You guys talked me into the 180, now help me put it all together! Pockets will be pretty deep on this project, but that doesn't mean I want to spend money I don't have to. I want quality stuff, but I don't wanna pay an extra 200 bucks for a pump that for all intents and purposes performs as well as another. I do need the opinions of the experts! Here's what I'm currently thinking.
I'm going to do bulkhead filtration/returns. Have the ability to automate water changes via the ACIII. I'll have to get someone to come out and hook up some plumbing. I also would like to be able to take the waste water and irrigate my landscaping outside since I live in a desert. I feel bad just flushing the water after I paid for it. I'm probably going to do mostly "low maint" plants (swords, crypts, etc) but want to have the option to go for some of the more light demanding plants if I want. Will probably end up a discus tank once I master the plant side.
Here is the equipment I'm considering.
Bio Filter: Nu Clear 547
Mech/Chem Filter: Nu Clear 533
Heat : (2) Pentair Single (which heaters fit in these things?)
UV: Pentair QL 25T
CO2 Injector: Mazzei Injector
Controller: ACIII
Things I'm not sure on:
Pump: Open to suggestions. Would like to keep 1" plumbing if possible. I know the Iwaki's are popular around here, but they are also pretty pricey and I've heard rumors that they aren't all that energy efficient. My desires from a pump are reliable, quiet, and efficient. I'm thinking that I'll probably end up getting a second pump either on initial set up or several months down the road and add extra filtration and heat.
Light: Might go w/AH supply kits and build a hood, but also like the looks of some of the fixtures. Strongly considering use of MH for a 2-4 hour "noon" period in addition to PC/T5 but that poses configuring issues.
CO2 Regulator: no idea...open to suggestions.
What else did I forget?
Thanks in advance!
I'm going to do bulkhead filtration/returns. Have the ability to automate water changes via the ACIII. I'll have to get someone to come out and hook up some plumbing. I also would like to be able to take the waste water and irrigate my landscaping outside since I live in a desert. I feel bad just flushing the water after I paid for it. I'm probably going to do mostly "low maint" plants (swords, crypts, etc) but want to have the option to go for some of the more light demanding plants if I want. Will probably end up a discus tank once I master the plant side.
Here is the equipment I'm considering.
Bio Filter: Nu Clear 547
Mech/Chem Filter: Nu Clear 533
Heat : (2) Pentair Single (which heaters fit in these things?)
UV: Pentair QL 25T
CO2 Injector: Mazzei Injector
Controller: ACIII
Things I'm not sure on:
Pump: Open to suggestions. Would like to keep 1" plumbing if possible. I know the Iwaki's are popular around here, but they are also pretty pricey and I've heard rumors that they aren't all that energy efficient. My desires from a pump are reliable, quiet, and efficient. I'm thinking that I'll probably end up getting a second pump either on initial set up or several months down the road and add extra filtration and heat.
Light: Might go w/AH supply kits and build a hood, but also like the looks of some of the fixtures. Strongly considering use of MH for a 2-4 hour "noon" period in addition to PC/T5 but that poses configuring issues.
CO2 Regulator: no idea...open to suggestions.
What else did I forget?
Thanks in advance!