need help on setting a new tank

[dkeyes]

hello ppl ...im really new here so here goes...
i just bought a 75g tank that i intended for saltwater fish..i thought it would be easy as a fresh water fish but after finding this forum and reading the post im so shocked that it does not look easy as the way they set it up on the lfs.and the probelm is that i dont want to reuturn the tank as its huge and tiring.so ive decided to go ahead on the saltwater tank.now what i need is some advise on what equipment i would need like say protein skimmer,filters..etc.which brand or type of equipment is the best out in the market?ive prepared some money as i know that this would be expensive.any suggestion from you ppl will be greatly appreciated..thanks a lot

 

[impur]

For starters you will want to look into purchasing a RO/DI unit. You can get good quality units off ebay for less than $100. Then I would look into plumbing a sump/refugium as well as a quality protein skimmer.

Check out www.reefcentral.com and look at other peoples systems. You will find all the info you need and more there.

 

[mplslarry]

Skimmer: Aqua C Remora Pro. Can get these for around $150-$200 new on ebay.
I would get 3 or 4 powerheads that move a total of at lease 750 GPH. I use Maxi-Jets and AquaClear Powerheads, and like them both.
Depending on your tank, if you are using live rock, all you should need is the skimmer and abour 70-100lbs of rock. If no live rock, a Aqua Clear 500 or an Emperor 400 (or both) would be great. These are around $40 on ebay.

If you are planning to keep corals, I woudl suggest VHO/Halide lighting, if only some softies and live rock, PC's are good. 4x65 Watts should be great. About $200 on ebay. If you are doing fish only, any lighting is ok.

Hope this helps.

 

[impur]

If no live rock, a Aqua Clear 500 or an Emperor 400 (or both) would be great. These are around $40 on ebay.

They are around $30 at www.bigalsonline.com FWIW