New to me 65g Slow Build

[HOBtx79]

So after years and years out of the SW hobby, I am getting back in. I tried in 2019 but life had other plans and never got to setup up the tank I got then and sold it. This time the first tank that I was going to buy was going to be delivered by the seller but they took higher offer after agreeing to mine. So now the tank that was delivered today. 65G 36x18x25. So came with tank, stand, open top canopy, Reef Octopus classic 110-SSS, 3/4' Sea Swirl, Blue Line 40 return, Eshopps sump (unknown model). Now the not so bad is that I need to redo the plumbing to and from the sump.

All for $200

This WILL be a SLOW build.

 

[HOBtx79]

So a few things, 1 or 2 LED lights (will eventually be a mixed reef)? Stick with the blueline40 external pump or replace with internal?

 

[HOBtx79]

So no responses in regards to lights or the blueline 40...

So the sump seems to be either a GEN 1 or 2 of the Eshopps ADV 200/300. The section behind the black is originally designed for the Fuge.... Use it as such or just use the section next to the skimmer where the eggcrate pieces usually go?

 

[Scottm032]

So a few things, 1 or 2 LED lights (will eventually be a mixed reef)? Stick with the blueline40 external pump or replace with internal?

I would go with an internal pump. Not too expensive and it won't leak. 2 smaller LEDs will give ya better coverage than one larger one in most cases. Keep the shadowing to a minimum

 

[HOBtx79]

I would go with an internal pump. Not too expensive and it won't leak. 2 smaller LEDs will give ya better coverage than one larger one in most cases. Keep the shadowing to a minimum

Thank you for the input. I was leaning towards switching to an internal pump. The blueline is old from what I can tell and has sat for years. I will just need to cap off the bulkhead that went from the sump to the blueline.

 

[Scottm032]

Thank you for the input. I was leaning towards switching to an internal pump. The blueline is old from what I can tell and has sat for years. I will just need to cap off the bulkhead that went from the sump to the blueline.

I think external pumps are rare these days. My first saltwater system bought used came with and external pump (that leaked)