Filter/Powerhead/Substrate ??s

[jimlevan]

Hi guys..thanks in advance for answering my ?s - Just got a 75 long, and it came w/ an old fluval 403 that was cracked..so now i need a new filter...can anyone recommend anything..my budget is tight right now, but still i don't want to cut corners. Should i go canister, skimmer, undergravel...what??
...also, i need a good powerhead or two...any reccomendations...
..and last, what would be the best substrate to use for my tank..planning on making it a fish only aggressive tank - mainly triggers/lions/eel...would sand be the best, or small grav, or crushed coral??
Thanks!!

 

[cubsfan]

Most people use a sump/fuge instead of a canister filter. A protein skimmer is needed and no to the undergravel filter (extra money you dont need to spend). You also need to go with sand base (prefer live sand) and you will need live rock.

 

[jimlevan]

any more reccomendations
/bump/

 

[ice4ice]

If you want eels, you better add some live rock. They need hiding places. Live rock is your bio-filter.
SEIO powerheads are good choices. They come in either 620s or 820s. They don't give off too much heat and produce low wattages. Get 2 of them.