56 gallon column tank build

[FL salt 86]

I know another build thread... I'm doing my first saltwater build. I am doing it on here not only for help(which I'm sure I'm gonna need ALOT of) but also for myself to kind of keep track on something other than my tablet. I was originally going to start from scratch and buy all brand new to get started. After talking to some guys at the lfs they all said to start by using what I have. They said to get rolling and once I got the bug to get deeper and deeper into it that I could upgrade or just start another new tank and have 2 running. So anyways here is what I have and please let me know of any suggestions of different or more equipment I would need. From the fresh water set up I am using a 56 gallon column tank and was thinking of turning the ac110 in to a refugium. I was also looking through my local classifieds and ended up getting another set up cheap... $50 after some negotiating (I think/hope so at least lol) here is what came with it. And just FYI the set up I just bought was shut down in August. Prior to that it was up and running for the last 6 years(so they claimed). Here's what came. With it....45 gallon bow front with stand, Excalibur hob protein skimmer, aqua life 36" light, a box full supplements, test kits, nets, mag cleaner, another hob filter, 50lbs sand, about 50lbs of dry live rock, also included a ro/di system(needs filter cartridges replaced) and I'm sure there is more I forgot. I'm going to try to take lots of pics of thing I have picked up and lots of progress pictures. So my Idea is to sell the 45 bow because there are quite a few scratches on it. I'm thinking I want to start up a fowlr in the 56... Will turn ac into a refugium and run the hob protein skimmer. It also came with two powerhead but not sure if the work they look pretty old. I will probably end up getting new ones. I just started some of the cleaning tonight as I got home late from work and then had to get all the stuff I just bought inside. So not much going on yet just scratching the surface now. Any thoughts comments or suggestions are always welcome and appreciated. I wish I did not have to work tomorrow so I could keep rolling with it tomorrow. I'm excited to get started on thjs project. Here is a couple pictures of the disaster I am starting with. If I can figure out how to load them

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R! Looks like you have everything for a good start. Keep us posted!

 

[FL salt 86]

Thanks for the fast welcome. The guy I bought the ro/di said all the cartridges in my ro/di unit all need replaced. Any recommendations on where to get them. Are they brand specific or are they general filters.

 

[Maximizer]

Welcome! You should be able to get replacement filters on bulk reef supply. What brand is your rodi?

 

[FL salt 86]

I think it's a pure Flo in but I have to double check when I get home. Crazy night last night so I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. I actually think there is filter part numbers written on the unit itself. I'll post today when I get home

 

[pondman]

Welcome and good luck in your build.

 

[FL salt 86]

Well I started the clean up and going through the bins. Come to find out, not much works out of the stuff I got. So once again on to plan c. I'm eventually going to get this tank up and start to make this thread interesting. So anyway quick update on where I'm at... I removed all freshwater fish from the 56 gallon and into the bowfront. I got everything cleaned and ready to go to get the column started. I also painted the back of the tank black. Going to order brand new rodi unit today and get my plumbing ready for it along with the rodi reservoirs and we will get going. Can't wait to get water in the tank