30x30x36 cube

[Cloran]

My friend is going to be starting a business and he wanted me to setup a reef tank for him. The specs are 30x30x36 with a 6" overflow in the middle. Its going to be a lowlight tank. Looking into running a Little Giant 3 pump, was wondering how quite they are? No sure on a skimmer yet. Might build my own sump for use. Probally going to run either VHO's or t-5's for lighting. It has to be low maintenance/ low cost tank.
1. which powerheads
2. which skimmer if used
3. VHO's or T-5's experiences a plus

[marinelife]

I would use a panworld or iwaki, I have had good luck with them.
If you size the pump correctly you could get away with no powerhead in the tank.
If you want a Powerhead I would use Tunze or Hydor KORALIA.
As for skimmer, I am not sure, I am not much of a skimmer fan.

I would use T5s for lighting.

[Cloran]

After getting prices on the tank, I talked him into going 48x24x24 acrylic
1. the pump needs to be as quite as can be, and efficent

[marinelife]

I have an iwaki right now and have had it for 11+ years.
The Panworld is about the same pump, I have also used them in the past and will get one for the new tank when I finish it.

There are more efficient pumps but the cost of getting them are higher.

[Cloran]

How quite are they? How good are vho's?

[marinelife]

I have my in my living room without issue and I use to run one in my bedroom.

CHOs are good but t-5s are better.

[Cloran]

What makes T-5's better? Other then the size issue?

[marinelife]

Here is a good write up about them: http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/0504/t5.html

[Cloran]

But can they match the intesity of MH? I'm looking at going 2x250SEMH over the
48x24x24 tank.
Heres my lighting setup so far
2x250SEMH 10k or 12k, prolly XM 10k
2x46" 54watt Athinic 420NM t-5's

[marinelife]

No MH would be better, I did not see that as an option in your first post.
This sounds good:
2x250SEMH 10k or 12k, prolly XM 10k
2x46" 54watt Athinic 420NM t-5's