Nano Reef

[greech]

Acrpora = SPS and some are the most light demading corals. I would go with the PAR 38s with 3 watt bulbs if you plan on those being the dominant corals. Note that SPS also require water quality to be fairly stable (nutrient and element wise). Might want to consider sticking with LPS and softies for a while.

 

[mudskipper10]

Lps only is fine for me until a possible future lighting upgrade as my budget is fairly limited now hope fully ill be able to get the tank and filter before July any coral suggestions? I like blue and green ones best already found some on liveaquaria and at my Lfs but id rather have some more options

 

[SubRosa]

Completely agree on the Aquaclear. Possibly consider an AC 70 or even a 110 to allow more room (to put a heater and media in). You can mod the impeller to slow the flow but you may not need/want to do that as the filter turnover may provide all the flow you need for a 7.5 gallon (no bulky powerhead needed in the tank). You can also swap the AC 70 impeller with a AC 50 impeller without modding anything. The length of the drop tube might be of concern but I am fairly certain you can cut those to fit. You can also check inTank for their AC parts (nice media baskets, etc.). If you do need more flow with the filter, +1 to the koralia nanos.

Click on the filter size and it will give you some products that work with the filter...

http://shop.mediabaskets.com/AquaClear_c44.htm

The 110 media basket that hold a tunze 9002 skimmer is expecially nice. Saw one of these in person not long ago...

http://shop.mediabaskets.com/AquaClear-110-Media-Basket-Fits-Tunze-9002-AC110MRX.htm

A PAR 38 type bulb may be worth looking into. These screw into any standard light fixture. However, unless this will be an SPS dominant tank, I think it will be too much light for that little tank unless you hang it fairly high above the tank.

http://www.marinedepot.com/LED_Light_Bulbs_for_Saltwater_Reef_Aquariums-FILTBULD-ct.html

http://www.ecoxotic.com/ecoxotic-par38-aquarium-led-lights.html

Other option is the ecoxotic pro module. As long as you don't plan on going SPS or clam route, you should be fine with any LPS or softies. I would get the blue/white (10 to 12K) model and possibly add a all blue pro module or a all blue stunner strip (cheaper and less wattage). Note the stunner strips alone will NOT be enough for any corals. You don't want a ton of light overt that little tank or you will fry your corals.

http://www.ecoxotic.com/panorama-pro-module.html

http://www.ecoxotic.com/stunner-led-strips.html

By the way, not to point you to another forum but here is a nice Mr. Aqua 7.5 build you may want to look at...

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/284749-maestros-75g-mr-aqua-build/

Holy mother of reefkeeping! Although I think that it's a bit overpriced, that basket for the AC 110 that holds a Tunze 9002 just gave me ideas, considering my 47 is running an AC 110 and a 9002 with the skimmer taking up tank space and shading one corner of the tank! I think a PAR 38 is the way to go, and one thing to consider is that they're dimmable.I personally like the Orphek PR25 UV, but it's not the cheapest out there.

 

[mudskipper10]

I think im gonna stick with t5s but thanks

 

[greech]

I agree that are a little steep. They are nicely made though and most importantly, they do function really well! Excellent point on the dimmability. Other advantage to the PAR 38s is that you can use them on a larger tank should you decide to upgrade. Ecoxotics aren't much use past a nano/pico unless you just want to add a little color.

T5s will definitely work but they're gonna generate heat and most likely will require a fan. Heat + fan = increased evaporation.

 

[Neatfish]

Hey good luck. Sometimes I feel like taking my picotope because it's a ton of work to keep stable.

 

[mudskipper10]

Thanks Neatfish I will look into par38s. Are ricordeas good corals to look into?

 

[mudskipper10]

Par 38s it is

 

[mudskipper10]

I just don't like the look of the light fixture

 

[TL1000RSquid]

Rics are pretty nice, easy to care for.