Newb - 75 Gallon Just Starting

Well I've been reading for a long, long time and finally decided to start setup of my tank. I got the tank and stand from my wife for a birthday gift and let it sit around a few years. Now, after a ton of reading (and two kids who made it tough to spend the time setting it up), I'm ready to start. I've decided to work very slowly and have used a lot of advice I've read here.

I decided to go with a very basic sump design for my first tank with no intent for a refugium. Maybe later, but for now, my intent for the sump was to extend the overall tank volume (hence the 2 x 13 gallon buckets) while also fitting the skimmer and allowing for heaters and nutrient loading/water changes. Picked out the skimmer - an AquaC EV-180 fed by a Mag 7.

I've finished the plumbing, which includes a Pan World 50PX-X return pump, and looks good for now. Now time to order the lights.

As I gain some experience I intend to add some coral, but expect that to be 6+ months away at least, so initially it will be live rock/sand and minimal fish.

Will continue to read up a lot from the site and update on progress. Here's the first pic.

 

Looks like a great start. I'd like to see some more pictures of just how you have the buckets plumbed together. Looks like a good DIY sump design.

 

look like a good start to me good luck

 

abolkhovsky
welcome to 3 reef, thats a nice sized tank to work with
taking your time is a great idea , build it up slowly and enjoy it for many years

Steve

 

Looks like its going to be an interesting build. keep us posted and continue to ask questions and read up as much as you can. Also ask how others have done things and it can save you time and money.