Santa brought be a 60 gallon tank! Filter question

I must have been a good boy if Santa (aka my wife) got me a tank. Going saltwater but it's been 10 years since my last saltwater tank. Not up to speed on technology and whatnot. I had a canister filter before and thinking of doing that. But some say I shouldn't do canister and should get refugium. Besides the little I've read I'm not sure it makes sense for me. All the local fish stores in Philadelphia talk down to you if you aren't " in the know".
So any recommendations for filter and whatever I need? Like a protein skimmer. Last time I should have gotten a UV sterilizer because one fish came into the tank sick.
Ok anyway sorry to ramble but I need help and trying to add color.

Here is what I have and fish id like.
60 gallon tank with NO holes drilled
My dream fish is Powder Brown Tang. I need to work up to that but that's my goal.
No reef. Just live sand and some live rock
What's a good filter based on your guys experience?

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to 3reef Ballgame,

Congratulations on getting back into the hobby.

This thread has a lot of good tips and should help you get in the know.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/whats-important-successful-tank-108699.html#.Ur4wqLR2DIU

You'll want to spend the money to get a decent skimmer. Shop around and research, look to others running same size of tank.

Consider a quarantine tank set up as an alternative to the purchase of a UV for now. Quarantine is your best defensive against the introduction of disease to the display tank. You can get a UV down the road.

A tank with a decent skimmer and adequate live rock with a sump will work in place of a canister. If you're comfortable with a canister remember you'll need to do routine cleaning to keep the canister working in your favor.

 

Congrats on the new tank! Before you get to far with planning what fish you want, go to liveaquaria.com and check out fish on there for some basic research. You will see that a Powder Brown Tang needs a 6' long, 125 gallon tank minimum to keep one when full sized. But there are plenty of other awesome options for that size tank!

 

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.
I just need to get this up and running. I'm a ways away from getting any fish at this point.
That thread is very helpful.

 

welcome back to the hobby and to 3reef! If you're familiar with use of a canister and don't plan on having a sump and want to just have fish, go ahead and use a canister but you do need to keep it clean. I ran a FOWLR for about 15 years with a canister and seaclone (not a good skimmer but was fine on my FO) - there are also mods available that can increase its efficiency. Disclaimer - I'm not recommending a seaclone just sayin'

 

Welcome to the reef. You'll definitely will find all your answers here. The inso above helped me out a lot along with this link Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums. You also might want to also check your local craigslist for used items. But be sure to research what you want, find it, and research some more. I've been researching sumps and refugium and finally figure out how I want it. Enjoy!

 

I went and got supplies. Found a very helpful store and guy there really gave me great advice and guidance. Didn't talk down to me. It's funny but I've found so many saltwater tank snobs. You guys here have been great and look forward to contributing as a community member.
Welcome to Captain Nemo's Aquarium

I'll post what I got when I get home. Funny the fish that started all this I can't get because my tank is too small. Powder Brown Tang. Like mentioned above I need 120 + tank. 60 is just way too small and don't want to put a fish in a bad spot.
I shouldn't upgrade tank to get a bigger because I'm starting out again. So I'll learn the ropes again and find new fish.

 

I know it was a present, but if you are thinking about upgrading you may as well do it before starting with the 60G. I started with a 30G 2 years ago, setup a 55G this year, and I have 150G sitting in my garage which I will set up in the Spring. As everyone will agree, bigger is better, more water will aid in keeping your parameters in check and small mistakes will be less likely to upset the overall health of the tank. If your debating on a different size tank I say go for it. 120's have an awesome footprint.

 

Thought about it a day. I can upgrade to a 75 gallon for an extra $35. But it's not worth the hassle. Still not big enough for fish I want and don't really have space for anything larger. Especially 100+. All in all I'm doing good with 60. Time to get this up!
Truth be told don't have room for this tank. Finished basement to free up a room for one of my kids. Lucky to have what I have and I'm excited
Away we go!

 

Cool, good luck and have fun with it.