A New Newbie

[Ionian]

Hi everyone,

First, I want to say thank you for all the information you all share, I have read through so much already and learned a great deal. I am an experienced freshwater hobbyist, but am new to Marine.

I purchased a 'used' 75 gal. hex. set-up. It is currently not set up as I am refinishing the stand. The package came with:

Filters:
Fluval 304 Canister
Magnum 350 Diatomite Canister
Red Sea Fluidized (merlin)
Angstrom 2537 UV
Aquarium Systems Protein Skimmer

Misc:
Stealth Heater ETP 250
2 MaxiJet MP 1200 Powerhead
1 Red Sea Turbo D800 Powerhead
1 Zoo Med PS300 Powerhead
Marina Moon Lights
Full Spectrum LEDs attached to the hood

My main "FIRST" question is about the filters and the media to use. How should I set up the filters, in what order, how, etc. I intend on a live rock, fish, and soft coral to begin with. Thank you in advance.

 

[StartrTank]

There are people who use canister filters and are successful. But I would recommend going with a sump instead. Just my opinion.

 

[tomreefer]

i would ditch the canister filters and make or buy a sump.

 

[xdestry]

You can keep the canister filter and use it as a media reactor and put carbon, GFO, purigen and what not inside there. Remove all sponges inside including the one in the lowest compartment of the small removable trays and also the large rectangular ones in the red holder.

But yeah for a 75 gallon you should get a sump, as large as you can fit under the stand. This however will require a drilled tank which you did not specify whether you have or not. If it is not drilled you can drill it yourself if the glass is not tempered, its a lot of work and a lot of reading you will have to do to build the sump, overflow, return but it will be worth it in the end.

 

[Ionian]

OK, so I'm going to show my 'newbie-ness' but, I really prefer not to build or use a sump. I'd prefer to use the combination of filters that I have.

 

[Enseye85]

If you're going to stick with a canister filter, then that'll work. They are a great area to put various media and use like a reactor. The important thing to remember here is to change any mechanical filtration pads often. Its easy to get lazy with not changing these often enough. They catch a lot of detritus, which if it isn't promptly removed will contribute to the nutrient levels in the tank. A lot of us who run sumps use filter socks to to catch the detritus, and these get changed every couple days. Also, make it a point to periodically clean the entire canister filter. Think about things in the long run though. It may seem like a chore to get a sump up, but it will work out better for you.

 

[acabgd]

OK, so I'm going to show my 'newbie-ness' but, I really prefer not to build or use a sump. I'd prefer to use the combination of filters that I have.

You are going to take the harder route, but hey - you will learn along the way! One of the things you will learn is how much easier it is to run a saltwater tank with a sump.