Im confused =/

So ive recently taken down my first saltwater tank. I only had a few fish in it so no big deal, just wanted to get a bit of knowlage about the hobby before i dived in. I made a lot of newbie mistakes like a hang on the back filter and a junkie protein skimmer. However thats becomeing a thing of the past.

After scowering the internet i found a nice 75 gallon tank with internal overflow and almost brand new. I also found a wet dry trickle filter desighned for a 300 gallon tank in hopes that i could easily modify it into a good sized sump/refugium for my new tank. i thought even if i built a refug i would need a trickle filter and protein skimmer as well. What is it that i really need for filtration ?Also for the record im going to put about 75 pounds of liverock in the display and it will most likely only be a fish only for now.

 

So what exactly are you confused about? It sounds like you have a nice plan forming so far..

 

If you not going to have a huge bio-load I suggest going simple. The Berlin Method, a skimmer and live rock. It must be adequate live rock. You can add carbon and floss or sponge for the mechanical filter.

You do not need a wet/dry or canister or HOB. The Berlin Method is tried and true.

The money you save of a wet/dry or canister can go into purchasing adequate live rock, upgrading your skimmer, or lighting. I would consider increasing the amount of live rock you purchase to around 90-100 lbs.

 

+1 110%

Canister, trickle, and HOB filters require a lot of extra maintenance; otherwise, they'll become the legendary nitrate factory. Extra live rock and a good skimmer are your best options by far.

 

I agree completely with Corailline.

 

Plus 1000 here. Spend that money on a skimmer that is as powerful as you can afford, with reason of course . Like a 90 gallon tank you should get a skimmer rated for 180 or a bit more. I have a rated for 300 gallon on my 150 and it is a beast. Another thing depending on the style and porousness of the LR you chose you may not need more. If they are sold non-holy pieces you will need more generally. Think amount of surface area, that is where the bacteria like to colonize nooks crannies holes and branches make the best live rock. Hope this helps, best of luck!
Heidi

 

Ok thanks guys. SO what your saying is that all i really need is a small refug and a good skimmer and thats ALL i need ? so what would you reccomed ? just a partitioned 10 g tank ?

 

A twenty gallon (shorter tank) would be perfect for your 75g. Think a simple 3 chamber sump would be easiest. One chamber for the skimmer. One for the refugium (macro algae, deep sand, live rock, stuff like that there are a ton of choices and the macro exports nutrients by absorbing it to grow). Have your drain split and send half your water into each of those 2 chambers. Then a third chamber to house your return pump. It can be smaller then the other 2. This very basic set up will do the truck of tons of other complicated and expensive designs, and yes with high quality live rock it is truly all you need
Heidi

 

Yes a fuge or sump is all you need. If you can go with a 20 gallons sump that would be better, more water volume. A ten gallon will do the job as well though.

 

I'd go with a 20 long if you can, more room the better, but whatever you can fit is better than nothing! Just watch you don't make the return section too small as this is where you'll see the rate of evaporation, if its too small you'll end up having to constantly top off or use and ATO