New to the Saltwater world

[jdavison]

I am new to the saltwater world and this is what I have: 75 gallon tank with stand I have on order a lighting system with moonlinghting and 2 power head pumps, I have the heaters, salt, testing equipment and other small stuff. I know that I want to run a sump system on the tank to keep the clean look and keep a more stable tank for the long run. I will have alot of questions in the future, but I do have one at this time. With the sump system what size pumps do I need to get, supply and return also I havent ordered the skimmer so if this weighs in let me know please. Keep in mind I am a fire fighter and not a chemist, I need this simple. Thanks

[sen5241b]

The absolute number one rule of marine tanks is: Patience!

Research your skimmer well. Some are better than others. You can save a lot of money too by using dead rock and curing it yourself --but this takes longer.

Also, if you do buy live rock keep it wet and get it into your tank as quickly as possible.

[yote]

Welcome to the reef.
Did you order a reef ready tank? If not,then you'll need a hang on back over-flow box to handle the drain to the sump.I'd recommend something like a mag drive 5 for the return pump.
As for skimmers.Look into the Octopus skimmers,ETSS,Warner Marine.Theres way to many options to post them all.
Also,we require pics in return for information J/K But we do love pics.

[Stupidsreef]

Welcome to the site!!! Fire away with all the question you have, will be glad to help.

First to your question now. I'd try a return pump like the Mag Drive. I'd try the Mag 7 or Mag 9. Good quality pump's only draw back with them is they do add some heat to the system. Not a lot but the do.

If the 75 is a RR tank, then it should have something like a 1/2 or 1 inch drain pipe. If it's a 1 inch drain pipe then you would use a 1/2 inch return pipe. So you want about half the size pipe smaller for the return than the drain.

I'd like to give some advise to you on the skimmer, A good quality skimmer that will be well worth the money is the brand Octopus. Here is a link to it. ( I never bought from this site I just use it to show what I'm refering to, I'm sure there are other site's that sell it cheaper)
http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus...immer-984.html

I'm a fan of the external skimmer's because they are easier to work with as they don't flux. Skimmer's that sit inside the sump have to be in a certain amount of water to work best. So I'm showing you the the skimmer size & model I think would be best for your size tank.

Hope this all helps.