Filtration Question

[dmcdonald]

... I've searched past posts but still haven't found the answer I'm looking for.
LFS "okay-ed" using the 100 lbs of live rock, 40 lbs live sand and hang on back protein skimmer (75 gal reef / fish tank) as sufficient filtration.
With everything I'm reading about sumps, wet / dry, canister ... etc. filtration; am' I taking a safe path without choosing to increase filtration efforts?
I understand the concept of adding more water to decrease chances of quickly spiking bad water quality. However, is there a bigger perk I'm missing out on?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[cam78]

Just make sure you pick a good skimmer. Everyone talks about teh Aqua C Remora. I don't know much about it but it appears to be on of the favorite hang on skimmer. Deltec also makes a good one. A good skimmer is key. If you get a canister filter it will mostly be used for media which will be benefitial. I ran a 46 gallon with a crumby skimmer and a Fluval and had no problems.

 

[geoj]

The skimmer, you need to get the right skimmer that will pull out the goo...
You, you can always add more waste then your filtration can remove!
Algae, growing in a sump instead of the display.
Chemical filtration, where are you going to put it if you are going to use it?

 

[dmcdonald]

Currently a AquaEuro skimmer rated for 75 gal tank, seems to do a really good job.
Unsure of how often you all clean the front of your tank, but every 2 / 3 days I'll remove mild amount of green algae. Otherwise; the sand, rocks and livestock all look happy w/ no cyano, hair algae ... etc.
Any one else?

 

[dmcdonald]

Just bought a SeaLife AquaPro 75 wet/dry sump w/ overflow box off CraigsList for 60 bucks.
I'm not going to use bioballs; maybe sock filter or live rock? Any ideas?
Going to the LFS to buy a pump this afternoon.

 

[al&burke]

I would forget about the bio balls they are nitrate factories, when you get your sump post some pictures and we will give you some ideas, get a good in sump skimmer and you will be happy when everything is hidden in your sump and you can get a good fuge running. Just my $0.02

 

[florida joe]

Quote:
I would forget about the bio balls they are nitrate factories
ET TU AL

 

[dmcdonald]

EPIC FAIL
My goal was to eliminate the hang on back skimmer being visible within the tank. I bought a return pump set it all up ... but, the hang on back skimmer wouldn't fall low enough into the sump without the water level being too high.
So, I now have a SeaLife sump (barely used w/ a once used Rio pump) for sale on CraigsList.
I guess I'll continue to use natural filtration w/ the hang on protein skimmer until I buy a bigger tank or pre-drilled 75 gal.
Thanks for the help.