Any input would help!

[stooge311]

I was just given a 90 gal tank with stand. It came with a sump and HOB overflow. No holes drilled into this tank. I don't think I will use the sump until I get things running for a few months. Couple of questions about the setup. The guy I got all of this from hasn't used it for a couple of years. There is sand in there, about an 1-1.5 inches. Should I take the sand out and start all over or should I keep it in there? I'm buying Formosa lights, 4X65 I believe. Sound good for FOWLR maybe some soft coral later on? Will three powerheads suffice (2 300 gph and 1 150 gph)? Titanium vs. glass heater; which is better? I've heard differing point's of view on this one. I have more questions but I won't overload on my first post. Thanks!

 

[stooge311]

Also, I've heard that you can wait to put a protein skimmer on. Is this true? I was looking to get an Aqua C Pro. Any other suggestions on skimmers are welcome. Thanks again! javascript:smilie('')
smile

 

[oceana]

I would keep the sand but be sure to wash it out first.
I would then seed it with some sand from your LFS
As far as the heater goes, like you said its all in who you ask. I have always used glass ones with no problems.
lighting should be ok assuming you dont want anything other then a few shrooms or somthing like them.
Why not set up the sump?? If ya have the stuff get it running full tilt now so you dont add any drastic changes later that could cause unforseen problems to crop up.
The powerheads plus the inlet for the sump should give you plenty of movement
the skimmer can wait ALITTLE since at first there really wont be anything to skim but if you have the cash i say get it now.
i also use the aqua C pro with the mag pump and LOVE it.
as a side note be sure to fill the tank with normal water and leave it somwhere that can get wet. somtimes when a tank sits for a few years dry the seals can crack. needless to say its better to figure that out BEFORE you fill it with your livestock

 

[trigger78]

Welcome to the board!
Yes, the aqua c remera pro is one of the best hang on skimmers you can buy, but unless you have the $200+ to waste then I would go ahead and set up the sump and get another aqua c in sump skimmer.
As far as the sand goes, I don't see what it would hurt to leave it in there unless the tank has been treated for desease. Just make sure you add another 40 to 60ibs of live sand. Then you'll be ready for live rock.
It may be easier for you to put the sand in before you add the water. It will be really cloudy for a day or so but it is much faster. After you get the water and sand, go buy some uncured or cured live rock. Start your cycle and you will be ready in a couple of weeks to a month.

 

[stooge311]

Good point about getting the sump set up. I do have a question about the sump and possible flooding. I have done a search on the threads here and I'm not really understanding everything. I have a HOB overflow with a U shaped pipe going out of the tank and into the overflow. The overflow is divided into two sections. One section is sealed off, no water can escape, and the other has the tube that leads to the sump. Do I put the U shaped tube into the chamber with the tube leading down or into the other one? My biggest fear is flooding. I have seen that some suggest drilling holes into the return line to prevent this, where on the return lin? I am also interested in getting a fuge set up too.I have a 29G FW that is not being used. Will that work and will I still need the sump? How do I determine where to place the chamber in the fuge? I got two pumps from the guy that gave me the tank. One looks to be submersible and the other has an input and an output. Should I just get a new one? Thanks for all your help!

 

[savage21]

I would get rid of the sand know telling what is in it . i would wash the tank well with vinger and water for what you could lose with bad sand it's worth getting new sand.
JMO
good luck with your new tank

 

[stooge311]

This tank is HEAVY! Should I just re-caulk all the seams? I could test it outside once it warms up but I want to get this going! I know, patience grasshopper. :jumping:

 

[cvk531]

yo, what does a protein skimmer do, i have one running, but i have no idea what it does!!!!!!!

 

[stooge311]

My understanding is that it takes a lot of organic material that is bad for the tank out of the water by grabbing the gunk off the top of the water. Not a scientific definition but I think it will work.

 

[stooge311]

bump