filtration in reef tank?

[Carwin]

hi guys, i'm looking at making the switch from african cichlids to a reef tank.

i have a 90 gallon (60x18x18) reef tank. so far i've mostly concentrated on lighting needs but i need to start thinking about my sump.

currently i have a 20 gallon sump with a pile of bioballs, etc. it looks like reef tanks don't use bioballs? is that right? live rock and live sand does the filtration?

what do you recommend for a sump on my set up? i'd rather not have to buy one of those super expensive sumps. it looks like i could go with a 30g long tank?

Also, I have a used skimmer i bought at my LFS and the brand says "Excalibur" on it. Is this going to work or is it a piece of crap that I need to replace with something better?

Thanks for any suggestions you can help me with.

 

[fishguy597]

You want 20% of your dt capacity. so you should be fine with the 20gal sump . but if you can do the biggest pump under your tank.that you can. the more water volume the better. you can do a DIY sump with a.glass aquarium. if you have to drill it make sure the tank isn't tempered. With a reef tank you DO NOT run bio balls. The skimmer you are talking about I am not familiar with but I'm sure you can find reviews of it on line. good luck.

 

[Carwin]

thanks. the skimmer is pretty old. on google i found some stuff about it from about 7-8 years ago. lol. i may have to buy a new one.

i think i'll try to use a 30 gallon long tank for my sump. i thought of a 40 long, but it won't fit in my stand.

i also currently have one of those lifeguard systems with the paper filter, the carbon, and the uv. Do I want that with a salt set up? Or are they unnecessary?

Thanks again for any help.