Set-Up-BRAND NEW 75G HELP!!!!!!!!! NEWBIE!

Nice catch Bob....didnt think about the phone aspect!

 

What does that mean ? I am not understanding... Sorry ;/

 

Alright, let me try to help out the best I can,
The first pic is the in tank skimmer box. That attaches to the other clear box that hangs on the tank with the tube coming out the bottom.
The fourth picture, the y comes from the return pump (5th picture all the way to the right) the 2 lines connect to the white PVC returns with the black nozzles that go in the tank. The U tubes go in the overflow box, they take the water from the DT to the hob (hang on back) overflow box.

Your protein skimmer is going to stay in the sump, you will only really want to e able to unscrew the collection cup on to and empty that and clean it.

I would replace the bulbs. Just so you know that they are fresh.

I would clean everything before setting up and putting water in it. You don't want to use tap water. RO/DI water is what you need.

As far as your sump. You want to get he baffles installed and let dry before putting water in. Watch videos on sump build or read it up, set it up how you think it's best. But that needs to dry before you put water in. Aquarium silicone normally requires 48 hrs to dry completely.

If you haven't already I would take the tank and sump outside and fill with water. You'll want to leak test before you set it all up. Don't want to set up in the house and then it goes out on you. Not fun. You can do this with tap water from the hose. That's no big deal. Also a good time to clean everything too.

Hope I helped a little.

 

ATI is a brand of bulbs.

Drilling the tank will replace the hang on overflow. It gets the water straight from the tank through a bulkhead fitting and then down to the sump. Replaces the skimmer box, u tubes and the hob overflow box and tube.

 

Give me an hour to get home and I'll attempt to break it down a little more succinctly.

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I feel much better about the whole thing!

 

Okay, I'll begin with the bulbs. ATI is a brand of t-5 florescent light bulbs (or tubes). Most people (making a generalization here) in the reefing hobby will tell you that ATI is one of, if not the best brand of t-5 lighting available. Each bulb will run you about $21, but they should hold their spectrum for 8-12 months. 2in10, who is a member and moderator of this site, will recommend you buy a 1:1 ratio of Blue Plus and Coral Plus ATI bulbs (I.E. a 4 bulb unit will want 2 Blue Plus and 2 Coral Plus bulbs). Alternate those bulbs in your unit. For a bluer look, put a Blue Plus in the front. For a whiter look, but a Coral Plus first.

A trusted site: Bulk Reef Supply - Search Results for ati bulbs

 

regarding drilling a tank:

Watch this quick video to give you an idea, as it will be easier to understand than you reading it from me: Glass-Holes Overflow Box Installation - YouTube

Your tank will look better internally by drilling it as it will reduce the clutter of things hanging over the back of your aquarium. It essentially hides some of your plumbing, making your tank look that much better. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, a local glass shop would do it for a reasonable price, I am sure.

A drilling kit can be found here: Aquarium overflow box 700gph

Your tank will look (from the side) like this (minus that black tubing):


As opposed to this:


Believe me, if you don't do it, you'll be wishing you did a 6 months from now.

 

Guys....take it easy, she is new. I know we want the best, but suggesting drilling a tank for a new person, is a little advanced. Lets just get her set up first, the after awhile, she will learn, just as we did. Use the K.I.S.S. method at first.

 

That's why I suggested having a local glass shop work do so (she asked too, for what it's worth). It is a lot to take in, but if you're going to do it, do it right the first time. Before she starts anything, she should do a LOT of research and make sure she sets up the tank the way she wants it. Drilling or not, there's going to be the overwhelming task of plumbing. Installing the overflow is the easy part, in my opinion.

Can't drill afterwards.

No harm in being exposed to the other options either.

Differing of opinion is a good thing, it gives here (posters) two schools of thought. Just my two cents.