75 gallon build, filtration

[Mrstamp80]

Ok here's the skinny, been in and out of the hobby for years last was about 5-6 years ago. All my previous tanks were small biocube 14, 10g, 20, and 29. I had success with all but always had to teardown due to apartment moves, etc..
So now back in and got a Deep Blue professional 75g standard tank it is all tempered and drilling is out of the question. I got deal on the tank at $75 a buddy had bought it and never set it up. So it is still new.
My equipment list so far:
75 tank, current orbit 48''-60'' led reef light(i went with the bigger to cover the whole tank), 300 watt heater, (2) 800 gph powerheads
The plan for the tank is fish, live rock and mostly soft corals. I plan getting about 60-80lbs of live sand when ready to start the tank. As far as rock i plan to either make my own using the diy method and seeding it with live rock, or buying dry rock and seeding it with live rock. have not decided yet.

Here's where i am in a pickle i have a $250 budget for filtration. I will use amazon as it is easy for link reference. I had this in mind
https://www.amazon.com/CPR-Bak-Pak-...9&sr=8-3&keywords=cpr+bak+pak+protein+skimmer, and then adding a aquaclear 50 for whatever added media i want to run.

Or do i got with something like this
https://www.amazon.com/KollerCraft-...qid=1469294329&sr=8-2&keywords=wet+dry+filter and replace the bio balls with live rock rubble?

Or go with a HOB protein skimmer and get a canister filter for just added water movement?
I thought about a diy sump, but by the time i buy a overflow box, return pump and skimmer, tank, glass baffles, silicone, plumbing. That puts me out of budget.

Please help me get back into the hobby on a budget. thanks

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R, I started with the CPR and it worked very well, I upgraded to a sump for a couple of reasons. The number one was I wanted to get rid of the clutter on the back side and also upgraded to different equipment I wanted somewhere to put the equipment. I also had the Orbit marine light and they worked great, I also upgraded my lights for better results.

Both these are great stater equipment, but if you want to not up grade drop you money into light and you will be fine with the CPR HOB