Need help setting up first saltwater aquarium in California PA, recommendations needed.

[mydaddysjag]

Is there anyone near the mon valley that could help me setup a 75 gallon thats bottom drilled for a sump? I got my first saltwater tank and im nervous Ill set it up the sump wrong and have 75 gallons of water on the floor. Ive watched a ton of youtube videos, and read forums and facebook groups and Im still not 100% confident. My husband bought me a used setup and I didn’t realize it was bottom drilled until he got home with it. Ive been looking up aquarium services but cant seem to find anyone that comes to my area (california pa). I would like to get it set up to start cycling within a few weeks so figured I would ask here. Im still working on curing my rock in bins so have a little time, I just want to have a solid plan in place when im ready. If anyone knows of a local fish guy or service that comes out this way, I could use recommendations.

 

[JaimeAdams]

Got pictures of what you are working with? Do you have the plumbing parts and the bulkheads?

 

[mydaddysjag]

I have a reed octopus classic 110int protein skimmer and a res sea hob skimmer that are currently soaking in vinegar to clean (working on cleaning the tank this weekend) then here are pics of everything else. I know ill need new filters for the rodi unit, im still trying to figure out what i need for that and if it needs to be that brand or if generic will work for it.

 

[JaimeAdams]

You are missing the DI cartridge on the RODI unit. You will not want to run 2 skimmers. The drain isn't really plumbed correctly. You would want to come up with ported street elbows or buy a maggie muffler if you don't want the constant gurgling sound.

Grab a pic of the bottom where the plumbing is leaving the bottom of the tank.

 

[mydaddysjag]

Im at work now but will grab a pic when I get home, I want to make sure everything is plumbed right and setup proper so im glad I asked!

 

[mydaddysjag]

Planning on buying all new cartridges for the rodi as im not sure how old these are of how long they were sitting, just trying to figure out if i need to order brand name or if there are universal or generic ones that work in this rodi.

 

[acer]

Usually Pre- RO filter cartridges ( 100 micron paper cartridge and some type of carbon filter cartradge) are indeed universal and shoudl fit your unit. Di resin can be bought in bulk or in a cartridge. I found this for you: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-4-stage-ro-drinking-water-replacement-filter-kit.html

 

[JaimeAdams]

You dont have a cartridge in your cannister, so can't refill it.

The RO membrain is not universal, might just want to take that with you to a local fish store. The other stuff is universal 10".

 

[_AV]

The RO unit isn't great by any means, a basic 4 stage unit, it needs all filters replaced and a canister, and by the looks of that elbow coming out of the first prefilter canister, it may also be clogged.

With that said, the RO membrane is universal alright. Kent doesn't make their own membranes, those are rebranded Dow filmtec at best. Something like this would fit just fine: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/75-gpd-reverse-osmosis-membrane-dow-filmtec.html
For other filters, I'd get this:

BRS 4 Stage Value Replacement Filter Kit

Why does BRS recommend this? For almost all 4 Stage RODI systems we recommend the BRS 4 Stage Value replacement filter kit. This kit included high quality filter elements including the Purtrex 1 micron sediment filter and BRS Universal Carbon. We would be very wary of using cheap, low quality...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

and this:
2.5" X 10” CLEAR REFILLABLE CARTRIDGE FOR DI RESIN (STANDARD) https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/clear-refillable-cartridge-for-di-resin.html

 

[mydaddysjag]

Thanks everyone. He got me this one because I liked the stand and canopy, got it for a very good deal (less than the stand and canopy are worth) because the guy was moving and had to have it out of his old place that day. The accessories were all bonus items I didnt know were coming with it, if I can ise them great I can save a buck for other things Ill need (like good lights after I cycle) and if not ill have to replace them. I would like to get it up and cycling within a few weeks so its ready for fish in the new year but if I need to save up to buy a few things and it takes longer so be it, my rock is atleast curing in a trashcan.

 

[mydaddysjag]

Here is the plumbing in the tank from top and bottom

 

[_AV]

If you can wait until Thanksgiving, there will be sales on many things you'll need, such as filters, test kits, lights, pumps, etc.

Also, the kit @acer linked to above is for drinking water filtration system. It's a great kit, just contains additional items you won't need in your filter.

 

[mydaddysjag]

I can certainly wait to black friday shop, just not sure what all I need to order. Everything that came with it does work, just not sure if theres other stuff I need to add. I already have sand and rock, I know ill need a id for ubder my canopy and lights but not sure what lights ill get yet, past that im not sure. Id like to get quieter Powerheads and a quieter return pump - still researching to see id I can find one around $100ish thats recommended

 

[mydaddysjag]

Planning to grab a heater on black friday too still researching brands

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Planning to grab a heater on black friday too still researching brands

I’d recommend the new BRS brand heaters

 

[JaimeAdams]

Cobalt Neotherm, but they arent cheap.

 

[mydaddysjag]

Cobalt Neotherm, but they arent cheap.

I dont mind spending money on good equipment and a heater isnt something ill skimp on and cook my tank. O found black friday specials on cobalt equipment for 10% off, so ill grab one.

 

[_AV]

Titanium Finnex heaters. 12+ years in my tank and still going.
BRS heaters may be good, but they are too new to the market to be confident in their reliability.

 

[acer]

Hows the build going ? new pics /progress posts?