Sounds like a nice setup. Nice choice on the skimmer and powerheads.
Having 3 Kessil 360Ws over a 120, I would say you definitely need 3 over a 6'x2' tank. I like the look and simplicity of the Kessils and the controller is just icing on the cake. I do believe there are better LEDs out there...
+1 to TL1000RSquid and do yourself a favor and leave the princess anthias and catalina goby off your list all together. Your chances of success with these fish are slim even if you are a seasoned vet. If you want an anthias, consider a lyretail or a bartletts.
While you might be ok with a...
The only way to (safely) give the fuge and skimmer section varying flow rates is to divert water from the return. Don't restrict your drain(s) unless you are running a full siphon with backup drain(s) like a heribie or bean animal. With a standard durso drain, I would only recommend diverting...
You don't need to add anything for zoas. The IO is all you need. Zoas don't like a ton of flow and most don't like to be blasted with light. Stay away from the "micro" or "deep water" zoos to start with. Palys are another option. Lots of nice ones out there and most are very hardy as well.
if you are talking about a 4 bulb ATI fixture then yes, that will be plenty over a 20 inch tank. Cant get any better than ATI when it comes to T5s.
Is your GLO a fixture or individual retro fits?
If you're just talking about putting ATI bulbs in a GLO system then it will be better than...
Purigen is not GFO but performs similar. Bulk reef supply is the most economical place buy it but GFO is also sold as Rowaphos in LFSs. Keep in mind that GFO is something you use small amounts of (say about 2 tbsps in your tank) and once PO4 is under control, you only need to replace it every...
that area may provide enough space for some pods to hide but its not enough to realize and significant nutrient control via macro algae. I would run it clean with only carbon and GFO as well as some mechanical filtration that can be easily removed/cleaned.
Many skimmers have small holes at the top of the collection cup to vent air and keep the lid on if it overflows. I don't think you have enough air to make a difference but you could put some small holes in the collection cup "lid. Might help a little with performance.
Rena makes a good heater if you can find one. Jager is good as are the ViaAqua titaniums. I heard of some problems with the Cobalts early on but they appear to have corrected those issues with the newer units. Cobalt is a good company and would recommend their equipment.
Completely agree...
Diamond gobies are probably the most popular sand sifting fish in the hobby. The sand bed is not their only food source as they will eat prepared foods as well. They will also pair with pistols. However, they will definitely will sift a ton of sand regardless of how much you feed them and...
I would stick with the Red Sea. If this is going to be a reef, I encourage you to get ATI bulbs. With 6 bulbs, I would go with 4 Blue+, 1 Coral+ and an 1 Actinic. If you don't need a ton of PAR, you may want to swap out one Blue+ for another Actinic. Geisemann and Korallen-Zucht also make...
Very clever! If you are getting a yellow/brown collection in the "cup", then yes, it is working. How effective it ends up being will need to be gauged. There are a number of cheaper skimmers out there that are driven by air stones. However, most skimmers are driven by pumps that pull air as...