need advice-new 80 gallon tank filtration question

[sjk2840]

Well, I finally got my 80 gallon tank. It's currently sitting on my counter and will soon be built into my wall. I'll post pictures soon. I have an Iwaki pump 510 GPH and got a quote from my LFS on a protein skimmer and sump-about $600.00 dollars for both-does that seem high?? I dont know the brand of either of them-I was too shocked over the cost-I've seen skimmers and sumps that cost a lot less on the internet. I've never run a sump or skimmer on my tanks before and am a little confused as to what I should look for in a sump and skimmer. It will be a FOWLR tank.
I've been reading about sumps and skimmers on this sight, but getting more confused.

any advice is greatly appreciated
thanks

 

[fishfreak1242]

What kind of skimmer and sump? You can build your own sump for around 100-150$ depending on how intricate it is. A good skimmer for that size tank will run about 200-300$ depending the size and brand. So for around 300-500$ you can get your own sump and skimmer setup, it just all depends on the brands and quality of all of the items.

 

[westwind77]

LFS mark up their prices a LOT compared to what you can get items on the internet. Where I am prices are, on average, 3x as much as they are anywhere on the net. Unless it is an emergency I do not purchase things from my LFS for that reason. I do feel bad not supporting local places and I understand they have to make a profit, but should an item that cost $24 on-line cost $78 in my local store?!?! Find out what the items are, price them out on-line, then see if the price difference is worth the shipping cost and/or any warranty/exchange your LFS is willing to provide in case something breaks.