New 75gal reef setup help. Please?

[biotank14]

Ok i need a little help on my new setup. i have a biocube 14 right now with
1-cimmon clown
1-lt anemone
1-flame hawk
1- cluster of star polyps
and a couple mushrooms
ok so my new tank i got is a 75gal rr oceanic w/ plus 75 series sump.so i took the bio balls out and i'm going to put lr down there. now should i put sand down there? also i was think about getting a Canister filter. should i? i dont really know how they work or what they do but i always here ppl talk about them. i'm still thinking about the light. all i want to really have is mostly basic corals softies and anemones. i will have enough flow so nothing to worry about there. any help or ideas would much appreciated. Thanks alot Allen
I'm going to bring everyhting over..

 

[ajroc31]

In saltwater, canisters are usually a no no. As far as I know, they are phosphate factories. Eheim makes a wet/dry canister, you might look into that, but they are costly, so for the money, I would prefer a sump filter, besides it gives you more options. YOu don't need to put sand into the sump with lr, probably don't want to, I could see getting clogged with sand. Lr is sufficient. I am not sure why people are so angry about bio-balls, its not like lr won't have detritus building up on it.

 

[casper1875]

I would not use a canister filter. I don't think they will work on a reef ready tank. Go with a sump, and you'll need a protein skimmer. I like the Nova Extreme for lighting. T-5's and moonlights. Very nice.

 

[pettyhoe]

No sand in the sump, it will only cause more trouble than its worth IMO. The live rock is a good idea, bio balls tend to need cleaning due to their material, otherwise they become nitrate factories. If too much debris gets down there after a while, then just stir it up and it will get in your sponges which can be cleaned quickly. Good luck with your new tank and enjoy!

 

[mech-a-nic]

canister is ok as a spot for your carbon or for water movement. I took the sponge out of mine and just change the carbon socks. works great and lots of pods liv in there also. every time i chang the sock i give the fish treats out of the can.