What needs to be done first

I have a 75 gallon SW tank with a 36in 96w 10k and 96w actinic, a very small sump with a 500gph return pump, 2 power heads that total only move like 400gph, HOB prism protein skimmer, and a UV sterilizer. with that equipment listed, I know it all needs to be ungraded, my question is, what needs to come first and what can wait? cash flow slowed real fast so any help would be awesome.

 

Well depending on whether you have or want corals, I would say lights then skimmer then power heads. The sump you may want to upgrade but is not necessary. Return is a little under rated, but again, not necessary, at least immediately.

 

oh I did forget to mention there is a skimmer in the sump also but it isnt a name brand skimmer, so I honestly dont know what it is rated for. I dont know if this will change your thoughts.
thanks

 

I would get a skimmer first and get rid of the prism. Now......skimming and lighting are the two things you do not want to skimp on. It is something that needs to be done right the first time or you just spend more money later. Here are my standard choices for in sump skimmers:

PM Bullet-1 (or 2 if you plan to upgrade)
E.T.S.S. Reef Devil Deluxe (or 600XR if you plan to upgrade)
E.T.S.S. Evolution 500 (or 750......)
AquaC EV-180 (or EV-240......)
ASM G1X (or G2.......)
Reef Octopus DNW-150 (or DNW-200......)

So there are a few in sump varieties to look at. Yeah...I know. Expensive. But you really do get what you pay for in skimming. They require a reasonably sized sump. If you are unable to do a larger sump, the only HOB skimmer that is worthy enough IMO (and reasonably priced) is the:

Aqua Medic Turbo Flotor 1000 Multi-SL

You are still looking at a few bills easy......but it is a solid skimmer for a HOB type.

After you get your skimming done, I would work on powerheads. Two Koralia-3s and one K-4 (along with your 500GPH) will bring you up to speed (50x turnover).

Then we can get into the lighting. I have had my set up going for ten months now with a POS lighting system. It the last of my big spendy items to get.

So just take it a bit at a time. Within the next year, you should have everything up to par.......and then find something else you tank NEEDS!!!!

Peace.......John.

 

keeping your equipment the first things you would need is sand and live rock. or just live rock if you are planning on going bare bottom.