Opinions on my planned setup

I am in the planning process of my new 75 gallon tank. I currently have the tank and had it drilled for the supply and return lines. I am in the process of building my stand and when I start to stain and poly it I am going to order the rest of the equipment. Here is a list of the equipment I was going to use.

Display Tank
Sump - Trigger Systems Ruby 30S
Return Pump - Eheim 1260 640gph
Refugium Light - JBJ macro-glo adjustable light
Protein Skimmer - Reef Octopus Diablo XS160
Rock - 40lbs BRS reef saver eco dry live rock
40lbs BRS Fiji dry eco live rock
Heater - 2x Finnex HPS 100W
Salt Mix - Brightwell Aquatics Neomarine

Quarantine Tank
10 gallon tank
Finnex 50W heater
Deep Blue ProSonge Biofilter
Air pump to run sponge filter
PVC fittings for hiding places

My plan is to have the sponge filter running in my sump so that it will be ready to go when I need my QT.

Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Also, for those running the Ruby 30 what are you using below the foam filter block? Their website says that you can use bio balls, carbon media, or other.

 

Hello and welcome to 3REEF!
It sounds like you have a good list and a lot fun ahead of you. As far as your sump I don't have that model I just made one out of a 20 gallon tank.
I do believe that the people who still use bio balls mostly use them for FO or FOWLR set-ups, not so much with reef tanks. Good luck and have fun!

 

I'd run whatever your favorite chemical filtration medium is beneath the foam block, no bioballs. Also, don't forget to rinse the foam block out in used tankwater at least bi-weekly.

 

That was a question I had I forgot to ask. Was not sure if I needed to replace the block every so often or just clean it. Would there ever be a time where I would want to replace it?

 

Question on the dry rock. I was planning on using 40lbs BRS reef saver eco dry live rock and 40lbs BRS Fiji dry eco live rock. Since this rock is dry and not wet do I still need to cure it? Or can I simply rinse it off and have it in the tank as it cycles?

 

Sometimes dry rock that hasn't been cleaned by the vendor still has a good amount of organics on it...dried, but still organics. If the rock hasn't been cleaned, you can give it a good brushing in water. I like to use a pressure washer on suspect rock, or rocks that I plan to dry.

 

It may be too late but look into a herbie overflow. Loud tanks are no fun for me. I would never set up a new tank without a herbie ever again. The eheim 1260 works amazing for a 1" or larger drain herbie setup.

Also, if you use a herbie, get a gate valve, not a ball valve.

About your dry rock.. There are many opinions. Some say: rinse, cook, or vinegar bath.

I rinse with tap water a couple times. It hasn't screwed me yet(fingers crossed).

If you are seriously concerned about leeching organics, cooking is the best way to go. (you can google: "cooking dry rock" for more information)

 

I was thinking of using BRS Premium ROX 0.8 Aquarium Carbon under the foam block.