New Tank Setup is this correct

[uscg cwo]

Hello all I'm new to Saltwater and have decided to convert from fresh. I have a 55 gal with stand and just purchased the following items a Megaflow model 1sump, Coralife super skimmer 65ga, Eshopps PF-300 overflow box and a Rio+ 2100 power head. Now before I go running this contraption that was a bit of a struggle to get together. I was wondering if someone would take a look at my pics and tell me if I have it together right. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreaciated. Keep in mind I have yet to connected the overflow to the sump.

Thank you.

 

[flricordia]

Looks good so far. Replace the bio-balls once you get things going with live rock and what lighting are you going to be using? Are you doing a reef tank or FOWLR? And since it looks like you are interested in getting it right before you get it going look into doing a refugium, maybe a hang on back. And for tank flow lok into the Koralin power heads, maybe a couple 3 or 4s

 

[mr_x]

(a question for flricordia)that is a wet/dry, right? the water goes through that filter pad containing plastic thing at the top and trickles through a bunch of holes onto the bio balls below. can live rock be exposed to air like bio balls are in a wet/dry? would bacteria thrive under that situation with live rock, as it does the bio ball concept? i would think bacteria is bacteria....but i've not seen partiallly exposed LR often in setups.
shane, the coralife super skimmer 65 is a bit underpowered for that setup. i wonder if you could return it and buy one a bit larger?
if not, you might research a "mesh wheel" modification for it to boost it's efficiency.
most manufacturers aren't 100% accurate on their skimmers' capabilities.

 

[uscg cwo]

what lighting are you going to be using? Are you doing a reef tank or FOWLR? And since it looks like you are interested in getting it right before you get it going look into doing a refugium, maybe a hang on back. And for tank flow lok into the Koralin power heads, maybe a couple 3 or 4s
Flricordia: Not sure on lighting yet, I am in discussions with my LFS as I am going to try the reef tank. Right now I just want to get it running and cycling. I am in no big hurry to start adding critters. I'll need to research the refugium as I thought that was the same thing as the sump. I believe that the Koralin power heads are what my LFS is recommending.
shane, the coralife super skimmer 65 is a bit underpowered for that setup. i wonder if you could return it and buy one a bit larger?
if not, you might research a "mesh wheel" modification for it to boost it's efficiency.
most manufacturers aren't 100% accurate on their skimmers' capabilities.
Mr X: Since there isn't a good LFS in Vancouver, I have to drive over to Portland, OR, and I have already returned, the sump twice (1st was to big, 2nd was cracked) returned the power head and I had the 125gal skimmer (to tall for my stand) so I returned it for the 65gal thinking it would work okay. I have made multiple trips and dropped around $700 just trying to get the water to move around. Will this skimmer do the job in the beginning? As stated above, I am not in a big hurry, and I want to do this right. So I figured I'd get water circulating, get it where it needed to be (PH, CAL, Temp, etc.) and for a few weeks make sure it stayed that way, then live rock, check water for a few weeks, and so on, and so on.
Thanks guys

 

[boat guy]

look into a ro water purifier.well worth the investment to keep it heathy

 

[grue]

+1 to Mr X I am sure you can use. but divder where bio ball are needs to be removed. Within that new larger area place Live rock rubble. With the divider removed looks as if you will be able to put in 6 to 8" of Rubble and keep it submerged. As it is still new I would personally replace it. With all things here, seems like we replace things too many times. Adding to the cost of this hobby. IF it is possible replace with something you wont have to replace in 6 months. May cost you an extra 200 - 300 today or 500+ in the near future. There is a ton of info in the net for the differing types of sumps. I think you have paied a premium price for some outdated concepts. Don't get me wrong it can work but is it worth the EXTRA time/money it will take to get it right?
My 2 cents
Grue

 

[uscg cwo]

Thanks for the info and advice. I'll have to talk to my fiancial adviser (wife) and see what we come up with. I am brand new to the saltwater thing and have been researching like a mad man. I went with what my LFS advised after researching and showing him pictures and stating what it was I was looking to do. I am sure I'll make mistakes and spend a ton more money, but hey that's how you learn. Thanks again for the info. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Stay safe.

 

[aitke12]

im in the same boat, have no idea about SW

 

[mr_x]

like i said, if you mesh wheel mod it, it will make the skimmer alot more efficient. do a search for mesh wheel mods and you'll find it is very easy to do.

 

[privatejoker]

If I were you I'd get the live rock now, you'll have die off and may start a mini cycle later on. Its better to put the live rock, and sand first then worry about skimmers. You won't run your skimmer for a few weeks anyway. I would upgrade now before it costs you twice as much in the future.