[paljets]

Ok..

I need suggestions on my new tank..

Fish Only

96long x 24wide x 30 tall

1 overflow on one end..

Black Acrylic stand/canopy..

But how to filter it??

Would you suggest..

Wet/dry?

or

4 OceanClear canister filters, 3 with Bioballs, and 1 with filter cartridge??

Would you add a skimmer??

Suggestions on lighting as well??

I could use your thoughts.

plan is to have a 60watt UV in there as well..

4 returns..

This is going to be a fish only tank..
Mostly tangs, some triggers, etc, etc..

I have a new 180gallon reef tank on order as well, with Wet/Dry etc..

This is just strictly for swim..

So, that being said, and all things being equal..

Can I get by with 3 Ocean Clears 2 filled with BioBalls, the Overflow box filled with bioballs, and the final ocean clear filled with a cartdridge filter?? With maybe a carbon bag in the middle??

leaving me another pump to run my UV??

Or do I really need a skimmer on a tank this size (300 gallons)

If it's going to be a fish only??

There will be some live rock (100+ lbs)

Mostly lacerock and some dead corals..

Was planning on crushed coral substrate.. 2 -3 inches deep

There will be a 55gallon quarantine tank under the stand.. but not plumbed to anything..

I was planning on using either cheap T5's.. Or a cheap Powercompact setup if I could find it to lite it..

Or just using 6" Normal Output bulbs...

HAven't decided yet...

But my plumbing decision needs to be made..

So help me out!

[tray262]

If the tank has an overflow (Is it built in or is it a overflow box ?) as stated, I would would say certainly do a sump (talk about this later). If you are going to do 2-3" of sand may as well do 4" you get the befi's of a deep sand bed. Plus with 100+ of live rock rock that should give pretty much bio filter (someone else will chime in on that). In the sump, heaters, SKIMMER for sure. The sump will just make your life easier. As far as the Oceanclear goes. I would run that totally seperate. They work really well as a mech filter. Don't think they are much good for bio. I would handle with rock and sand. As far as lighting goes, doesn't matter a whole lot whatever you like. I just think the ocean clears with bio balls is a waste of money. just use your overflow for that.

Also as far as your reef goes. Do more research, wet/dry is old tech. Much better ways out there.

Good Luck.