new to this: equipment questions for 75 gallon

[scotty]

i recently ordered a 75 gallon tank/stand/canopy from my lfs for a FOWLR. the setup package includes a penguin400, light, and heater...the rest i have to buy extra....i know i need a skimmer as well...what is best? also, what is an overflow? i have seen that metioned alot here and don't know if that is the same thing as my penguin filter or something different....i am slowly but surely learning, but if some of you experts could guide me in the right direction as far as all the equipment i will need, i would be very appreciative. the lady at the lfs said all i would need equipment wise is the penguin400 and a skimmer, heater, proper lighting, and thermometer. is this accurate? it seems after reading posts on here, many of you have what sounds to me as very elaborate setups. the more i learn, the more questions i have.....thanks so much for your responses...this is a great source for info! scott

 

[hondo]

for a FOWLR all you would need is what you have and a skimmer and to be honest the skimmer is optional but recomended. Lot's of skimmer choices and opinions out there so do a search and look to buy one on line and save some $$$ over LFS pricing.
I am assuming this tank is not drilled and does not come with a built in overflow. If this is true do yourself a favor and cancel the order and get a tank with a built in overflow as eventually you will add things like a sump or refugium or both and it's much easier with the built in overflow. for lighting all you need is no flo lights but once the coral bug bites you then you will be upgrading the lighting. Which brings us to the canopy question. do you have one and if so how tall is it as what usually happens is first you buy VHO or PC lighting and then realise you want MH and can't fit them under the canopy you have. start out buying a system that can be upgraded with all the things you will want in the upcoming years (10" - 12" canopy, built in overflow, stand with room for a 20g - 30g sump, ect).

 

[slick]

Originally posted by scotty also, what is an overflow?
An overflow is a box that hangs on the back of your tank. Or a built in overflow is a piece of plastic that is sealed in the corner.
The purpose of the overflow is to skim the top layer of water from your tank. Then it goes into a sump or other filtration equipment to be cleaned. If you get a built in overflow it will usually have 2 holes drilled one for water to get to the filter and the other for a return line for clean water to the tank.

 

[reeftanknewbie]

Try putting on here what exactaly you got from type of tank to lights and all. It will help everyone help you.

 

[surfnturf]

personally, I wouldn't even use the penguin, use the money you would have spent on that and use it towards a good skimmer. The penguin will just give a place for things to turn into nitrates before you rinse the media, a good skimmer will get it out of the system before it becomes ammonia>nitrite>nitrate. Power filters are better suited for freshwater, where skimming is impractical.