at Ace Hardware), Aquarium Silicone ($2 or $3), substrate (?), HF Pump ($95), PVC plumbing ($30), overflow box ($50 at Ebay), and 2 daylight compact fluorescent bulbs (5,500K, 26 Watts Each, $7 each at Home Depot) Total of about $180 or $190. It has done the trick with the Nitrates. I have two types of Macro growing in the refugium along with some live rock. I also built my skimmer for about $50 or so. Skimmer design 101 http://www.hawkfish.org/snailman/skimmer101.htm A good list of DIY plans http://www.hawkfish.org/snailman/snailmandiy.htm If you decide to do any DIY stuff feel free to hit me with any quaetions as I have traveled the road. I also did a real cool float switch to prevent overflowing the main tank if siphon is lost in over flow. Bruce

I would highly reccomend you read this article. I think it is all you will need. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm I had the same exact problem. It sounds like you need to start farming macro algae in your refugium. Bruce

Eric, I think I met you at Blue Ribbon Koi Products Inc today. Were you there taking pictures? Bruce