New 75gal tank on the way!

My friends are buying my 55gal upright, so I am buying a 75gal to replace it. Just scored a deal at my LFS for a 75gal corner flow pre-drilled for $200 brand new. Going to be stepping my game up thanks to you all! I plan on building my own base and ordering lighting. This will be quite the chore for me. I'm a bit nervous but can't wait to get it going. I'll update pics as I go. Wish me luck!

 

Awesome! A 75 is a nice upgrade from a 55 upright. That is a good deal too for a brand new one. Congrats!

 

Couple questions if I may.. Tank is new, do I need to clean or wipe it down before I start adding water? If I use HOB filter for now what will I have to do when I eventually switch over to a sump? It's pre drilled, will I have to drain the tank to set up the sump? I'm using live sand, how deep of a layer should I use? 2-3"?

 

I would fill it up with tap water to do a water tight test on it. Then just drain it all out, wipe it down with RO/DI water, and fill it back up and then mix the salt in (before adding sand or rock). I would strongly recommend getting your sump now instead of waiting. But if you must wait, you will need to plug the holes temporarily. Depending on the bulkhead design, you may be able to just install a plug on either side of it. Then just fill the tank up to just before it starts oveflowing (after your rock and sand are in, as these will take up volume).

But again, I strongly recommend getting the sump online now. It will be 10x easier to do it now than after it is up and running.

 

I agree with Marshall O get a sump now it will be easier. Check craigslist I see tanks in there all the time you can use for a sump for cheap. I bought a 55 gallon a month ago for 40 dollars. I seen a bunch in Orlando when I was looking you guys are close to there.

 

I have the design of my stand figured out. This will be an open ended question, but what type of sump will I need for a 75gal tank? I'll look into it while reading your advice, but money is tight and I need to get this up and running as quick as I can without sacrificing the integrity of the tank. If getting a sump now is what I need to do, I'll start looking. Just someone tell me what I'm looking for! Do I need a 55gal for it? My friend has a 20gal empty tank, will that work? Thanks for all the help peeps

 

To save time look for pre made sumps. Our LFS stores will know what size you need. Just ask for a pre made sump for a 75 gallon tank.

 

I'm looking online now. The first one I found was an Eshopps single reef sump 75gal acrylic for $137. This is in my price range if this is a good sump?

edit: From reading I think I need bigger sump than a 75gal? Most reviews on that sump are for 55gal...

 

I'm not sure why you'd want a sump the same size as your DT.. IMO, it's a waste. The 20G sump I have is plenty of room to support my 90G DT.

 

Bigger water volume = more room for error. I have a 20 High plumbed into a 150 gallon stock tank for my frag system .... the more water the better!