Originally Posted by Voyageur97

I have read some many conflicting opinions about set-ups similar to mine and have failed to find a forum that addressed my particular questions in whole. In essence, I am somewhat stumped.

First, my setup:
- 100 gallon tank
- 5" wide overflow box with one siphon tube rated at 500-600 gph
- undersized Aquatic Lifesystem wet/dry filter that is rated at 75 gallons
(bioballs removed and replaced with 4" of floss and 4" of sand)
- disconnected AquaC EV120 (because it generates ZERO skimmate
- a large hang-on powerfilter with carbon and phosphate remover in it.
- tons of live rock and 2-3" of sand
- 4 x 40 watt standard fluorescent grow bulbs
- RO/DI filter
- crappy cabinet that is 46" wide, 16" deep, 26" tall
This set-up needs drastic help as I have high nitrate and phosphate levels (haven't tested in a while) and some problems with red algae.

I'm not sure where to start first with my limited budget.

1. I know I need better lighting for corals (which I eventually want to add), but I think this can wait until last. I also am leaning toward super led bulbs as I think this is definitely the future of aquarium lighting (had old halide... too much heat).
Good choice with the LED's. But T-5 Are relatively cheap nowadays, and much better than just normal output lamps.
2. Do I need a larger sump or wet/dry? (although once I attach my Iwaki 1140 gph external pump I will only have the heater in the sump and likely the new skimmer I will buy to replace AquaC)
Your choice of sump is perfect. I wouldn't change it at all.
3. Buy a new skimmer (I am looking at Reef Octopus Extreme XS200 and Super Reef Octopus 2000... ATB Standard 840 - if I win the lotto). Please, do not try to convince me to keep AquaC as I totally detest that fickle thing.
Your looking at some pretty great skimmers.
4. How should I set up my new pump? 1140 gph sees like a lot of current to enter the tank from one spot. Should I split the 1" hose with a "Y" and have it enter the tank with 2 sprayers, one at each end? Also, I will need to increase the overflow rate to the sump. Since I already have one overflow box should I just get a 2nd small overflow? Should I just buy a double-sized overflow box? Also, I will need 2 x 1.5" drain hoses for the 2 small boxes or one large box (my current small box has one drain and I don't think it would handle the new pump influx)
First things first here. Run your pump using a split, thats good. A 3/4" return line on each side of the tank. No worries there. My question is, are you planning on using that pump for your sump return? If the answer is yes, then your next line in the paragraph goes here. You need an overflow box with 2 1" drains, each drain will handle 600gph. Or 2 boxes using 1" lines each.

Even after your 1140gph, you'll need a couple of powerheads in the tank for more flow.
Sorry for writing a book, but I'm pretty overwhelmed. If I had limitless money this wouldn't be an issue. Thanks everyone!

Rich

Originally Posted by Voyageur97

Thanks a bunch for the advice. Should I fill the chamber on the wet/dry that once held the bioballs, and now holds the floss, with phosphate removing media and carbon? Should I also ditch the sand in the bottom of that bioball chamber? If so, should I just get loose media and put it in those nylon socks? Change the media once a month or so?

Finally, do you have any recommendations for powerhead brands & sizes? You think that 2 sprayers for the sump return at opposite upper corners and 2 powerheads hidden behind the liverock in the bottom back corners would suffice?

Again thank you so much for helping me. BTW, what is your take on AquaC EV skimmers. My take on my EV120 (which I've ran with a Mag 5 and Mag 7) is that it needs constant readjustment, produces less and more watery skimate than the cheap $80 venturi skimmer I first owned.

Rich