180gal setup questions - wet/dry vs sump AND lighting

Hello,
I have been reading ALOT of the threads and am more confused than ever.
The tank I have is an Oceanic 180 - non-drilled, and has a 1/2" thick
center brace across the top of the tank.
I have had a fish-only 180 marine tank that I had to dismantle due to
some remodeling. That is done and I am ready to set the tank back up. I am
hoping to move more to reef so I am looking 1) to upgrade the lighting from
basic flourecents to MH /PC lights. I have been looking at a 72" fixture
from Orbit and Current.
2) I have been using an Amircle Wet/Dry filter and a AETech Reef Devil
Deluxe protien skimmer. I have changed the overflow boxes to a CPR Aqautic
CS150 continuous Siphon. I am thinking of removing the bio-balls and filter
pad to change the wet/dry into a sump/refregum. This will help with micro
bubbles from the protien skimmer not getting back into the tank and help
with Nitrates.
Suggestions?

If your wet dry is not very large, you might consider
changing the wet dry for an aquarium as a sump. A good
sized aquarium will give you more room to work with.

Also don't skimp on lighting. If you can't aford to buy
real good lights now, don't upgrade your lights at all
untill you can do it right.

Aim for 5 or more watts of light per gallon.

Again I repeat, don't by any lights to upgrade your tank
untill you can do it right. Don't skimp figuring that you
can improve it later. Do it right the first time.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



hh wrote on 7/2/2006 11:58 PM:
Hello,
I have been reading ALOT of the threads and am more confused than ever.
The tank I have is an Oceanic 180 - non-drilled, and has a 1/2" thick
center brace across the top of the tank.
I have had a fish-only 180 marine tank that I had to dismantle due to
some remodeling. That is done and I am ready to set the tank back up. I am
hoping to move more to reef so I am looking 1) to upgrade the lighting from
basic flourecents to MH /PC lights. I have been looking at a 72" fixture
from Orbit and Current.
2) I have been using an Amircle Wet/Dry filter and a AETech Reef Devil
Deluxe protien skimmer. I have changed the overflow boxes to a CPR Aqautic
CS150 continuous Siphon. I am thinking of removing the bio-balls and filter
pad to change the wet/dry into a sump/refregum. This will help with micro
bubbles from the protien skimmer not getting back into the tank and help
with Nitrates.
Suggestions?