i am setting up my first reef tank. I just got a 90 gallon off craigslist, and I ordered a 38 gallon for the sump / refuge. what type of return pump would you recommend?? this is my first attempt at salt water.

I have been doing a lot of research online and i am finally ready to attempt my first tank build.

also would you recommend bio balls ( a lot of reading i do says NO) also is a protein skimmer needed??

thanks for any help.

I also have a fluval 305 left from my freshwater tank that I am tearing down. can I use this along with my sump.

Should I keep the bacteria in the fluval to help cycle the tank, or will it not help because it is from a fresh water tank??

Thanks for any replies,
David

I am only a month into this but my fish are happy and healthy. I use live rock, bioballs, and a DIY protien skimmer. The bacteria from your freshwater tank will not survive in salt water. For the same reason you don't wash your salt water filter medium in fresh water. They are not compatible.
I recommend feeding the tank with cocktail shrimp to make the tank cycle. The live rock for your reef will provide a start for the bacteria.
For the return pump. This one is interesting. You need to measure the return flow from the tank. That is the limit. If you are using an hang on overflow box, that is easy to measure. A built in overflow will be more difficult. A more powerful pump than it takes to match the return is a waste of money. You will be trying to find a way to restrict the flow. If your pump outruns the overflow, you will be emptying the sump into the tank, and at some point, onto the floor. If the pump can't keep up, then you will have less flow than you would otherwise have.
In other words, if the return to the sump is 300 gallons per hour, then a pump capable of moving 1000 gallons per hour is a waste of money. Plan on one or two powerheads to circulate the water in the tank.

38 gallon freshwater
15 neon tetras
4 black skirt tetras
4 zebra danios
2 corys
1 Chinese whiptail algae eater

80 gallon stock tank
3- 3 inch comets (to eat the mosquito larvae)

75 gallon FOWLR with 29 gallon sump

2 Yellowtail blue damsels
4 Ocellaris clownfish
1 yellow tang

You'll also need at least 900gph of water movement, like 2 450gph powerheads, or higher. A Reef master water test kit.

__________________
http://s1050.photobucket.com/albums/...eefingMadness/