220 Gallon Mixed Reef Setup

[Zack K]

Okay so I had posted this thread under a different forum and was directed here. Hope this is the right place this time. Was wondering if you Reef junkies could help a young guy out. I am currently 17 and have been in the hobby for close to 7 years now and moved to saltwater about 2 years ago. In our basement we have a 220 gallon Freshwater tank with a sump. I own the tank and all of its contents and want to convert it to a saltwater tank when I move on out. BUT in order to remove this goliath from the basement it needs to be empty. I was going to start with dry rock and dry sand so it is easy to aquascape and will be pest free. But beyond that I will need a new sump because this one just has a filter pad an bio balls and isn't very big. I was wondering what suggestions for equipment you fellas had. I will probably build a sump myself to save a few grand but I need lights, skimmer, reactors, and return pumps. It has 2 built in overflow boxes so that is taken care of . I will also rinse and clean the tank before I add the dry sand and rock. Any/All suggestions will be noted. Please and thank you R2R Community

 

[Kyle Sicard]

Either join a local reef club and start surfing the for sale forums and buy used equipment locally. Or do what I did, I'm now 23 years old but from the age of 18 I've worked in LFS's throughout my time in college. I've worked at 3 different stores and also do tank moves/installs/maintenance on the side. This will not only expand your knowledge within the hobby but will give you access to purchasing all your equipment at whole sale prices.