75g Set Up Advice

[lauraleighx3]

Hi there!
New to this site, I wanted to get some advice on a set up I have/if I should change anything. I have an older 75 g set up, it was my parents over 10 years ago and has just been sitting around since then, and I'm finally ready to set it up. It has an Oceanic trickle filter model 75. No protein skimmer or anything else. So my question is this, I was looking into the new Fluval G6 canister. Is a canister filter better than what I have? I know I should have a good protein skimmer but I'm not sure how I would set it up the G6 and a protein skimmer. And with performance and money being a factor, what protein skimmer would you guys suggest?
I'm not sure what to actually do with the tank either, it has several large pieces of bleached coral. I was told they were pretty expensive, is this true? I was thinking for this tank I would do FOWLR, but should I keep the bleached coral? I feel like it's a totally different look than the live rock.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Attached are pictures of my current, empty set up. Doesn't have any water in it either.

[/IMG]

 

[lauraleighx3]

 

[jay0705]

The coral is up to you. The stuff on the lr will grow on it eventually. Its really about what u like. Now w the filter. Some people HATE canister filters others have no issues. Myself I run a hob filter in my 75 gal fowlr. Rated for 90 gal. I have about 70lbs of lr. Always adding a price

 

[jay0705]

Oops my bad lol a piece here and there. I do not use a skimmer. My tank is young about 7 months old I plan to get one I just haven't yet. My fish are nice and healthy so iam in no rush. I do however do weekly water changes.

 

[geridoc]

For a FOWLR the trickle filter will be fine, just keep an eye on the nitrate levels long-term, and make regular water changes. Your bleached coral heads are fine, but you might consider adding one or two pieces of live rock just for the micro fauna they will bring. It is hard to tell from the picture, but if that is crushed coral on the bottom, then now, before starting the tank, would be a good time to switch to sand: it is easier to maintain, and eventually you will want a wrasse, and they are incompatable with crushed coral. What is the purpose of the PVC pipe in the foreground bottom? It might have been used as a burrow for an eel. If so, hide most of it under the rock work.

 

[flower]

Hi,
Welcome to the site!
I LOVE your dried coral pieces, and yes it is expensive. I agree with GeriDoc, get a few pieces of live rock...the (live) branch rock will match up with your coral pieces quite nicely and not look out of place. Ditch the substrate, and get some live sand, (this site sells really good live sand)...two inches deep is enough, unless you really want the fish that burrow. Make sure the rock and dried corals are on the bottom of the tank and sand around it. Quite a few SW critters tend to dig, and shifting sand could let something get trapped, crushed or if you have enough rock...it could break the tank if it topples.
A 75g is nice size, much better then a 55g

 

[lauraleighx3]

Thanks for all the help! The PVC is actually just part of the filter, but it just happens to be sitting in the tank at the moment. Ill def ditch the crushed coral. It's just in there from before. I was actually thinking of going with the black live sand, I love the look of it. How much live rock would you suggest adding?
And finally, I need to replace the pump that's in that picture. It no longer runs, but I don't know what to replace it with. I did some research and found the Ehiem 1260 universal pump. Would this provide a sufficient flow for a 75 g tank?

 

[jay0705]

If u can find just black sand that would be fine. Mix w a bag of live and it will seed the whole sand bed.Its cheaper than doing all live. The rock most sources say a pound per gallon. Honestly it depends on the fish u want to keep. In my case I'll prob have 80-90 lbs in my 75. Only BC my angel and fox like grazing on it. Minimal I'd say at least 40-45 tho