need opinion on this....

[scarpenter]

please give me feedback on this. I am new to salt and in the process of setting up a 110 gallon in my den. Need help with sump and skimmer. Do not want to spend alot due to the fact I want to make sure I stick with it...

Thanks!!!

http://www.ebay.com

item # 190010645222

[Sushi Academy]

Your link just goes to the ebay home page.

If you want information on sumps and skimmers you can visit this (http://www.melevsreef.com/) page.

[BLockamon]

I would not recommend that setup for two reasons:

1) It's pretty expensive for what you get (a wet-dry and a no-name skimmer).

2) Your best bet for biological filtration is live rock (either in a reef or fish-only tank). With enough (~1 lb per gallon of Pacific or 2 lbs. per gallon Caribean), you don't need a wet-dry filter.

You can DIY a sump from a small glass tank, some pre-cut baffels (you can find them on e-bay), and some silicone. If you want to buy a sump, check out berlin sumps (like these http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_filters_berlin_sump.asp?CartId=).

As for a protein skimmer, the best value out there at the moment (IMHO) are the Reef Octopus. Check out either the NW150 or Recirc 150.

[Jonathan76]

Perhaps if money is a consideration, start with a smaller volume of water for a while. A 110 gal is a big tank for a first tank in my opinion - very heavy (weight-wise) make sure you floor can support it, depending on what animals you want to keep - very expensive support systems ie. lighting ($$$), high quality skimmer ($$$), controllers, chiller, monitors, plumbing, pumps, test kits, husbandry skills, etc.

I agree with Blockamon's post - Berlin system and nice, name brand skimmer. Also, figure out what type of tank you want first.

[Hop]

The bigger the better! Being a first timer, the initial set up will be more, but the water parameters will be more stable and give you some leeway!

If you are not in a hurry, I would use about 100lbs of baserock, some playsand and 40-50 lbs of live rock to seed the system.

For filtration I would look at making a sump out of a used 30-55 gallon tank and would grab a Octopus skimmer rated for twice your tank volume. For circulation, it's up to your checkbook.

You really could have a nice 110 for less money if you are willing to do the DIY and have patience on stocking.

Good Luck!