Hello All,
I've posted a couple of times in the lighting and hardware forums but as this question is all encompassing I figured I'd put it here.
I've just moved house and previously I was running a Juwel Rio 180. Its a bit scratched and a bit retro for my new lounge so I want something that looks contemporary and fits in with my new surroundings. This is where you guys can help me make a decision. All in I cannot spend more than £500.
Problems:
With the Juwel Rio I have some problems. I cant get the level of CO2 in there which I would like to have an algae free healthy tank. I have an Eheim Pro 3 2080 (i think) which at full whack can turn over 1500LPH. I also have a Koralia power head to supplement. I have an inline Hydor heater and an UpAqua inline CO2 diffuser. The size of my current tank is just a bit too big for the equipment I have to get a great flow and a great CO2 injection/distribution. On top of this the lighting is knackered so need new lighting. I've never had excellent growth (healthy, not speedy) and always struggled with something in this tank so I've decided on downsizing but using the same equipment. I plan on using cat litter for substrate and already have this.
Options:
I foresee I have 2 options:-
1) A custom Optiwhite 80x40x40 (128 liters). I would have to build or purchase a cabinet and this would push the budget to its maximum. LED lighting would be my preferred option but might not be a reality on this setup. Performance wise, how would this option compare with the 180l? I'd ideally use lily pipes and have flow directed from one end of the tank.
2) An off the shelf TMC signature 60x40x40 (96 liters). No building needed but is perhaps a smaller tank than I would like. LED lighting is more affordable for this tank and performance I am certain would be sufficient. As above, I'd use lily pipes in the same configuration.
So, my questions...
What tank would you go for and with what lighting?
I've posted a couple of times in the lighting and hardware forums but as this question is all encompassing I figured I'd put it here.
I've just moved house and previously I was running a Juwel Rio 180. Its a bit scratched and a bit retro for my new lounge so I want something that looks contemporary and fits in with my new surroundings. This is where you guys can help me make a decision. All in I cannot spend more than £500.
Problems:
With the Juwel Rio I have some problems. I cant get the level of CO2 in there which I would like to have an algae free healthy tank. I have an Eheim Pro 3 2080 (i think) which at full whack can turn over 1500LPH. I also have a Koralia power head to supplement. I have an inline Hydor heater and an UpAqua inline CO2 diffuser. The size of my current tank is just a bit too big for the equipment I have to get a great flow and a great CO2 injection/distribution. On top of this the lighting is knackered so need new lighting. I've never had excellent growth (healthy, not speedy) and always struggled with something in this tank so I've decided on downsizing but using the same equipment. I plan on using cat litter for substrate and already have this.
Options:
I foresee I have 2 options:-
1) A custom Optiwhite 80x40x40 (128 liters). I would have to build or purchase a cabinet and this would push the budget to its maximum. LED lighting would be my preferred option but might not be a reality on this setup. Performance wise, how would this option compare with the 180l? I'd ideally use lily pipes and have flow directed from one end of the tank.
2) An off the shelf TMC signature 60x40x40 (96 liters). No building needed but is perhaps a smaller tank than I would like. LED lighting is more affordable for this tank and performance I am certain would be sufficient. As above, I'd use lily pipes in the same configuration.
So, my questions...
What tank would you go for and with what lighting?