Need advice on setup of new tank

[brad1215]

I just set up the new tank and would like to have some advice and input on the setup. Here is what I have.
75 Gallon Standard Glass Tank
Prizim Skimmer
Aquaclear power filter 110
Korala Evolution 750 gph
Marineland 250 watt heater
Nova Extreme light with the following lights
54w slim pak 10,000k daylight T5HO
54w slim pak 460nm Actinic T5HO
85 lbs live sand
approx 40 lbs of base rock
approx 55 lbs of live rock
is this good enough?.
I wanted to spend a good portion of the budget on live sand and live rock.

[Original Fin]

Is this a sumpless system? Do you plan to make it a reef system with corals and invertebrates?

That's a good amount of rock and sand.
If you plan on a reef, you'll want a minimum 4 bulb fixture, 6 would be better. That's probably not enough heater power, and I would double up on the Koralia too. A 1050 or larger would be better.

The aquaclear is not needed.

Don't forget to work an RODI and test kits/ equipment into the budget. Get a refractometer if you don't already have one. Hydrometers are really inaccurate.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

I have a korlia 1050 and 750 in my 75 and I think the flow is just right. I had a 750 first and added the 1050 after the cycle. The 750 just wasn't enough. Filters like your aquaclear are only good for carbon use and the sponge filter ( only if you clean it religiously. Like twice a week). Other than that, your live rock and sand is all the biological filtration you'll need. Adding a second heater will help as a redundant backup if the primary heater fails. All other points from Origional Fin are right on as well. An RO/DI is will save you a lot of grief in the long run.
If you haven't considered adding a sump/ fuge, you should look into it. Along with the increased water capacity, you'll have a place to hide your equipment and you can incorporate a remote DSB, macro algae, etc... I'm sure water changes would be easier as well. Other than that, looks like you're off to a good start! Do plenty of research on EVERYTHING related to your tank. The more you learn in the beginning, the easier it is to apply what you've learned as the issues arise later on ( you wont have to scramble for help or information).

[reeferbill]

Welcome to Reefland Brad 1215 ; I would definitly get the drip test kits first then if you can afford it maybe an upgrade on your skimmer.I had one of those in my kids room and for the amount of time I spent on it trying to adjust it, it did not work very well. Happy Reefing!

[brad1215]

It is a sumpless system. I would like to eventually get some anemonies and maybe coral but Ccorals I am really nervouse about because of the cost and the posability of killing one because of lack of knowledge in dealing with them.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

It is a sumpless system. I would like to eventually get some anemones and maybe coral but Corals I am really nervous about because of the cost and the possibility of killing one because of lack of knowledge in dealing with them.

Anemones are extremely difficult to keep as well. The are photosynthetic, like corals. Most recommend to wait 6-12 months before attempting to keep a nem. I waited 8 months before adding my E. Quadricolor (BTA) and have been lucky so far. 75 gallons would be good for 1 nem.
Corals aren't too bad. Start with the easier ones like shrooms, zoanthids, palythoas, button polyps, etc... Softies are the easies to keep, followed by LPS. SPS are the most difficult and require excellent water quality and lighting.
I was the same way when I started my tank. I imagined spending heaps of cash on pretty corals and fish only to watch everything die. I'm pretty sure that's what the wife expected to happen too . But taking things slow, doing plenty of research, and receiving plenty of helpful information on this forum has helped prevent that from happening. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll be just fine.

P.S. My tank does not have a sump and I can't add one because of it's design. I absolutely can't stand it!I've been running without a sump for 9 months and I'm about ready to go buy a new Reef Ready 75 gallon just so I can add a sump/ fuge. I will probably end up spending $500.00 on a new tank. If I could do it all over again, I would have had a sump from jump street. Just a thought.

[Kmoriarty]

Definitely get a little more water movement! i'm preparing a 40 gallon FOWLR to become a reef tank and have a koralia 750gph and a koralia 550gph. It all depends on your tank volume but 750gph is not likely going to be enough in a 75 gallon tank.