I just bought my first tank It is a used 75 gallon tank. Going to pick it up tomorrow. According to the guy it has 65 pounds of live rock, a crushed coral bed, and an aqua clear filter(all for $250). I already know that I am planning on replacing the coral bed with mostly sand and possibly a small bag of live sand to seed it. I also want more live rock. What I am wondering is if I should switch to a sump and protein skimmer system, or if it would be adequate to just run this filter with the live rock and get a backpack skimmer? Any thoughts on this or other suggestions?
need filtration advice on a 75 gallon
- Thread starter hahnd37
- Start date
Skip the live sand.. you would be wasting your $. The live rock will seed any new sand you put in quickly. You can also use/mix in a few handfuls of the crushed coral into the sand to give it some texture.. that is ok to do.
As far as a sump... if the tank is not drilled for a sump it can be a big extra cost to add an overflow box/sump. If you are wanting a reef tank, then yes, I would recommend a sump, but if your just doing a Fish Only tank, then you can do fine without one, just get yourself a nice hang on back skimmer for the tank. MarineDepot.com sells AquaMaxx skimmers (look like the Warner Marine H1/H2 skimmers) or go with a Reef Octopus.
As far as a sump... if the tank is not drilled for a sump it can be a big extra cost to add an overflow box/sump. If you are wanting a reef tank, then yes, I would recommend a sump, but if your just doing a Fish Only tank, then you can do fine without one, just get yourself a nice hang on back skimmer for the tank. MarineDepot.com sells AquaMaxx skimmers (look like the Warner Marine H1/H2 skimmers) or go with a Reef Octopus.
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I would not worry to much right now just get the darn thing up and running then get some extra equipment later. I don't think you need a skimmer right of the bat , give it a little time ( baby steps) LOL
good luck M8 you well just love your aquarium
good luck M8 you well just love your aquarium
well i would put the sand in after the rock , if you put the rock on top of your sand bed most likly they well settle and shift over time and you could have a small avalanche in your aquarium, this happen to me once and my blenny never had a chance 
. I would just add the Live rock and sand use the filter that is supplied let the tank cycle for awhile cause you well have some die off just shipping the stuff . What kind light fixture do you have , and what type tank you setting up (reef, FOWLR)
I would go with a sump later on and a skimmer but not needed for the next month or so anyway
. I would just add the Live rock and sand use the filter that is supplied let the tank cycle for awhile cause you well have some die off just shipping the stuff . What kind light fixture do you have , and what type tank you setting up (reef, FOWLR)I would go with a sump later on and a skimmer but not needed for the next month or so anyway
