Questions - Need some input

Good day, Reef Addicts!

I have a lot of decisions to make for my new tank set up. (Rimless 60g 24"x24"x24") But there are two larger ones that are weighing on my mind heavily. The first one is my sump location (I'll do a separate blog entry on that) the second is my lighting system. I basically have my heart set on one of two options, but if anyone can convince me to change my mind, then props to them.

First option is to have 10 NO T12s.

Okay ...

my alk constumption high...I tested my alk a day ago and it was at 7 dkh...I added the amount needed in 2 days to bring to 9kh cuz I split it...well I tested this morning and it was back own at 7...I have a 108 gals al together 93 gal cube plus sump...I about 20 sps frags and a couple of lps and a clam and rbta....would this b accurate the amount being consumed or something im missing??

Hello everybody!,

So this Christmas I decided to treat my reef with a needed piece of equipment: the AquaMaxx Biopellet Reactor. I got the XL reactor as it was only an extra $40 or so and for when I upgrade to a larger system in the future. I went with the AquaMaxx brand mainly due to Melev's advice/review and bc I was impressed with AquaMaxx's quality, price, and customer service. For pellets I went with Ecobak, for no reason in particular, getting the 1000ml package.
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I have been using API test kits since I began my first reef 4 yrs ago. I trust the API for yrs. I recently bought a red sea pro test kit. Well I did a alk test last night and the red sea read alk at 9.8 dkh....Well I decided to test with the API and see how far off it is well it read alk at 7 dkh... I don't know which to trust far as which is correct...need a little help on this matter plz an than you..

A good friend recently bought a house that has a pretty sweet Reef setup, including a refugium.

The big issue is the owner completely neglected the tank for almost 2 years.

No skimmer, lights, water changes (just top off).

There still a few fish in there...but I see no coral growth but over all the equipment looks functional.

The tank & refugium TTL size is about 300 gal.

Long story short, what should I do to get this tank up and ...