Fluval 404

I bought a Fluval 404 a few weeks ago to set up a FO tank as this was suggested over the Emperor 400 I was looking at. Well since I have been reading and this was a big mistake. How can I use this filter? I am going to take out the pre filter to try to help prevent any problems. I am thinking as a power head and to run carbon. Once my base rock seeds I also plan to remove the bio material slowly or should I leave it in.
Since then I have purchased some live rock and alot of base hoping to seed it. I also have 60lbd carib sea reef sand ag + 20lbs caribsea live sand. I have ordered a aqua c romera skimmer W/ 1200 pump.
Thanks for any help I am a beginner.

 

what filter would anyone recommend for $120 I called pet smart and they will return the filter! A hang on refugium or DIY

 

Even the emperor.
Back in the 90's I ran quit a few fo setups with a couple of emperors and and a visi-jet skimmer.
As a mater of fact my 26 gal seahorse tank is run by an emperor and and a visi-jet skimmer.

 

how big is this tank?

 

55 Gallon FOWLR and DSB I am not look at keeping anything too delicate but if I could it would be nice.
How does this set up look? I know I would also need a pump. Could I use this as part of a sump set up? Also I have read that the bio balls cause problems when not cleaned well what would you suggest?
http://www.aquacrylics.com/aquarium_filters.htm

 

IMO, for a canister filter 404s are not that bad. I ran one on my old 130 FO for years with no problem. I have one on my 72. I use it for pure mechanical filtration. I used Rainbow Lifeguard Fluidized Beds for aerobic biologic filtration and still use them on my 72 and 55. You would be stunned at how overcrowded my FO's were with no ill effects. Especially after I had to move all the fish from my 130 to the 72 and 55 when the 130 sprang a leak. My older 404 finally crashed. (It needs a new impeller.) 5 years non-stop for a cheap canister and just needing to replace an impeller isn't too bad.

 

Of course, if I was starting from scratch I wouldn't go that route.

Have you considered a DIY sump? For a 55 they are really pretty easy to build and can save you a few bucks.

 

I have the opportunity to retun the 404 still so I was looking for a better route. I was looking at the diy sumps but cannot find any step by step instructions yet That I feel I can follow. I feel that I am good at building things so would give it a try.

 

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

 

What did your water test like with the life gaurd. I found them online for 45+sh. It looks intresting what is maintence like with them. Also how did you maintain your filter.